With the growing concern over the spread of aquatic invasive species to Wisconsin’s inland lakes, many lake association members and other concerned citizens are looking for ways to get involved. The Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteer watercraft inspection program provides one opportunity to take a front line defense against the spread of aquatic invasive species. Through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, volunteers are trained to organize and conduct a boater education program in their community. Adults and youth teams educate boaters on how and where invasive species are most likely to hitch a ride into water bodies. Volunteers perform boat and trailer checks for invasive species, distribute informational brochures and collect and report any new water body infestations.

For more information contact:
Erin McFarlane
Clean Boats, Clean Waters Volunteer Coordinator
UW-Extension Lakes
Wisconsin Lakes Partnership   

Ph: (715) 346-4978
erin.mcfarlane@uwsp.edu

www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes

Joining the Wisconsin Association of Lakes represents another opportunity for citizen involvement in lake quality preservation. The Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) is a nonprofit group of citizens, organizations, and businesses working for clean, safe, healthy lakes for everyone.

To accomplish this mission they:
- Assist lake groups and lake users in their efforts to carry out their mission
- Help local leaders defend, manage, and restore lakes and their watersheds
- Provide a unified voice for public policy that will protect and preserve lakes
- Advance public knowledge of lakes, their watersheds, and ecosystems

WAL grew out of the realization that many issues are just too big and too complex for the financial and legal capabilities of individual lake organizations. These issues include the spiraling increase in shoreline development, pollution, recreational use conflicts, exotic plants and animals, or new legislation that may adversely impact lakes.

Learn more about Wisconsin Association of Lakes at http://www.wisconsinlakes.org or call 608/662-0923 or 800/542-5253 (in Wisconsin).

Compiled by Amy Staffen (WI Council on Invasive Species), Laura Felda-Marquardt (WI-DNR) and Peter Murray (WAL), April 2005.