Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, is highlighting the importance of stopping the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) during the week of May 4-10. ANS Awareness Week in North Dakota is intended to further educate visitors on the potential risk to public health, property and the economy from the negative impacts associated with ANS to ultimately stop the introduction and spread of ANS in the state’s waterways.
Nuisance, or invasive, species are aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, displace native species, and cause significant disturbance to the areas they are present. Park visitors play a vital role in helping prevent the spread of invasive species across North Dakota through some quick and easy tasks:
- Clean your gear: Before leaving a body of water, thoroughly clean all equipment such as boats, kayaks, fishing gear, and any other gear that comes into contact with water. Remove all plants, mud, and debris.
- Drain water: Drain all water from boats, motors, bilges, and live wells before leaving the area.
- Dry gear: Allow all gear to completely dry before using it in another body of water.
- Dispose of bait properly: Never release unused bait into the water.
- Stay informed: Learn about the ANS species in the park you're visiting and follow any guidelines or regulations provided by park staff.
With most state parks offering water access across North Dakota, visitors are reminded to help protect all waterways by practicing responsible watercraft use. As outdoor recreation kicks into gear this year, it's more important than ever to clean, drain, and dry all boats and gear between every use.
To support these efforts, Lake Metigoshe State Park features a convenient watercraft cleaning station—developed in partnership with the ND Game and Fish Department—allowing anglers and boaters to easily rinse off equipment and reduce the risk of spreading invasive species. At Grahams Island State Park, an innovative Internet Landing Installed Device Sensor (ILIDS) at the boat ramps detects incoming watercraft and plays a helpful reminder: remove all aquatic plants and animals before and after launching.
Failing to properly drain water from boats and gear can lead to the accidental spread of ANS, which poses serious threats to local ecosystems and water quality.
“Our best defense in the fight against invasive species is a commitment from water users to clean, drain, and dry all equipment after every use,” said Kathy Duttenhefner, Natural Resources Division Chief at NDPRD. “These small actions have a big impact on preserving North Dakota’s waters, forests, and wildlife.”
The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.