Protect Lake George: Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), such as Eurasian watermilfoil, Asian clams, and zebra mussels, can be spread between waterbodies on boating and fishing equipment that has not been cleaned,
drained, and dried. Help protect Lake George and other area waterbodies by making sure your boat is clean, drained, and dry. What You Can Do
Not all hitchhikers are as visible as a prop covered in adult zebra mussels. Some adult or juvenile stage AIS are so small they can’t be seen without magnification! Invasive viruses, zooplankton, and juvenile zebra mussels and Asian clams can be transported in mud, on plant fragments, or in even a drop of water.

To Help Protect Lake George and Stop the Spread of Invasive Species Follow these Guidelines:

After boating, before you leave the launch:

Clean:
Remove all visible plants, animals, fish, and mud from your boat, trailer, or other equipment and dispose of in a suitable trash container or on dry land.

Drain:
Drain water from bilge, live wells, ballast tanks, and any other locations with water before leaving the launch.

Before You Arrive at the Launch to go boating:

Dry:
Dry your boat, trailer, and all equipment completely. Drying times vary depending on the weather and the type of material. At least five days of drying time is generally recommended during the summer.

If you want to use your boat sooner, follow additional steps to make sure it is decontaminated from any hitchhikers. Click here to learn more.

What The Result Will Be
You can help protect Lake George from the introduction and spread of invasive species that could negatively alter the Lake’s ecosystem, shoreline property values, and the region’s tourism-driven economy.