Invasive Aquatic PLANTS spread from lake to lake by "hitchhiking" on boats & trailers.

Make sure they’re not getting a free ride on your boat!

STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! LIKE EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL PRESERVE MAINE WATERS

One of the most effective actions we can take to keep our precious lake clean is to make sure the boats we launch do not have any invasive plants on them. Scroll down to learn about two way that you can help: “Clean. Drain. Dry.” and “Courtesy Boat Inspections".

Help spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors. And if you rent your property, be sure your renters are aware of the importance of complying with “Clean. Drain. Dry.” and that they know where the launches with Courtesy Boat Inspectors are on the lake; do not let them launch a boat from your property. (See the list of CBI locations below.)

CLEAN. DRAIN. DRY. IT’S THE LAW.

All boaters who use Maine lakes, ponds, rivers and streams are required to do their part to help protect Maine waters and stop aquatic hitchhikers. To learn more about “Clean Drain Dry” and invasive aquatic species that pose a serious threat in Maine, visit maine.gov/dep/water/invasives

Do your part to protect Lake Cobbossee and all Maine waters from invasive plants and animals.

CLEAN any mud, plants, and animals from boat, trailer, motor and other equipment. Discard removed material in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of them washing back into the water.

DRAIN all water from boat, boat engine, and other equipment away from the lake.

DRY everything that comes into contact with the water (including your boat, trailer and equipment.) Dry everything in the sun for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.

AVOID FINES by making sure that you are not transporting aquatic plants:

  • fines up to $2,500 for transporting any aquatic plant

  • fines up to $500 for failing to affix the invasive species sticker to your motorized craft (including seaplanes). To learn about the sticker and purchase yours, click here.

To report a violation, call DEP at 800-452-4664