Ohio Programs Educate Boaters on AIS Prevention

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 to prevent 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 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 the public’s 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 https://www.youtube.com/TheOhioDNR.