MSU Extension Clean Boats Clean Waters

A variety of education materials including signs, rack cards, and identification books have been developed to share the "clean, drain, dry" message with boaters. These materials have been developed by Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and other state and national boater education programs.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Station (48" X 48")

The Clean Boats, Clean Waters program offers an aquatic invasive species decontamination station to educate boaters and anglers about regulations and tools to aid them in cleaning their gear.

This educational sign includes regulatory information, an illustration of where invasive species are typically found on boats, and space to attach tools such as drain plugs, brushes, plant grabbers, and other decontamination equipment. The sign is 48" X 48" and is typically printed on aluminum or all-weather/UV resistant metal.

Example tools to provide include a brush, drain plug wrench, plant grabber, and a boot brush. A variety of other products exist for boat decontamination stations. For additional ideas check out the Wildlife Forever website.

Request the free design file
A low resolution version of the decontamination sign can be found here. Note: this file is not suitable to share with a print company.

You are required to fund, print, and install the sign on your own. The design file is available for free. Complete this form indicating where you plan to install the sign and we will be in touch via email with the necessary files. The average cost for printing and installation is $500. 

Rack card (4" x 9" double-sided) This rack card describes new boating laws requiring boaters to remove all debris and aquatic plants from boats and trailers and to remove plugs and drain all water from bilges and live wells before transporting. Place or distribute rack cards at local offices, public places and any locations visited by boaters. An electronic version of the rack card can be found here.

Rack cards are available through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy at no cost while supplies last. Contact Kevin Walters at Waltersk3@michigan.gov.

Boat launch sign (16" X 24") Sturdy, weather-resistant sign reminding boaters to clean, drain and dry boats and trailers and to dispose of bait in the trash. These can be placed at municipal boating access sites and private launch sites with permission. An electronic version of the boat launch sign can be found here.

Boat launch signs are available through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy at no cost while supplies last. Contact Kevin Walters at Waltersk3@michigan.gov.

Resources

• The Michigan Invasive Species Program website (www.mi.gov/invasives) has extensive information about aquatic and terrestrial invasive species.
• Michigan Landowners Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species Management. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (2018)
• Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in Michigan infographic. State of Michigan (2017)
• Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers has an extensive library of graphics and images available for free.
• The Clean, Drain, Dry Initiative has a variety of boater resources, communication examples and a catalog of outreach materials available for purchase.

Aquatic plant identification resources

A variety of identification guides and websites have been developed specifically for aquatic invasive species in the Midwest. Here are some of the most popular publications and websites.

• A Michigan boater's guide to selected invasive aquatic plants (Michigan State University Extension)
• Michigan watch list aquatic invasive plants: a guide for identification (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy)
• A field guide to invasive plants of aquatic and wetland habitats for Michigan (Michigan Natural Features Inventory)
• A citizen’s guide for the identification, mapping and management of aquatic plants of Michigan (Michigan State University Extension)
• Midwest Invasive Species Information Network

Additional learning opportunities

• MI Paddle Stewards online course (Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension)
• The Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch Program is part of the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program. Volunteers learn how to detect, monitor, and respond to invasive aquatic plants in lakes.

Videos

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has produced a variety videos highlighting aquatic invasive species and practices to stop their spread. Below is a playlist of some of their most popular educational videos. These videos are publicly available and can be shared.

Articles

If you are looking for articles to reuse for newsletters, websites, or general outreach, consider signing up for email alerts from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Extension. Both organizations publish educational articles on invasive species on a regular basis. You can rerun Michigan State University Extension news articles with appropriate credit.

• Subscribe to invasive species updates from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources here.
• Subscribe to Michigan State University Extension email newsletters here.