As you head out this summer and enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes and rivers, please remember that the DNR needs your help in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Aquatic invasive species are nonnative plants and animals that can have a negative impact on the state’s lakes and rivers and cause ecological and economic harm. Aquatic invasive species are spread by hitching rides on boats, trailers and other equipment that is transported from one body of water to another.
While some bodies of water in Wisconsin already have aquatic invasive species present, a majority of the state’s waters have not been infested. To help contain and control aquatic invasive species in infested waters and prevent their spread to waters not yet infested, please remember to follow the Wisconsin Aquatic Invasive Species Laws every time you enjoy the state’s lakes and rivers.
It’s the law to:
- Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment.
- Remove any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading and before transporting on a public highway).
- Drain all water from boats, motors and all equipment.
- Never move live fish away from a waterbody.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer. You may take leftover minnows away from any state water and use them again on that same water. You may use leftover minnows on other waters only if no lake or river water, or other fish were added to their container.
- For additional information on aquatic invasive species, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/ or contact DNR Water Guard Meghan Wall at 608-518-1015 or meghan.wall@wisconsin.gov.
