The Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) watercraft inspection program provides an opportunity to take action and help prevent and contain aquatic invasive species (AIS). CBCW is a statewide program that trains volunteers and professionals how to engage boaters and anglers in AIS prevention at their local lake and river boat landings.
CBCW participants have educational conversations with landing visitors about how to help prevent the spread of AIS and assist them in taking prevention steps, while also collecting valuable data. While most participants are part of a lake organization, the program is open to anyone interested in AIS outreach.
Taking simple prevention steps while enjoying Wisconsin’s waters contains and prevents the spread of AIS. Learn how you can help on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ AIS Prevention webpage.
Before you leave the boat landing, it is important to remember to take these steps:
- INSPECT boats, trailers, and equipment
- REMOVE all attached aquatic plants and animals
- DRAIN all water from boats, vehicles, and equipment
- NEVER MOVE plants or live fish away from a waterbody
This video walks through the step-by-step process of taking the aquatic invasive species prevention steps.
CBCW Gear
The Clean Boats, Clean Waters program has designed a special logo that not only represents the program, but also sends a message to the public, “without clean boats, we will not have clean waters”. T-shirts, hats, and aprons are available with this logo. Inspectors are encouraged to wear the bright blue CBCW t-shirts while performing watercraft inspections at the landings. These shirts are very vibrant and easily visible when boaters approach the landing. By wearing this t-shirt, your inspection program appears credible and provides a statewide recognition for the efforts inspectors are making at the landings. For inspectors that have their own t-shirts, but still want to connect with the CBCW program, CBCW hats offer another opportunity for volunteers to wear the message. The hat displays the logo and the message as well as filter out the hot summer sun. The CBCW aprons are another great resource for watercraft inspectors. These aprons have three pockets that are designed to hold educational brochures and pamphlets, which allow the inspector to perform watercraft inspections.
For more information about Clean Boats, Clean Waters, contact:
Erin McFarlane, Statewide CBCW Educator
(715) 346-4978 or erin.mcfarlane@uwsp.edu
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LakesSupport@uwsp.edu
Extension Lakes
College of Natural Resouces, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
800 Reserve St. Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
Phone: 715-346-2116
Direct comments to lakes@uwsp.edu