In an effort to stop the spread of invasive species in Ontario lakes, the province has tips on how boaters can be part of the solution. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says keep your boat clean including the bottom where mussels and plants can hide. A good idea is to clean the hull with hot tap water. When boating and you’re going through plants, avoid running your engine if possible so that plants don’t find their way into the motor.
And when you’re done for the day and are hauling your boat out the water, look for Zebra or quagga mussels that have latched themselves onto the hull. Also plants like Eurasian milfoil could entangle themselves in your motor or anchor so you need to get rid of them. The ministry says invasive species cause millions in damage to the economy and environment and it has a pamphlet on how boaters can help.
