Great Lakes States Benefit from Watercraft Cleaning Station Rapid Deployment
Wildlife Forever will soon install more than a dozen waterless, free-to-use, watercraft cleaning stations at public boat ramps across the Great Lakes area, helping boaters and anglers prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species (AIS). In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the project will support local, state, and federal efforts to educate and provide public access tools to mitigate existing and future AIS threats throughout the region.
“This project will truly benefit the people and health of the Great Lakes watershed. Damage to the economy, environment, and infrastructure from AIS cost billions of dollars annually,” said Zach Burnside, Wildlife Forever’s Conservation Program Manager. “Once waterways become impacted, access and safety is reduced, aquatic habitats are altered, and the economic impacts begin to multiply.”
Installation is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026. Through Wildlife Forever’s Clean Drain Dry public service and awareness initiative, the newly installed self-service boat cleaning stations will give users fast and reliable access to proven tools and technology that support best management guidelines.
Access-based prevention tools to Clean, Drain, and Dry boats, trailers, and gear are cost-effective and mitigate risks to the environment and public exposure. Do your part by using Expect to Inspect to find cleaning and decontamination stations near you.
To learn about Clean Drain Dry Initiative AIS prevention tools and services, contact Zach Burnside or visit CleanDrainDry.org
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