On May 15, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the department is launching an effort at nine state parks this summer to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and get boaters involved in invasive species detection.

“Boats, motors, and trailers have ideal hiding spots where species may attach, and be transported to new locations,” Dunn said. “Boaters must be involved in helping us protect state park waters from invaders, to benefit our environment and avoid very costly measures to treat lakes once these non-native species take hold.”

Starting this week, DCNR staff will be doing voluntary boat and trailer checks at boat launches on park lakes, handing out informational brochures and demonstrating how to do an inspection.

Boat checks will take place in the following state parks:

-- Bald Eagle, Centre County

-- Beltzville, Carbon County

-- Codorus, York County

-- Gifford Pinchot, York County

-- M.K. Goddard, Mercer County

-- Moraine, Butler County

-- Presque Isle, Erie County

-- Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County

-- Pymatuning, Crawford County

If aquatic species are found, they will be removed and collected, providing data that will assist in management practices.

Aquatic invasive species could include zebra mussels, hydrilla, water chestnut, and starry stonewort.

Once these species are introduced, they disrupt ecosystems causing harm to the environment, the economy, and human health. They negatively influence the rivers, lakes, ponds, and activities boaters enjoy.

As Pennsylvania experiences warmer and wetter weather impacts from climate change, invasive species could increase in abundance.

DCNR is working with the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council to review and expand monitoring to ensure that changes in natural communities, species distribution, and populations are detected, and addressed if appropriate.

Boaters can help stop aquatic hitchhikers by taking the following steps before leaving the access area where the boat is removed:

-- Clean boats and trailers of any plants, organisms, mud, or other material from the water

-- Drain water from watercraft, bilge, bladder tanks, livewell, and portable bait containers

-- Dry everything for five days between waters, or if not possible wipe with a towel before reuse

For more information about stopping aquatic hitchhikers visit the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers website or visit the Fish and Boat Commission’s Clean Your Gear webpage.

To learn more about invasive species, visit the Fish and Boat Commission’s Aquatic Invasive Species webpage and the PA Sea Grant Aquatic Invasive Species webpage featuring a lot of educational materials.

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[Posted: May 15, 2019]

5/20/2019