New York Boaters Urged to Prevent Invasive Species Spread

New York State officials remind boaters at the end of the summer recreational boating season to take steps to prevent the spread of invasive species in the state waterways.

While some boaters store craft for the winter, others move their boats to other waterways, which could promote the spread of the infestation of such non-native plants and animals such as milfoil and Asian clams. Those species could become attached to hulls or taken into bilge tanks and transported to other bodies of water.

New York State Parks officials are working at the 149 launches across the state to educate boaters about the problem. They are urging boaters to clean and remove any animals, plants, mud or even fish from their boats.  Vessels' ballast and bilge tanks should be drained of water.  Boats and trailers should be kept dry for at least five days before being put in at other waterways.