Nature Lovers, Beware: Boating and Hiking Can Spread Invasive Species

Officials have warned boaters and anglers to beware of spreading invasive species in light of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

To avoid furthering invasive species like zebra mussels or Eurasian watermilfoil, boats and equipment should be thoroughly drained and cleaned before being taken out of the water, according to Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials.

These precautions are important since transporting boats over land commonly spreads invasive species, Kim Bogenschutz, DNR aquatic invasive species program coordinator, told The Associated Press.

The species can infiltrate Iowa's lakes and rivers and cause problems for the natural ecosystem, officials said.

Boats and equipment should be taken out of the water and allowed to dry for at least five days before being transported for boating and fishing elsewhere.

Michigan officials are also advising people to be careful not to spread invasive species while enjoying the state's natural resources.

"There are many ways to transport invasive species," Nick Popoff, natural resources manager for Fisheries Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, told the Detroit Free Press. "Boats, especially in the summer season, are an important vector to be aware of. But there are many others. So, the more our residents can be aware, the better."

Besides thoroughly cleaning their boats, anglers should make sure not to leave anything behind after fishing. Nothing should be dumped in the water--not even leftover bait.

"Some bait are invasive species themselves," Doug Pearsall, senior conservation scientist with the Nature Conservancy of Michigan, told the Free Press. "Be aware of what the regulations are and the best practices are for handling of bait. People can even talk to their bait store owners about what to do or not to do."

For hiking enthusiasts, officials say the best plan is to stick to the beaten path since the more they wander, the more likely they are to pick up seeds from invasive plants and take them back home. Boots and clothing should be brushed off before being worn on another hike.