Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute (PSC AWI) is offering free boat inspections and decontaminations at more than 60 locations across the Adirondack region to help the public stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. PSC AWI is implementing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention Program to help the public observe the New York State Aquatic Invasive Species spread prevention law which prohibits invasive plants and animals on boats launching into New York State lakes, ponds and rivers. The program includes decontamination stations and boat inspection locations at popular boat launches throughout the Adirondacks. 

DEC is spotlighting New York’s newest and highest profile boat inspection and decontamination station at the Adirondacks Welcome Center on Interstate 87 northbound near Exit 18 in Glens Falls. This newly constructed station provides easily accessible services at a gateway to the Adirondacks and will save boaters time when they arrive at their favorite launch site. PSC AWI staff will inspect boats, educate visitors about aquatic invasive species, and decontaminate any boat to meet the Clean, Drain, and Dry standard required by New York State. 

The boat inspection and decontamination stations are cooperatively funded by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, USEPA-Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Lake Champlain Basin Program, numerous Lake Associations, private foundations, and municipalities. 

Information about inspection and decontamination station locations, aquatic invasive species ecology and steps the public can take to maintain the quality of New York’s waterways is at www.adkcleanboats.org. 

The mission of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to protect clean water, conserve habitat and support the health and well-being of the people in the Adirondacks through science, collaboration, and real-world experiences for students.