Aquatic Invasive Species Program

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.