BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Keeping invasive species from entering new lakes in our region is one of the goals of New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation.
The DEC says that people using waterways should always clean, drain, and dry equipment like boats, trailers, and fishing gear.
To help people clean and dry their boats, the DEC will have boat stewards at 220 boat launches and decontamination stations to help clean equipment.
The season launch of the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program took place at the Champlain Canal in Waterford, New York – the first barrier preventing the spread of invasive species ‘round goby’ from entering the upper Hudson River.
“We’ve also worked with the DEC to develop a rapid response plan to further combat the goby if it does make its way up the Champlain Canal to prevent it from reaching Lake Champlain. And we’re moving towards a rapid response plan for the entire canal system,” said Rebecca Hughes, Executive Deputy Director of NYS Canal System.
Water recreators are asked to clean all mud, plants, and animals off their equipment, drain water compartments, dry everything or wash with water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and use non-invasive and disease-free bait.