Clean Boats Every Day

Introduction

Through a new "Clean Boats Every Day" Initiative, the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration has declared the 2008 boating season a summer-long celebration of sustainable recreational boating throughout the Great Lakes. Through the Initiative, Great Lakes Governors, Mayors, Members of Congress, Tribes, Federal Agencies and other partners have joined forces to promote sustainable boating practices that will protect the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species (AIS).

The basin-wide "Clean Boats Every Day" Initiative will be highlighting the work of several national, state, and local outreach campaigns. Events throughout the summer will help participants learn how to inspect, clean, and drain their boats in order to prevent the spread of AIS.

Recreational boating is a hugely popular activity in the Great Lakes and a significant component of the region's economy. Nearly 4.3 million boats are registered in the eight Great Lakes states. These boaters spend nearly $16 billion on boats and boating activities in a single year. Recreational boaters can easily reduce the impact of their activities and help protect the Great Lakes.

Education and Outreach Materials

• Izaak Walton League of America Clean Boats Campaign
• Lake Superior Day
• Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives Boat Tour Brochure (PDF, 216Kb) and Tour Website
• Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant: Illinois Aquatic Nuisance Species Program
• Michigan Sea Grant Clean Boats Clean Waters
• Michigan Sea Grant/Michigan Department of Environmental Quality/Michigan Boating Industries Association Michigan Clean Marinas
• Minnesota DNR Stop Aquatic Hitchikers!
• Minnesota Sea Grant Aquatic Invasive Species Information
• Ohio Clean Marina Program
• Stop Aquatic Hitchikers
• Wisconsin Clean Boats Clean Waters
• Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
• Recreational Boating in the Great Lakes (PDF, 1.2Mb)

List your agency/organization's Website Here

2008 Boating Season Schedule of Events

• April 5: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Osceola Town Hall, Fond du Lac County, WI
• April 26: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop  - Spooner Agricultural Research Station, Washburn County, WI
• May 3: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Ledge View Nature Center, Calumet County, WI
• May 9: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop  - UW-Oshkosh Aquatic Research Lab, Winnebago County, WI
• May 17: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Location TBD, Sawyer County, WI
• May 17: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Ice Age Trail Center, Chippewa County, WI
• May 29: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Minocqua Municipal Building, Oneida County, WI
• May 31: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Stephenson Town Hall, Marinette County, WI
• June 1-8: National Fishing and Boating Week
• June 1-8: Michigan Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week
• June 7-8: Michigan Free Fishing Weekend
• June 7: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Whitefish Dunes State Park Nature Center, Door County, WI
• June 7: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Location TBD, Wood County, WI
• June 12: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Three Lakes Town Hall, Oneida County, WI
• June 12: Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Event
• June 19: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Northwest Lakes Conference/Telemark Resort, Washburn County, WI
• June 26: Wisconsin Clean Boats, Clean Waters Workshop - Pelican Town Hall, Oneida County, WI
• July 17-20: Lake Superior Day Events
• July 19: Mall of America/Wildlife Forever/Izaak Walton League Event

List your Agency or Organization's Clean Boat Event Here

Contacts for Further Information:

Lisa Wojnarowski
Council of Great Lakes Governors
Office: 312-407-0177
[email protected]

James Schardt
U.S. EPA - Great Lakes National Program Office
Office: 312-353-5085
[email protected]