By 1808Delaware
At Alum Creek Lake this summer, the message for boaters will be simple: clean, drain, and dry.
The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is joining regional partners for the annual Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, an international effort aimed at helping boaters and outdoor enthusiasts prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals. One of this year’s outreach locations is in Delaware County. Volunteers will be at the Howard Boat Ramp at Alum Creek State Park, 5940 Howard Road in Delaware, on July 10 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
The local event is part of a broader Great Lakes-wide effort running June 29 through July 12, with programs taking place at boat ramps, marinas, and public spaces across Ohio and the region.
Why It Matters
Aquatic invasive species can pose serious risks to Ohio’s waterways, economy, and outdoor recreation. These plants and animals can clog boat propellers, overtake lakes and waterways, damage infrastructure, and compete with native species for food and habitat. Many spread as “aquatic hitchhikers,” moving from one body of water to another on boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment. That makes boaters a key line of defense.
The Landing Blitz encourages anyone leaving the water to take three basic steps before heading to another lake, river, or stream:
- Clean all plants, animals, and mud from boats and equipment.
- Drain water from bilges, live wells, ballast tanks, and other water-holding areas.
- Dry boats and gear completely before entering another body of water.
Local Partners At Alum Creek
The Alum Creek Lake event will include the Ohio Clean Marinas Program and DEL-CO Water Company. Amy Torrey-Rinehart of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is listed as the local contact for the event.
The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a partnership of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, the Ohio Coastal Management Program, and Ohio Sea Grant. Visitors at Landing Blitz locations may encounter invasive species education activities, boat inspections, interactive naturalist programs, and species identification demonstrations.
A Summer Reminder For Boaters
For many central Ohio residents, Alum Creek Lake is a favorite warm-weather destination for boating, fishing, paddling, and shoreline recreation. The Landing Blitz arrives during peak boating season, when even small habits can help protect local waterways. The message is especially relevant at busy launch sites, where boats may travel between multiple lakes in a short period of time.
By taking a few minutes to clean, drain, and dry equipment, boaters can help keep invasive species from gaining a foothold in Ohio waters. More information, including a full list of events in Ohio and across the Great Lakes region, is available through the Great Lakes Commission’s AIS Landing Blitz page.
Source: ODNR; Image by Fran Dekkers from Pixabay
