You pull into the launch, unload your kayak, and get ready for a beautiful day on the water. Before your paddle hits the surface, there’s one simple step that can help protect the lakes, rivers, and streams you came to enjoy.
Aquatic invasive species, or AIS, are non-native plants, animals, and other organisms that can spread from one waterway to another on boats, trailers, paddles, fishing gear, waders, boots, and other outdoor equipment. Once introduced, they can disrupt ecosystems, impact fish and wildlife habitat, clog waterways, and make recreation more difficult.
That’s why the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, also known as SLELO PRISM, encourages visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to clean, drain, and dry their gear and take simple prevention steps through the Pledge to Protect.
Get Involved
Looking for a way to help protect local lands and waters? SLELO PRISM offers seasonal programs, workshops, guided outings, volunteer events, and hands-on learning opportunities throughout the year.To explore upcoming opportunities, find event details, and sign up.SLELO PRISM events calendar to explore upcoming opportunities, find event details, and sign up.
Prevention is Simple
You can help stop the spread of AIS by following the Clean. Drain. Dry. method every time you leave the water:
- Clean boats, trailers, paddles, and gear of any visible plant or animal debris.
- Drain all water-holding compartments including bait buckets and live wells.
- Dry your equipment thoroughly before visiting another body of water.
To see the full collection of tools and educational materials, including brochures, training videos, and outreach assets, explore the complete Water Protectors Virtual Toolbox and find the resources that support your stewardship journey.
Notable Resources:
NYS Public Boat Launches with Boat Stewards or Decontamination Services
Use this interactive map to find New York State public boat launches that offer boat steward or decontamination services. Before heading out on the water, visitors can check nearby launch sites for available prevention support, helping them clean, drain, and dry their boats and gear to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Clean, Drain, Dry with the NYSDEC
Use NYSDEC’s Clean, Drain, Dry guide to learn simple steps for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. The resource explains how boaters, paddlers, anglers, and other water recreationists can check, clean, drain, dry, and disinfect boats and gear before visiting another waterbody
Be the Ripple
Whether you’re paddling through quiet waters, hiking along a lakeshore, or simply enjoying the view, your actions matter. Aquatic invasive species are a growing threat, but with awareness and small steps, we can protect the places we love. It all starts with one simple step. Take the Pledge to Protect and be the ripple that makes a lasting impact.