Clean Boats Clean Waters

Since 2006 the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program has been educating Michigan boaters about aquatic invasive species with trained volunteer boat inspectors. New funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has enabled Clean Boats, Clean Waters to grow into a comprehensive aquatic invasive species boater outreach program. The program’s mission remains the same: to prevent new aquatic invasive species introductions and limit their dispersal from water recreation activities through outreach and engagement. The reinvented Clean Boats, Clean Waters program promotes understanding of boat cleaning practices and regulations through the distribution of educational materials, an online resource library, boat washing demonstrations, grants and partnerships.

Michigan State University Extension is leading the effort to refresh and implement the new Clean Boats, Clean Waters program in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The reinvented Clean Boats, Clean Waters program builds upon existing partnerships with statewide and local partners including the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas and lake associations and is actively seeking new opportunities and partnerships to share the clean, drain, dry message.

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is easy

CLEAN boats, trailers and equipment.
DRAIN live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and all water by pulling drain plugs.
DRY boats and equipment.
DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.

Learn how to identify and report aquatic invasive species through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.

Aquatic Invasive Species News from MSU Extension

New Southeast Michigan Sea Grant Extension educators already hard at work

Published on August 17, 2023
Erica Clites and Angela Scapini have been added to the full-time Extension staff at Michigan Sea Grant.
Stop the Cray – Drink Away! A look inside a new collaboration for invasive species education

Published on June 8, 2023
MSU Extension and Trail Point Brewing Co. have joined forces to spread awareness of troublesome aquatic invasive species through a new innovative outreach and education event this summer.
Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program awards $31,000 to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species

Published on May 8, 2023
Thirteen projects receive grant funding to educate boaters and anglers on the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying their equipment to protect lakes and rivers.
Mobile Boat Wash Program 2022 season wrap up

Published on November 2, 2022
The Mobile Boat Wash Program has wrapped up its 8th season of boat wash events for organizations across Michigan dedicated to aquatic invasive species prevention.