Invasive Species Are Bad for Boaters

Invasive Species Are Bad For Boaters:Boating is one of the most popular recreational activities in the state.

• Invasive organisms that are introduced through water recreation activities disrupt the ecosystem, interfere with recreation and damage watercraft and equipment.
• Aquatic invasive species (AIS) hitch a ride on recreational equipment to new locations. Most Michigan boaters want to help prevent the spread of AIS, however many are not familiar with the few simple steps to take.

Know The Law:

• Michigan laws prohibit placing a boat, trailer, or other boating equipment into Michigan waters with plant material attached.
• Also prohibited is possessing or transporting several live non-native fish and many non-native aquatic plants including: entire plants, fragments and seeds, as well as hybrids and genetically engineered variants; and any live transgenic (genetically engineered) organisms. 

Required Actions – It’s the Law in Michigan!

• Remove aquatic plants from boats, boating equipment, and boat trailers before launching or placing in the water (MI NREPA Part 413 Sec. 41325).
• Drain live wells, bilges and all water from boats before leaving the access site (MI DNR Fisheries Order 245).
• Dispose of unused bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water (MI DNR Fisheries Order 245).
• Don’t transfer fish to water bodies other than where they were caught (MI DNR Fisheries Order 245).
• Disinfect livewells and bilges with bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water) 

Additional Recommended Actions – Protect Our Natural Resources!

• Inspect and remove plants and mud from boats and trailers and dry equipment before leaving the access area. 
• Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.
• Wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area if possible, at a nearby car wash, or at home.
• Dry boats and equipment for at least 5 days before launching into a different body of water. 

More For more information on aquatic invasive species, visit http://www.mymlsa.org/aquatic-invasive-species  

The following is the preferred and safe procedure to launch larger boats to avoid any possible damage to the private property along Kindy Road.  Please following these procedures:

• Trailered watercraft less than 18 feet long can be driven down to the Kindy boat launch and, using a driveway at the end of Kindy Road, the vehicle and trailer can be turned around to back down the boat launch.  (Care should be taken when using a private driveway to avoid damage to the property.)
• Watercraft that is 18 feet or longer (primarily pontoon boats) should be backed down Kindy Road from the intersection of Kindy Road and Point Drive to the launch area.  (Private driveways at the end of Kindy Road should not be used to turn the vehicle and boat trailer around as there is insufficient room to maneuver safely!)
• A sign reading “LAUNCH OF BOATS OVER 18 FT SHOULD BE BACKED DOWN TO THE LAUNCH AREA FROM HERE” is displayed at the intersection of Kindy Road and Point Drive.
• If any damage to Kindy Road private property is accidentally incurred during the process of launching a watercraft, the owner of the watercraft is responsible for all damages and should immediately advise the property owner of the accident.

Compliance with these procedures would be greatly appreciated.