Before moving your boat, kayak, paddleboard, or fishing gear to another waterbody, always Clean, Drain, and Dry.
The smallest plant fragment, a tiny animal, or a few drops of water can be all it takes for an invasive species to take hold in a new waterbody.
Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, trailer, paddles, fishing gear, and any equipment that has been in the water before leaving or entering a waterbody. Remove all plants and debris, drain every space that can hold water, and dry equipment completely.
This is just as important when arriving at Newfound Lake as it is when leaving. Clean, drain, and dry before you launch to help keep new harmful aquatic invasives out of Newfound. Because the invasive spiny water flea is present in Newfound Lake, doing the same before you leave prevents its spread.
Recently, a Lake Host conducting voluntary boat inspections at Wellington State Park found fanwort, a harmful aquatic invasive plant, before it entered Newfound Lake. Every inspection and every boater who Cleans, Drains, and Dries their equipment helps keep our lakes healthy.
Learn more at StopAquaticHitchhikers.org.