As you may be heading out on the water, it is important to avoid accidentally spreading invasive species. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources defines these species as “nonnative plants, animals and diseases that cause great ecological, environmental or economic harm.” We spoke with Jeanne Scherer, the Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist from the University of Wisconsin Madison Extension Program on the harm that invasive species can potentially cause.
In Door County there are stations located at Carmody and Pinney parks to help you clean off your boats, personal watercrafts and trailers. These are called CD3 stations and they are solar powered and equipped with the necessary tools to clean off your water vehicles. Simpler stations are also located at Chaudior and Murphy Parks. The Door County Invasive Species Team urges all water enthusiasts in Door County to be mindful of what you might be bringing to the dock and follow the proper procedures after coming in. When you are out on your boat, personal watercraft or docking, there are a few tips from the DNR to help prevent invasive species from getting a hold.
- Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment
- Remove all attached plants or animals
- Drain all water from boats, motors, livewells and other equipment
- Never move live fish away from a waterbody
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash
- Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer, and use leftover minnows only if you will be using them on that same waterbody or if no lake or river water or other fish were added to the container
Visit the DNR’s website on invasive species here.
