Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz

Each summer boaters and anglers are drawn to Pennsylvania’s waterways, lakes, and Lake Erie. Whether coming from within the state or neighboring states, an unexpected and often unseen problem may be tagging along – aquatic invasive species (AIS). Aquatic invasive species, like the Round Goby, the fast-growing aquatic plant Hydrilla, or the Zebra Mussel can attach to boats, trailers, and other recreational equipment. They can also be moved accidentally via bait buckets.

What’s the problem?

When moved between waterbodies, non-native species can establish and pose significant risk to native species and the aquatic ecosystem. They’re also expensive to manage, costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year in control efforts.

What’s the solution?

Preventing the spread of AIS is the best way to protect aquatic ecosystems and native species. The Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, celebrating its eighth year, is organized to help solve the problem of accidental spread of AIS.

The 2026 Blitz runs June 29 through July 12 – What to Expect

Each year, volunteers, state agencies, lake associations, and watercraft inspectors host demonstrations, set up inspection stations, and meet one-on-one with boaters and anglers at popular boat launches – all to increase awareness about AIS, ways they are spread, and share techniques to prevent their spread. The activities are organized across the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s Extension Leader, Sara Stahlman, works with partners to organize and host Blitz events in Pennsylvania. This year 18 different events will take place across the state, in partnership with the Crawford County Conservation District, Erie Port Authority, PA DCNR, PA Fish & Boat Commission, Pike and Wayne County Conservation Districts, and Shenango River Watchers.

Pennsylvania locations include the Allegheny River, Beltzville State Park, Black Moshannon State Park, the Clarion River, Glendale Lake at the Beaver Valley Marina, Goddard State Park at Lake Wilhelm, Kahle Lake, Lake Erie at Lampe Marina, Lake Wallenpaupack at the Mangan Cove Access, Pymatuning State Park/Pymatuning Lake, Pymatuning State Park/Shenango River, and the Shenengo River at Riverside park.

Visit the Great Lakes Landing Blitz interactive map to see exact locations, dates and times, and contact information.