As Iowa’s boating season winds down, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding lake property owners and boaters to check their boats, trailers, docks and lifts for aquatic invasive species before storing their equipment for the winter.
Invasive species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil can spread from one lake or stream to another by attaching to boats and equipment or by being transported in water, bait buckets and other items.
Jason Euchner, an aquatic vegetation management biologist with the Iowa DNR, says fall is a good time to inspect equipment as it is removed from the water.
Boat owners should look closely at areas that have been submerged throughout the summer. Small juvenile zebra mussels may be visible, while even smaller mussels can sometimes be detected by running a hand over smooth surfaces. The mussels may feel like sandpaper.
The DNR reminds boaters to follow the Clean, Drain, Dry process:
- CLEAN plants, animals and mud from boats and equipment before leaving the water.
- DRAIN all water from motors, live wells, bilges, transom wells and bait buckets.
- DRY boats, trailers and other equipment before moving to another waterbody. The DNR recommends drying equipment for at least five days or using hot or high-pressure water.
- NEVER release plants, fish or animals into another waterbody unless they came from that same waterbody. Unwanted bait should be placed in the trash.
Iowa law requires boaters to drain water from boats and equipment before leaving a water access and to keep drain plugs removed or opened during transport.
It is also illegal to possess or transport prohibited aquatic invasive species or transport aquatic plants on water-related equipment in Iowa.
Boaters can learn more about aquatic invasive species, including a list of infested waters, through the Iowa DNR’s aquatic invasive species program and the current Iowa Fishing Regulations.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
