British Columbia - Boaters around the province are being asked to participate in an on-line survey conducted by the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC). It is part of the provincial Clean, Drain, Dry initiative that rolled out earlier this spring.
The two-year Clean, Drain, Dry program is designed to help stop the introduction and spread of invasive species in BC. In year one, the Council is hoping to improve future programming by learning more about boater’s attitudes and behaviors. Accordingly, the on-line boat-use survey is a tool to obtain this information. All boaters are encouraged to fill out and submit the survey. Participating boaters will be entered into a draw to win a prize.
“We want to encourage as many people who own a boat and enjoy recreating on our lakes in British Columbia to take the survey so we can get a real accurate picture on boater behavior.” explains Gail Wallin, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Council of BC. “Any one who submits the survey (on-line or in person) will have a chance to win an iPad.”
The primary focus of Clean, Drain, Dry is to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species into BC’s lakes and rivers by changing boater behavior so that they will clean, drain and dry their boat prior to launching into different body of water. Working in partnership with regional invasive species committees across the province, the Invasive Species Council of BC launched Clean, Drain, and Dry in 12 locations across British Columbia.
The boat-use survey can be completed on line at: www.bcinvasives.ca/special-events/take-the-boat-use-survey-for-a-chance-to-win-an-ipad - just click on the survey link.
Help stop the spread this summer and be on the alert for invasive species.
Quick Facts:Eurasian Watermilfoil spreads quickly by boats and equipment. Dense mats crowd out native plants and interfere with recreation.Parrotfeather forms a dense floating mat that can clog irrigation ducts and canals, and tangle in boat propellers. It shades out and kills native vegetation.Didymo or “rock snot” blooms along the bottom of freshwater rivers and streams. It can reduce food sources for fish and impedes recreation.Zebra & Quagga Mussels are fresh water mussels that attach to boats and objects on the lake floor, and cling to pipes of water treatment and power plants. They disrupt ecosystems with large monocultures. They are NOT YET IN BC.