The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced measures to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondacks.
Recent changes to Environmental Conservation Law become effective on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, and require motorized boat users to obtain certification that they have inspected and removed potentially harmful aquatic invasive species before launching in waters in, and immediately adjacent to, the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
The new law requires all operators of motorized watercraft to obtain certification that they have cleaned, drained, and dried boats and equipment each time they launch into a new waterbody in the Adirondack Park and within 10 miles of the Blue Line.
When an aquatic invasive species inspection station adjacent to a public waterbody is open for operation, watercraft operators can receive a watercraft inspection certificate from a boat steward by accepting a free boat inspection or decontamination.
Alternately, boaters may follow Clean, Drain, Dry steps on their own and fill out a self-issued certificate available on DEC’s website before launching. Boat stewards will be stationed at popular boat launches across the Adirondack Park and can be identified by their blue vests.
To learn more about the New York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program, the new certification requirements, and where to find a boat steward, visit DEC’s website.
June 6 to 12, 2022, is Invasive Species Awareness Month in New York State. For more information on free public events and invasive species challenges being offered across the State and online, go to the New York Invasive Species Awareness Week Events webpage.
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