Ohio Helps Protect Waterways and Land from Invasive Species
Published: Monday, September 27, 2021
The Ohio Clean Marinas Program (OCMP), Ohio Sea Grant, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources educated boaters and the public about the serious risks of spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS) during the third annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, June 26 to July 4. Ohio’s boaters received education on how to properly inspect and clean boats, boots, and other outdoor equipment when traveling from one location to the next, significantly preventing the spread of invasive species, one of the most significant threats to the ecological and economic health of the Great Lakes and Ohio. The annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz is coordinated annually among state and provincial agencies with the support of the Great Lakes Commission and partner organizations. For more information or to request educational materials, visit www.glc.org/blitz.
Ohio extended efforts by creating a series of webinars including all invasive species threatening Ohio, increasing Ohioans’ awareness and providing them easy but effective preventative measures to stop the spread of invasive species both on water and land. Webinar topics included an overview of aquatic invasive plants/insects/animals and terrestrial invasive plants/insects/animals, resources on how to become a citizen scientist and help identify invasive species, and best practices on how to help stop the spread while recreating. Each recorded webinar features invasive species experts and can be used for free invasive species training. To watch the recordings, visit www.youtube.com/TheOhioDNR.
About OCMP
Formed in 2004, the OCMP is a proactive partnership designed to encourage marinas and boaters to use simple, innovative solutions to keep Ohio’s coastal and inland waterway resources clean. The program assists in protecting clean water and fresh air for generations of boaters to come. The OCMP also administers the Ohio Clean Boater Program, an individual stewardship program that encourages boaters to follow best boater practices, so they may become more aware of the environmental impact of boating activities and what they can do to make a difference.
For more information about the event or the Ohio Clean Marinas and Ohio Clean Boaters Programs, please contact staff at [email protected].
A version of this article appeared in the Fall Issue (September/October) 2021 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Boating 101, Environmental Impact, Lake Erie
