Ways to GET INVOLVED locally!
Clean Boats, Clean
Waters (CBCW): The Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, sponsored by the
Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, offers a series of training workshops across the
state each spring and summer. This is one of the largest volunteer programs in
the state of Wisconsin when it comes to AIS monitoring! These workshops provide
an opportunity to learn how and why educational awareness is so important in
preventing the spread of AIS. During the CBCW workshop,
resource professionals provide an overview of aquatic invasive species and
instructions on how to organize an effective watercraft inspection program.
Participants also practice how to have engaging conversation with boaters at
the landing through role-playing. There is no cost to attend the workshop.
Citizen Lake Monitoring
Network (CLMN): The Citizen Lake Monitoring Network creates a bond
between 1000+ citizen volunteers statewide and the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership.
The goals are to collect high-quality Lake monitoring data, educate and empower
volunteers, and share data to inform lake managers. CLMN staff provide
volunteers with the necessary equipment and training to conduct these
monitoring activities. Volunteers provide their time, expertise, energy, and a
willingness to share information with their fellow lake residents or other lake
users. The information gathered by these monitoring programs is used by WI-DNR
and university biologists and researchers, UW-Extension, and other
stakeholders. CLMN volunteers collect information on Water Quality, Water Clarity,
Ice On/Off, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Native Plant Species.
Project RED (Riverine
Early Detectors): Project RED is a River Alliance of Wisconsin program
focused on the monitoring and mapping of invasive species in Wisconsin Rivers.
During a Project RED training you will learn which invasive species threaten
your local rivers, how to differentiate them from native look-a-likes. Project
RED monitoring can be done by canoe, kayak, or on foot. We will help you choose
priority monitoring locations and a monitoring schedule that are convenient to
you and your group. You will also be provided with online data management tools
through the Wisconsin DNR SWIMS database. There is no cost to attend this
training.
Snapshot Day:
Snapshot day is another River Alliance of Wisconsin event that takes place one
Saturday in August. This daylong event is a STATEWIDE effort for the early
detection of invasive species. Volunteers who turn out for this event will be
provided with quick hour-long training in aquatic invasive identification and
collects. After that you will be left to investigate your neighborhood waters
and collect important information on any potential spread of invasive species.
Volunteers usually spend about 4 hours of the day total including training.
Purple Loosestrife
Bio Control: This year we are hoping to find a few more volunteers to help
us with our Purple Loosestrife Bio Control project in both Washington and
Waukesha Counties. Volunteers will help with digging up Purple Loosestrife
plants for potting and growing in spring. They will also help rear the beetles
and help disperse them when they are ready to relocate! Must be flexible as the
timeline is determined by weather, especially in the spring. Be prepared to get
dirty and learn a TON!
YouTube - Protect our waters from aquatic hitchhikers!
*Monitoring and reporting locations of invasive species is vital to preventing the spread of aquatic invaders.