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 is a series of public outreach events organized to help solve the problem of accidental spread of AIS by meeting boaters and anglers where they’re at – at boat launches, of course.

Each year, across the Great Lakes states and Canadian provices, volunteers, state agencies, lake associations, and watercraft inspectors participate in the “Blitz”. Blitz events include on site demonstrations, species identification tips, inspection and cleaning methods for motorized and non-motorized boats and fishing gear — all to ensure no invasive species are being transported between water bodies.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s Extension Leader, Sara Stahlman, works with partners to organize and host Blitz events in Pennsylvania. Events 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, Shenango River Watchers, with additional partners being added.

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. Additional locations are continually considered and added.

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

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