Clean, Drain, Dry. Every waterbody. Every time.





Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife





*mefishwildlife.com*






Clean, Drain, Dry

It's what boaters do to protect Maine's waters.

Mainers and visitors alike treasure our beautiful lakes, ponds, and rivers. They are the heart of our unforgettable summers, whether it's diving in to cool off on a hot day, paddling away the stress of life, listening to a loon call, or reeling in a fish.

*That's why boaters and paddlers in Maine are proud to take the extra steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:*

weeds on prop
CLEAN

*Clean *off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your boat, motor, trailer, and equipment before leaving the water access site. 

Dispose of the debris in a trash receptacle or a responsible location away from the water. "Fines of up to $2,500 may be imposed for transporting any aquatic plants on a public road."



draining boat
DRAIN

Drain your boat before launching and after loading, by moving your boat away from the ramp and shoreline to a location where drained water cannot flow back into the lake, river, or pond. Be sure to drain bilges, live wells, ballast tanks, water trapped within your motor, and remove all hull drain plugs. If you're using a jet boat or personal watercraft (PWC), run the engine for 5–10 seconds to blow out excess water and vegetation from the internal drive before leaving the access site.



drying kayak
DRY

Allow boats and equipment to dry completely before using them in a different waterbody.

 

"Maine law requires that, prior to entering and when preparing to leave an inland waterbody, boaters must remove or open any devices (such as hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, or ballast tanks) designed to allow water to drain. This must be done in a manner that prevents drained water from entering any inland waters of the state. Live bait containers are excluded. "



*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Reminders for Those Visiting Vacationland

Those visiting Maine are reminded to clean, drain, and dry before crossing state lines. The transport of any aquatic plant or parts of any aquatic plant, on the outside of a vehicle, boat, personal watercraft, boat trailer or other equipment on a public road is prohibited. Fines of up to $2,500 may be imposed for transporting any aquatic plants. 

Non-Maine registered watercraft that are properly registered in another state and display a valid registration do not need to be registered in Maine, provided the watercraft is not kept in Maine for more than 60 consecutive days after a change in the state of principal use. However, these watercraft are still required by law to have a Lake and River Protection Sticker [ [link removed] ]. The fee for the sticker is $59.

*How to Purchase a Lake and River Protection Sticker:*

In-person purchases can be made at many authorized agents throughout the state. Click here [ [link removed] ] for a list of participating agents. 

If visiting an agent is not possible, boaters may complete and submit this form [ [link removed] ] to request a sticker by mail. Once the transaction is processed, a confirmation email will be sent. Boaters should keep a copy of this confirmation with them until their sticker arrives and is affixed to their watercraft. "Please plan for at least two weeks for your stickers to arrive once your transaction is processed."

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Clean Drain Dry [ [link removed] ]
What is an aquatic invasive species and why should I care?

Imagine heading out for a peaceful day of boating and swimming, only to find the water clogged with invasive plants. Or to your favorite fishing spot, where you discover your choice fish species is struggling to survive as a newly introduced invasive fish is beginning to thrive. This is the reality when aquatic invasive species take over.

An aquatic invasive species is an unwelcome guest in our waters – any fish, wildlife, or plant that is known to spread to waters they are not native to and cause environmental or economic harm.

Unfortunately, once an aquatic invasive species has established in a body of water, it is extremely difficult for it to be eradicated. These efforts are costly, often risky, and not always successful and introductions have the potential to change our natural places and the way we enjoy them forever. Prevention is key. Clean, drain, dry. Every water. Every time. Learn more [ [link removed] ]. 



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Current Surface Use Restrictions

Portions of three central Maine waters have been closed to prevent the spread of an aquatic invasive plant species. At this time, no watercrafts may enter the closed areas unless for emergency situations or survey and removal efforts by MDIFW and MDEP. Remediation is underway. Please click the links below to view maps of the closed areas. Closed areas are marked with buoys.


* Portion of Androscoggin Lake, Wayne [ [link removed] ]
* Portion of Annabessacook Lake, Monmouth [ [link removed] ] 
* Portion of Cobbosseecontee Lake, Manchester [ [link removed] ]

Thank you for your cooperation in helping protect Maine's waters. Learn more about surface use restrictions.  [ [link removed] ]






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More information

Maine Boating Laws and Rules [ [link removed] ]

Boating Safety Information [ [link removed] ]

Purchase Your Lake and River Protection Sticker [ [link removed] ]

Online Boat Registration Renewal [ [link removed] ]

Boating Safety Courses [ [link removed] ]

Help Protect our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species [ [link removed] ]

Label Canoes and Kayaks with a If Found Sticker [ [link removed] ]








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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ·41 State House Station · Augusta, ME 04333-0041 · (207) 287-8000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]