Stop invasive species
CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY AND DISPOSE are key watchwords to consider to keep invasive plants and animals from entering lakes and creeks.
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- Clean: Boats, trailers and equipment
- Drain: Live wells, bilges of all water
- Dry: Boats and all equipment
- Dispose: Unwanted bait in the trash
Aquatic invasive species pose an ongoing threat to native species, the economy, recreation, and human health and safely. Many aquatic invasive species - including plants, fish, and mussels - can be accidentally transported through fishing and boating. By following a few simple steps every time you leave the water, you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect the environment.
Boat Wash Stations.
Four complimentary boat cleaning stations are available at the following locations:
DNR Narrows Boat Launch: 136 S. Lake Leelanau Drive, Lake Leelanau
DNR West Boat Launch: 4491 S. Lake Shore Drive, Cedar
DNR Bingham Boat Launch: 7822 E. Bingham Road, Traverse City
Suelzer Park Boat Launch: 4343 N. Lake Leelanau Drive, Lake Leelanau
It's the law:
DO NOT
launch or transport watercraft or trailers unless they are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.
DO NOT
transport a watercraft without removing all drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and livewells.
DO NOT
release bait into the water.
Violation of the law is a state civil infraction. Violators may be subject to fines.
Clean, Drain, and Dry Boat Cleaning Procedure.
CLEAN off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access.
- The Bingham Boat Launch Wash Station uses high-pressure air. Use this to blow away all equipment and boat hulls.
- If at home, rinse equipment and boat hulls (with high-pressure water if available).
- Rinse interior compartments of boats with low pressure, hot water (120°F).
- Flush the motor with hot water (120°F) for two minutes (or according to the owner’s manual).
- Rinsing with water removes organisms, while hot water often kills them. Water at least 120°F is recommended; be sure to avoid contact with skin and check manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure equipment can withstand high temperatures. If hot water is not available or may cause damage, rinsing with tap water and completely drying will help prevent the spread of AIS.
DRAIN motor, bilge, livewell, and other water-containing devices before leaving water access.
- Draining removes small and nearly invisible organisms, such as zebra mussel larvae (veligers), potentially entrained in water-containing devices.
DRY everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
- Drying is necessary as many organisms can survive in standing water.
For ANGLERS, the additional step of DISPOSE is recommended:
DISPOSE of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. When keeping live bait, drain the bait container and replace it with spring or dechlorinated tap water. Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another.
A note about chemicals. The use of chemical prophylactics or disinfectants (e.g., bleach) is not recommended for treating watercraft and recreational equipment. Chemicals may:
- Damage equipment or components
- Cause environmental damage
- Harm human health
- Not be effective against many aquatic invasive species
A note about chemicals. The use of chemical prophylactics or disinfectants (e.g., bleach) are not recommended for treating watercraft and recreational equipment. Chemicals may:
- Damage equipment or components
- Cause environmental damage
- Harm human health
- May not be effective against many aquatic invasive species
Report new sightings.
For sightings of invasive species in Lake Leelanau, please use our reporting form.
Please ensure your boat is clean before launching in Lake Leelanau! Because Lake Leelanau is infested with EWM, cleaning your boat after leaving Lake Leelanau and launching in another lake is crucial for preventing the spread of EWM to other lakes.