LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed June 30-July 7 as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. The Michigan departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development and many partners have organized more than 75 AIS Landing Blitz events at boating access sites across the state, aimed at helping boaters comply with new laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives.

Those planning to enjoy the Great Lakes or any of Michigan’s rivers or inland lakes are encouraged to follow simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil or New Zealand mudsnail:

– Don’t launch or transport watercraft or trailers unless they are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.

– Don’t transport watercraft without removing all drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells.

– Don’t release unused bait into the water.