1. Watercraft Inspection
The Watercraft Inspection Program involves dissemination of information to anglers and recreational boaters to make them aware of what invasive species look
like and what precautions they should take to avoid spreading them. It also involves visual inspection of boats to make sure
they are "clean" and demonstration to the public of how to take the proper steps to clean their boats, trailers,
and boating equipment. Watercraft inspectors also install signs at boat landings informing boaters of infestation status,
state law, and steps to prevent spreading invasives.
2. Monitoring
The Volunteer Lake Monitoring effort involves monitoring for aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, spiny waterfleas, and
rusty crayfish. For zebra mussels, it involves collecting samples for veliger (larval zebra mussel) analyses and deployment
of substrate samplers. There are also specific sampling procedures for spiny waterfleas and rusty crayfish. For Eurasian water
milfoil, it involves inspection of watercraft for invasive plants or visual shoreline inspections.
3. Information
and Education
In close cooperation with UW Extension Environmental Resources Ctr. and UW Sea Grant Institute , education efforts focus on working with resource professionals and citizens statewide to teach boaters, anglers, and other
water users the steps to take to prevent transporting aquatic invasives to new waters. Efforts also involve addressing other
potential mechanisms of introduction, including aquarium pet release and water gardening. Many educational tools are used
to reach the public - brochures and publications, watch cards and wild cards, public service announcements and displays at
parks, sport shows, convention and symposiums. Click here to see a list of available publications [PDF 3,284KB].
4. Purple Loosestrife Biological Control
A citizen-based project that emphasizes using two safe, purple loosestrife foliage-feeding beetle species, in combination with traditional methods,
for controlling this invasive plant. Citizens of all ages make up the backbone of this cooperative program by rearing and
releasing these insects in their local wetlands - and learning about these precious places in the process. For more information,
please contact:
Brock Woods
UWEX/DNR Purple Loosestrife Bio-control Coordinator
(608)-221-6349
Brock.Woods@ces.uwex.edu
5. Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program
The Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program [Exit DNR] Sponsored by the DNR, UW Extension, and the Wisconsin Association of Lakes, offers training to volunteers on how to organize
a watercraft inspection program, how to inspect boats and equipment, and how to interact with the public. Volunteers are also
encouraged to help monitor for aquatic invasives. Workshops are open to adults and youth; adult groups are encouraged to work
with local youth partners. For details, please contact: Erin Henegar, Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer
Coordinator, UW Extension-Lakes Program
(715) 346-4978
erin.henegar@uwsp.edu