I met a boat steward for the first time last weekend. Launching from the marina at Sturgeon Point — the sunrise was stunning — we were among the first boats in the water. Three men were working the launch lanes, covering the distribution of bag ice and live bait, collecting the marina launch fee, and directing boat traffic. We fished not far from the launch, about 5 miles out toward the Canadian line, and in short order, we collected our daily limit of six walleyes apiece, or 18 walleyes in all. When we returned to the marina, we were astonished to see that more than 100 boat trailers were now in the lower and upper parking lot. It was great to see that at least one local marina resource is aware of the need for public boat trailer parking.

As we pulled the boat out, we were directed to use the tie-down area adjacent to the launch. A young lady with a wonderful smile and warm greeting had joined us to ask how we were doing. Then, she asked for one minute to tell us about a program conducted by the NYSDEC called “Clean, Drain, Dry.” Her name was Caitlyn, and she requested our permission to visually inspect the exterior of the boat and trailer for invasive species, the focus of the program. Of course, we said “Sure,” as we finished putting away the fishing gear.

In less than one minute, Caitlyn found multiple invasive species on board, that were mainly attached to trailer parts at the boat launch, in the form of numerous weed varieties. She went on to say that she was here to share why it’s essential to remove the weeds we see hanging on the trailer and boat after coming from the water, and to drain the live well and any bait tanks on board.

“These are the types of weeds we are trying to prevent transfer of from one body of water to another: weeds like Hydrilla, Eurasian milfoil and others,” she said. “Live fish, too, like round gobies, and other species like zebra mussels.”

Our boat steward inspection found multiple weed species hanging from the trailer and advised us to clean them off before leaving the marina. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

She added more details by naming the weed species as she cleaned off the trailer, but added information on the zebra mussels and gobies, saying, “We call them aquatic invasive species.”

Her message was clear. She asked if we could make it a habit to remove any AIS that clings to the boat, trailer, waders, bait-buckets, and even in the water in the live well itself. After her visit, I looked the program up online to discover that Clean-Drain-Dry is NYS law (6 NYCRR Part 576). You must clean, drain, treat/dry your equipment before launching into public waters. In the Adirondack Park and within 10 miles of the Blue-Line, you are required to carry a certification demonstrating that these steps have been taken, either via an inspection at a steward station or a self-issued certificate.

Look for the boat stewards in blue vests at over 220 launch sites that can assist with inspection, offer decon services and provide certificates. Look for the boat wash stations; they have one at the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor boat launch — these help with flushing the live well, trailer rinsing and decontamination.

Two years ago, stewards conducted more than 219,000 watercraft inspections and intercepted over 11,000 aquatic invasive plants and animals while raising awareness about AIS and fostering stewardship of New York’s waters. The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation works collaboratively with DEC’s Watercraft Inspection Steward Program, operating approximately 30 sites located at state park ramps.

Lastly, Caitlyn asked us one question: “Now that you know, can you please help others understand how this works?” We all agreed. For our time in education with her, we were provided with a “clean-drain-dry” towel.

Online, the program has many more details, asking all water recreationists to be advised to follow these steps to help prevent the spread of AIS:

≤ Clean mud, plants and animals off boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment (trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights, transducers and license plates; motor props; waders; diving gear; anchors; etc.) and discard the material in a trash can or at a disposal station.

≤ Drain all water-holding compartments, including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas, before leaving an access site.

≤ Dry everything thoroughly before using boats or equipment in another waterbody; drying times can vary, but five to seven days in dry, warm conditions is recommended.

≤ When there’s no time to dry between uses, disinfect boats and equipment with hot water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit or visit a decontamination site.

≤ Pick up a Clean. Drain. Dry towel and a Protect Your Waters sticker from one of the stewards as a reminder to take these preventive steps.

≤ Use certified bait that is noninvasive and disease-free.

≤ Do not dump aquarium contents in any waterbodies, drainage ditches or sewers.

Boaters may perform Clean-Drain-Dry steps themselves and then complete a self-issued certificate (PDF) to be printed and carried by boat users.

All New York residents and visitors have a role to play in protecting state waters from invasive species. For more details, visit the DEC website for specific steps on how to clean, drain, dry boats, fishing gear, and other equipment. A step-by-step guide for cleaning boats and equipment of AIS with video can also be found on the DEC YouTube channel. If you want to contact a boat steward, look here: https://on.ny.gov.boatstewardmap.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Aug. 16: Innovative Outdoors Walleye Challenge (Dunkirk), Jim Steel, 716-481-5348; https://innovative-outdoors.com/. Weigh-in is open to the public, Clarion Pavilion, 5 p.m.

Aug. 17: Chautauqua Lake Bassmasters 2025 Bass for Cash Open II, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Prendergast Boat Launch. $200 Entry. Tournament Director: 716-708-0330.

Aug. 22-23: WNY Walleye Association; Lake Erie Walleye Tournament; $250 entry, Fish Donkey format, Rick Malik, 716-548-8219 or Ron Kucinski, 716-545-5925.

Aug. 30: Labor Day Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, sporting and 5-Stand, NSCA registered, 780 Overhiser Road, Silver Creek; 716-934-4028.