The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in partnership with 13 Great Lakes and northeastern states and five Canadian provinces, is conducting the seventh annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz.
The international campaign informs boaters and other water recreationists about the risks of introducing and spreading aquatic invasive species. During this coordinated outreach effort, information will be distributed at more than a thousand water access sites throughout the Great Lakes and Northeast regions through July 13.
“DEC is committed to preventing the spread of invasive species, and the Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz empowers boaters in New York and beyond to take part in this important mission,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “(It) provide crucial tools and education for water recreationists to learn how to protect their favorite lakes and rivers from (aquatic invasive species) by cleaning, draining, and drying their watercraft and gear.”
Last year’s landing blitz saw more than 1,000 stewards, volunteers and staff inspect approximately 190,000 boats, intercept more than 1,000 aquatic invasive species, and educate more than 230,000 people across the northeastern United States and Canada.
During the remainder of the 2024 boating season, DEC’s boat stewards performed an additional 189,576 inspections and intercepted an additional 12,184 aquatic invasive species at boat launches throughout New York State.
For more information on the Great Lakes and Northeast AIS Landing Blitz, visit https://www.glc.org/work/blitz