Watercraft Decontamination

A woman sprays a boat's propeller with a high pressure jet of water.

Find a Public Access Greeter Station near you with a watercraft decontamination station, see the AIS Map.

Decontamination of watercraft to prevent the overland transport of aquatic invasives is considered to be a very effective spread prevention tool. Beginning in 2016, several watercraft decontamination stations will be operated by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and local Public Access Greeters around the state. Courtesy decontaminations will be offered to those boaters looking to ensure that they are not carrying aquatic hitchhikers on their watercraft.

Cooperative Boat Wash Program

Car and trailered boat being washed in self-service car wash

In addition to the dedicated boat wash stations, boaters on and around Lake Champlain can also have their watercraft washed at one of the many carwashes in the Champlain basin that participate in our Cooperative Boat Wash Program. The program is designed to help boaters find local car wash stations that are suitable for pressure washing boats, trailers and other equipment. Watercraft and equipment should always be cleaned after use to avoid involuntary transport of invasive plants and animals!

Before moving boats between waterbodies:

CLEAN off any mud, plants, and animals from boat, trailer, motor and other equipment. Discard removed material in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of them washing into any water body.
DRAIN all water from boat, boat engine, and other equipment away from the water.
DRY anything that comes into contact with the water. Drying boat, trailer and equipment in the sun for at least five days is recommended if rinsing your boat, trailer parts and other equipment with hot, high pressure water is not an option.