Department reminds boaters to clean, drain and dry this holiday weekend

Requirements designed to prevent the introduction of invasive species in New Mexico

SANTA FE — Clean, drain and dry: these three words represent requirements for boating in New Mexico and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife, along with New Mexico State Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and other stakeholders are asking boaters to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY their boats to stop the spread of harmful invasive mussels. Boaters should be prepared for mandatory inspections throughout the state designed to help ensure that New Mexico's waters remain mussel-free.

An Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is any non-native plant, animal or pathogen that can harm our economy, environment and the health of humans, animals or plants. The New Mexico Department of Wildlife, along with state, federal and private partners, are working diligently to stop the spread of AIS.

"Trying to keep AIS species out of our waterbodies is a big task, but with the public's help, it is much more achievable. Each boat owner we can converse with allows us to teach proper 'Clean, Drain, Dry' techniques and provide education information that can be passed on to others," said James Dominiguez, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Wildlife.

Of particular concern is the invasion of New Mexico's lakes and water by zebra and quagga mussels. The spread of these mussels not only poses a risk to the state's native aquatic wildlife, but also to all water-based recreation, including boating and fishing, as well as to all surface water delivery systems, including municipal water supplies, hydroelectric power generation and irrigation for farming and agriculture.

Currently, there is no known method for successfully eradicating these mussels, resulting in enormous management costs that could be passed along to New Mexicans. In a water-dry state like ours, mussel infestations can affect everyone. This is why it is unlawful in New Mexico to knowingly transport AIS into or within its borders.

All boats are required to stop for a free inspection when check stations are in operation. All out-of-state boats or any boats re-entering the state must obtain an inspection prior to being launched or exposed to any waterbody in the state. The Department is manning inspection stations at several lakes this summer in partnership with other agencies, including Navajo, Elephant Butte, Ute and Conchas lakes.

How to clean, drain and dry:

The Department urges all boaters to follow three simple steps every time they leave the water:

CLEAN: Remove all plants, mud and debris from the boat, trailer and equipment.

DRAIN: Drain all water from the hull, live wells, bilge and motors by lowering the lower unit. Leave the drain plug out during transport.

DRY: Allow the watercraft to dry completely before launching in a different body of water.

Do not transfer live gamefish from one waterbody to another.

For more information on boat inspection locations and how you can help keep the state free of aquatic invasive species, please visit the Department's AIS webpage. For boating rules and regulations, visit the New Mexico State Parks website.