MSU Extension 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.