Stewardship Program
The mission of AWI’s AIS Spread Prevention Program commonly known as the Stewardship Program is to prevent the introduction of new invasive species into Adirondack waters and to prevent the spread of established invasive species between Adirondack waters following Clean, Drain, Dry best practices. AWI accomplishes this mission by providing voluntary boat inspections, free boat wash stations, and public education. These activities are conducted by trained Watercraft Inspection Stewards often referred to as “boat stewards” located at public boat launches and roadside sites throughout the Adirondack Park from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, with selected locations open until Indigenous Peoples Day in early October.
Boat stewards may also issue Watercraft Inspection Certificates mandated by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) (Environmental Conservation Law section 9-1710) that all motorized watercraft launching into public waterbodies in the Adirondacks, and within 10 miles of the Adirondack Park Blue Line, to follow Clean, Drain, Dry requirements.
AWI accomplishes its mission with funding by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund in partnership with DEC and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), as well as local government, lake associations, regional environmental organizations, and individuals committed to protecting the waters of the Adirondack Park.
Explore the Adirondack Invasive Species Distribution Map to see what invasive species are where!
Boat Wash & Decontamination
The hot water pressure washer units will provide a safe mechanism to disinfect exterior surfaces, including hulls, propeller units, trailers, and top decking. For interior, sensitive locations, such as bilges, a low pressure flush will be used. Equipment such as fishing gear and floatation devices will be soaked in hot water using low pressure. Stewards will work with boat owners to ensure proper hull disinfection without any damage to the boat, its components or any equipment.
Stewardship Program Reports
