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DEC Reminds Water Recreationists to 'Clean, Drain,
Dry' Watercraft and Equipment to Protect New York's Waters from Aquatic
Invasive Species
Published: May 21, 2026 at
06:30 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Reminds Water Recreationists to 'Clean, Drain,
Dry' Watercraft and Equipment to Protect New York's Waters from Aquatic
Invasive Species
Boat Stewards to Conduct Inspections and Educate
Recreating Public at Launches Statewide Beginning Memorial Day Weekend
through Labor Day
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today joined State
partners in Verona, Oneida County, to remind recreationists to Clean,
Drain, Dry their boats, trailers, fishing gear,
and other equipment before launching in New York’s waters to prevent the
spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Starting Friday, May 22, boaters
will see the blue vests worn by Watercraft Inspection Stewards, also known
as boat stewards, at more than 220 boat launches and decontamination
stations throughout the state.
“New York’s
waters are vital to our ecology and economy, and recreating responsibly in
New York’s abundant lakes, ponds, and streams is a critical component for
preventing the spread of invasive species,” DEC Commissioner Amanda
Lefton said. “DEC supports stewards to help educate and connect
with hundreds of thousands of people along waterbodies statewide, and all
boaters can protect the environment and follow the useful instructions to
Clean, Drain, Dry and help prevent aquatic invaders.”
Last year, DEC’s
boat stewards connected with 430,000 recreationists, conducted more than
220,000 watercraft inspections, and intercepted 8,717 aquatic invasive
plants and animals while raising awareness about AIS. As part of an
expansion to the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP), DEC is
stationing boat stewards and a new decontamination unit provided by the New
York State Canal Corporation at the Cove Road boat ramp in Verona. Opened
in 2023 in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation, this
launch offers direct access to Oneida Lake—the state's largest inland lake
and a popular fishing destination. The initiative aims to combat the spread
of invasive species already present in the lake, such as the round goby and
water chestnut, and prevent new invaders.
Aquatic invasive
plants, such as the water chestnut, harm ecosystems by shading out native
plants, decreasing dissolved oxygen, and increasing sediment buildup.
Similarly, invasive fish like the round goby threaten
biodiversity by carrying diseases, preying on native fish eggs and fry, and out-competing native species. Beyond ecological
damage, these species can create significant negative impacts on water
recreation and local economies.
New York State
Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “Keeping
invasive species out of the Canal System and the rest of New York's waters
isn’t just an environmental priority, it’s a community one. When boaters
take the time to Clean, Drain, and Dry their equipment, they’re helping to
preserve recreational opportunities and healthy ecosystems that residents
and visitors can enjoy for generations to come.”
Over the last few
years, boat steward programs have expanded from the Finger Lakes and
Adirondack Regions to Western New York, the Catskills, the Mohawk and
Hudson Rivers, and Long Island. More than 220 locations have active boat
stewards and employ over 280 people. The programs are administered by
academic institutions, lake associations, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation (Parks), and Regional Partnerships for Invasive
Species Management (PRISMs) at both public and private launches.
New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “New York State
Parks is proud to support efforts to prevent invasive species from entering
our lands and waters through education, stewardship and strong
partnerships. We encourage the boating public to follow these simple
guidelines and take precautions to protect our natural resources. Through
this collaborative effort with DEC and the Canal Corporation, we can
continue raising awareness and ensuring these treasured places remain
healthy and accessible for generations to come.”
All New York
residents and visitors have a role to play in protecting state waters from
invasive species. Visit DEC's website for more information on how to Clean, Drain, Dry boats,
fishing gear, and other equipment. A step by step guide for ridding boats and equipment
of AIS with video can also be found on DEC's YouTube channel.
All water
recreationists are advised to follow these steps to help prevent the spread
of AIS:
- Clean mud, plants, and animals off boats,
trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment (trailer bunks, axles,
rollers, lights, transducers, and license plates; motor props; waders;
diving gear; anchors; etc.) and discard the material in a trash can or
at a disposal station;
- Drain all water-holding compartments,
including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas, before leaving
an access site;
- Dry everything thoroughly before using boats
or equipment in another waterbody. Drying times can vary, but five to
seven days in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
- When there is no time to dry between uses,
disinfect boats and equipment with hot water that is at least 140
degrees Fahrenheit or visit a
decontamination site
- Pick up a Clean Drain Dry towel and a Protect
Your Waters sticker from one of our boat stewards to remind you to
take these preventive steps.
- Only use certified bait that is non-invasive and
disease free; and
- Do not dump aquarium contents or unused bait
in any waterbodies, drainage ditches, or sewers.
The WISP program
is funded by the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The $425
million EPF included an allocation of $18.5 million to combat invasive
species. The EPF is a critical resource for environmental programs such as
land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and
eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and
environmental justice projects.
DEC also reminds
New Yorkers to treat boat stewards respectfully. New York
State does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Stewards are directed to
report inappropriate behavior or treatment by anyone at boat launch
locations. We encourage members of the community to help stop harassment by
reporting misconduct or harassment to DEC, partner organizations, or local
law enforcement as appropriate.
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