Pennsylvania Native Species Day AIS Boat Steward Training
May 25th, 2023
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Register Today
Pennsylvania has more than 84,000 miles of streams and shares five major watersheds with other states and Canada, all which could be exposed to harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). One of the main pathways for transfer of aquatic invasive species between waterbodies is recreational water vehicles (e.g. motor boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis). Boat stewards are critical in in teaching recreational water users about AIS and the practices that can help reduce the chances of spreading AIS during their recreational water activities.
Join Pennsylvania Sea Grant on May 25, 2023, at 12:00 PM Eastern to learn how you can organize a volunteer boat steward event at your lake or water access. The presentations will provide background information on how to organize a volunteer boat steward program, case studies of existing programs, and opportunities, such as the Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, where steward events are taking place statewide.
The May 25th, 2023, webinar will feature:
- Clean Boats, Clean Waters, Watercraft Inspection to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species – Sarah Whitney – Director, Pennsylvania Sea Grant – Learn why aquatic invasive species are such a threat in Pennsylvania and how boat inspection programs can be developed and implemented to minimize their risk of spread at boat launches and water access points. This presentation will share the what, the why, and the how of holding a successful program.
- Pymatuning Boat Steward Program– Stacie Hall – Assistant Manager, Pymatuning State Park–Now entering its 7th year, Pymatuning State Park has been running an invasive species boat steward program to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. Stacie Hall will be discussing the ongoing goals, results, and how to create a check station at your waterbody.
- CD3 Units – Kate Harms – Executive Director, Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS)- CD3 systems are waterless, boater-operated and provide the tools needed to empower day-boaters to clean, drain, and dry their watercraft and trailer. Kate will provide an overview of the CD3 unit and how it can be used as a prevention tool at boat access points in Pennsylvania.
- AIS Resources and Opportunities for Boat Stewards- Sara Stahlman- Extension Leader, Pennsylvania Sea Grant- Pennsylvania Sea Grant provides education resources and opportunities for those doing educational and outreach programming on AIS. Learn about resources, materials, and giveaway’s Pennsylvania Sea Grant can provide to support your boat steward event. Also learn about opportunities such as the Great Lakes AIS landing blitz, where your event can count towards a bi-national effort to spread the word about AIS prevention.
Presentations will be followed by a Q&A session. The webinar will be recorded and shared via Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s YouTube page.
Contact Sara Stahlman for details or questions at sng121@psu.edu.
