Warmer weather is coming, and more people will be out on the water.
The City of Mountlake Terrace urges anglers, boaters and paddleboarders to do their part this summer to fight back against the aquatic invasive species threatening Lake Ballinger and other local lakes.
The city and the Snohomish Conservation District are hosting a “Clean-Drain-Dry” event from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 25, at the Ballinger Park boat launch. Staff will show people how to identify invasive plants and animals and how to manage their boats, fishing gear and other equipment. They’ll also answer questions about the new boat launch, floating dock and fishing pier.
“We want everyone to enjoy the new dock and fishing pier, and we also want them to avoid giving free rides to invasive species,” said Laura Reed, the city’s Stormwater Program Manager. “Boats are one way that unwanted species move between waters.”
Just a tiny fragment of an invasive plant can create an expensive, long-term infestation. It’s key to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment every time, she said.
Fragrant water lily, Eurasian watermilfoil, and curly leaf pondweed are invasive plant species known to infest Lake Ballinger.
What is Clean Drain Dry?
- CLEAN visible aquatic plants, animals and mud from all equipment before leaving the water access point.
- DRAIN watercraft bilge and other water-containing devices before leaving.
- DRY everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
For more information on how to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit www.cityofmlt.com/370/Invasive-Species for a short video, or check out www.stopaquatichitchhikers.org. To learn more about aquatic invasive species here, visit the Washington Invasive Species Council at www.invasivespecies.wa.gov.
For more information, contact Laura Reed, Stormwater Program Manager, at 425-744-6226, or at lreed@mltwa.gov.
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