Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Materials
There are a variety of ways to share the Clean Boats, Clean Waters message of clean, drain, dry with the public.
Boat launch signs and rack cards are available through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy at no cost while supplies last. Contact Kevin Walters at Waltersk3@michigan.gov.
Rack card (4" x 9" double-sided) This rack card describes new boating laws requiring boaters to remove all debris and aquatic plants from boats and trailers and to remove plugs and drain all water from bilges and live wells before transporting. Place or distribute rack cards at local offices, public places and any locations visited by boaters. An electronic version of the rack card can be found here.
Boat launch sign (16" X 24") Sturdy, weather-resistant sign reminding boaters to clean, drain and dry boats and trailers and to dispose of bait in the trash. These can be placed at municipal boating access sites and private launch sites with permission.
Resources
- Michigan Landowners Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species Management. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (2018)
- Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in Michigan infographic. State of Michigan (2017)
- Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers has an extensive library of graphics and images available for free.
Aquatic plant identification resources
A variety of identification guides and websites have been developed specifically for aquatic invasive species in the Midwest. Here are some of the most popular publications.
- A Michigan boater's guide to selected invasive aquatic plants (Michigan State University Extension)
- Michigan watch list aquatic invasive plants: a guide for identification (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy)
- A field guide to invasive plants of aquatic and wetland habitats for Michigan (Michigan Natural Features Inventory)
- A citizen’s guide for the identification, mapping and management of aquatic plants of Michigan (Michigan State University Extension)
- Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
Courses
- MI Paddle Stewards online course (Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension)
Articles
If you are looking for articles to reuse for newsletters, websites, or general outreach, consider signing up for email alerts from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Extension. Both organizations publish educational articles on invasive species on a regular basis. You can rerun Michigan State University Extension news articles with appropriate credit.