DO NOT launch or transport trailers or watercraft 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 live wells.

DO NOT release unused bait into the water.

Recommended Actions

1. CLEAN boats, trailers, and equipment. Including all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft, trailers, and water-related equipment before leaving any water access or shoreland.
2. DRAIN live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and all water by pulling drain plugs. Including water-related equipment (boat, ballast tanks, portable bait containers, motors, etc.) and drain bilge, live well and bait well by removing drain plugs before leaving a water access or shoreline property. Keep drain plugs out and water-draining devices open while transporting watercraft.
3. DRY boats and equipment. Including all boats and equipment before leaving an access area and prior to relaunching in a new waterbody.
4. DIPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash. Including minnows, leeches, and worms, in the trash. Do not release bait into the water. Release of bait and minnows can lead to the unintended introduction of diseases and aquatic invasive species.

Report new infestations

If you suspect a new infestation of an invasive plant or animal, take a photo and note the location, or save a specimen and report it to a local Invasive Species Contacts

Learn how to identify and report aquatic invasive species through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN).