REGION — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminds recreationists to ‘Clean. Drain. Dry.' boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment before launching in New York’s waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Starting Friday, May 23, boaters will see the blue vests worn by watercraft inspection stewards, also known as boat stewards, at more than 220 boat launches and decontamination stations throughout the state. Boat stewards are volunteers or paid members of local communities who help protect New York State's waters. 

“Boat stewards are vital to protecting our lakes, ponds, and rivers from harmful invasive species like zebra mussels, hydrilla, and Eurasian watermilfoil,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “As we kick off this year’s boating season, DEC and our partners across the state encourage those out on the waters to respectfully interact with New York’s boat stewards and support our ongoing efforts to safeguard our waters from invasive pests.”

In 2024, stewards conducted more than 219,000 watercraft inspections and intercepted over 11,000 aquatic invasive plants and animals while raising awareness about AIS and fostering stewardship of New York’s waters. The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) works collaboratively with DEC's Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP) operating approximately 30 sites located at State Park ramps.    

Aquatic invasive plants, like water chestnut, can shade out native plants that provide food and shelter for native animals and lower dissolved oxygen levels. Invasive fish like round goby can carry pathogens, prey upon native fish eggs and fry, and out-compete native fish species. Both invasive plants and animals can also impact local economies. 

This year through WISP, in collaboration with the State Canal Corporation, a new boat wash decontamination unit is being planned for deployment at Cove Road Boat launch on Oneida Lake, with further goals to expand at more sites in the State Canal system.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Doing our part to support healthy ecosystems, such as working to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species within the Canal System and connected waters, is an important effort that we can make to ensure these waterways remain vibrant recreational resources now and in the years to come. We are proud to partner with DEC and the WISP program, as we endeavor to continue placing boat wash stations around the Canal System, just like the one that will be stationed at the Cove Road boat launch.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “New York State Parks is pleased to join our partners in taking aggressive efforts to prevent invasive species from entering and degrading State lands and waters. I encourage the boating public to do its part and learn and carry out a few simple precautions to protect waters that make our state’s waterways so scenic and enjoyable.”

All water recreationists are advised to follow these steps to help prevent the spread of AIS:   

• Clean mud, plants, and animals off boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment (trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights, transducers, and license plates; motor props; waders; diving gear; anchors; etc.) and discard the material in a trash can or at a disposal station;

• Drain all water-holding compartments, including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas, before leaving an access site;

• Dry everything thoroughly before using boats or equipment in another waterbody; drying times can vary, but five to seven days in dry, warm conditions is recommended;

• When there's no time to dry between uses, disinfect boats and equipment with hot water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit or visit a decontamination site;

• Pick up a Clean. Drain. Dry. towel and a Protect Your Waters sticker from one of the stewards as a reminder to take these preventive steps;

• Use certified bait that is non-invasive and disease free; and

• Do not dump aquarium contents in any waterbodies, drainage ditches, or sewers. 

All boaters operating any kind of motorized watercraft in the Adirondack Park and within 10 miles of the Blue Line are required by law to possess certification that, before launching, their vessel has undergone measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by following the Clean. Drain. Dry. standards. These certificates can be acquired by visiting a DEC designated aquatic invasive species inspection station where boat stewards are present to inspect or decontaminate vessels and to provide boaters with a certification card. Boaters may perform Clean. Drain. Dry. steps themselves and then complete a self-issued certificate (PDF) to be printed and carried by boat users. 

DEC and the Canal Corporation continue to work closely with state, local and federal partners including the Lake Champlain Basin Program, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, to implement a comprehensive, science-based management strategy to limit the movement of round goby toward Lake Champlain. The round goby is one of the most significant invasive threats to New York State waters, particularly Lake Champlain. DEC lists round goby as a prohibited invasive species in State regulations. Native to Europe and Asia, this fish was introduced in the Great Lakes in 1990 and spread throughout the lakes' system. Round gobies reproduce quickly, outcompete native fish species for food and habitat, eat the young and eggs of other fish, and can transport botulism through the food chain to waterfowl. 

After the round goby was discovered in the Hudson River near the city of Troy in 2021, the initial mitigation measures implemented during the 2022 canal navigation season included scheduled lockings and “double draining” at Locks C-1 and C-2, and genetic analysis to estimate the number of spawning adults over time to help monitor round goby populations and closely track species movement. 

All New York residents and visitors have a role to play in protecting state waters from invasive species. Visit DEC's website for more information on how to Clean, Drain, Dry boats, fishing gear, and other equipment. A step by step guide for ridding boats and equipment of AIS with video can also be found on DEC's YouTube channel

The WISP program is funded by the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). In the recently enacted 2025-26 State Budget, Governor Hochul increased EPF funding to a record $425 million, the highest level of funding in the program's history. The EPF is a critical resource for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects. The budget includes a renewed $18.5 million in funding to combat invasive species. 

DEC also reminds New Yorkers to treat boat stewards respectfully. New York State does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Stewards are directed to report inappropriate behavior or treatment by anyone at boat launch locations. We encourage members of the community to help stop harassment by reporting misconduct or harassment to DEC, partner organizations, or local law enforcement as appropriate.