b'E N V I R O N M E N TA LAWA R E N E S SEnvironmentalAwarenessPHOTO CREDIT - MARK CHANSKIWhat can I do to Clean, Drain, Dry MethodBEFORE LEAVING THE LAUNCH:prevent the spread ofClean: remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.non-native species?Drain: eliminates water from equipment, such as a live well, before transporting.CAT HOME PRIOR TO YOUR NEXT LAUNCH:onnecticut offers a wide variety of boating opportunities. Dry: anything that comes into contact with water (boats, Whether your boating preference is fresh water lakes andtrailers, anchors, propellers, fishing equipment, clothing, etc.) for a ponds or the salty water of Long Island Sound, you should beminimum of one week.aware that aquatic invasive species have entered CT waters and may If drying isnt possible, wash your vessel with the options be here to stay. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plantsbelow.or animals that tend to grow at a rate such that they can displace Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water beneficial native species, disrupt the ecosystem and drasticallyunless they came out of that body of water.reduce recreational activities, including swimming. Freshwater Dispose any unused bait in an upland trash.aquatic invasive plants can form a dense mat just below the waters surface, which interferes with boating, swimming and otherHow Can I Clean My Boat to Prevent recreational activities. the Spread? Thesespecies may have been introduced when large cargo ships took on ballast water in foreign waters and discharged in Dry equipment for a minimum of one week (hot/dry weather) US waters. Steps are being taken nationally to minimize theseand a minimum of four weeks (cool/wet weather) before entering introductions. If a vessel sits at a dock for too long, growth can occurnew waters.on the hull, as well as bilge areas, live wells, or other places that mayOR. Wash with hot water, preferable high pressure.collect water are good hiding places for AIS to hitchhike between Dip equipment into 100% vinegar for 20 minutes prior to ports or waterbodies. Local boaters can help by removing the speciesrinsing.on their boats and trailers and properly preparing and maintaining Use a 1% salt solution and leave on for 24 hours prior to their boats bottom. You can help prevent new introductions ofrinsing (2/3 cups of salt to 5 gallons of water).invasive plants and animals: Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear.Wet with bleach solution (1 oz. per gallon) or soap and hot water (Lysol, boat soap, etc.) for 10 minutes prior to rinsing.522020 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'