The people who help check and monitor boats for invasive species had a busy first month on the job this year, preventing nearly 300 incidents of possible invasive species being introduced into Adirondack waters.

The Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program intercepted 284 invasive species. The watershed stewards who man 55 boat launches around northern New York inspected 8,450 boats of all kinds in their first month of the season.

Of note were boats attempting to launch in Long Lake and Upper Saranac Lake that were found to have zebra mussels and curly leaf pond weed, both invasive species to the area. Neither is currently found in either of the lakes.

“We are seeing high visitation and finding comparatively high levels of materials on boats we’ve inspected,” said Eric Holmlund, director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute’s Stewardship Program. “This AIS transport rate is higher than usual for this early in the growing season. We request that boat operators do the right thing and inspect and clean their own watercraft before and after each and every use.”

“With numerous voluntary boat inspection and wash stations positioned throughout the region, it has never been easier for Adirondack boaters to comply with New York state’s AIS transport regulation,” said Brendan Quirion, who is the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant program coordinator. “Before getting on the water, boaters can visit one of the program’s free wash stations. In 15 minutes or less staff will have your boat clean, drained, and treated; preventing any chance of accidently introducing an AIS into your favorite lake or river.”

To learn more about washing boats and where boat washes are located, visit www.adkcleanboats.com.