Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 51

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2019

photo-PA DCNR

photo-Stacie Hall, PA DCNR

we engage visitors to see
where they have been
boating and where they are
heading next," said Reese.
Now in its third year,
the program has yielded
more than 1,000 inspection
records so far, which
eventually will reveal
which plants are showing
up frequently at popular
fisheries. Participating
parks include Bald Eagle
State Park, Centre County,
Codorus State Park, York
County, Gifford Pinchot
State Park, York County,
Maurice K. Goddard State
Terry Hutchinson, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, applies Sonar at
Park, Mercer County,
Pymatuning Reservoir, Pymatuning State Park, Crawford County.
Moraine State Park, Butler
County, Prince Gallitzin
the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Raystown Lake is
State Park, Cambria County, Pymatuning State Park, Crawford
the largest lake wholly contained within Pennsylvania, drawing County, and Presque Isle State Park, Erie County.
thousands of visitors for boating and fishing each year. Sonar
"We know there is a high degree of movement of boats
technology used to map the locations and densities of hydrilla
between Pymatuning Reservoir and Lake Erie," said Reese. "So,
at the 8,300-acre flood control reservoir indicates it is in
the probability is high that if boaters are not careful, they will
Raystown Lake's coves and embayments, around all seven of its transport unwanted species between fisheries."
boat launches, and in both marinas.
"Pennsylvania is on the right track in trying to educate
"We'll never get rid of it," said Tara Whitsel, United
boaters," said Josh Giron, President of PA B.A.S.S. Nation, who
States Army Corps of Engineers Ranger and Environmental
suggested that agencies should take full advantage of Facebook,
Biologist. "That's not realistic or even conceivable, but we want Twitter, Instagram and other social media to raise awareness
to limit its spread."
about invasive species.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers, PA DCNR
"Vegetation is tough, because many anglers have a hard
and PFBC are working to educate the public about hydrilla
time identifying plants," said Giron. "They know the ones they
and other invasive species including knowing what to look
like to fish around but not a lot of others. So, more education
for when outdoors, so sightings of unwanted plants can be
is needed."
reported to environmental officials.
"Boat checks are effective, too, as long as checks are not
The agencies also are urging anglers and boaters to avoid
punitive," said Giron. As a tournament angler, Giron fishes in
trafficking invasive species from one fishery to another by
other states such as Maryland, New York and Ohio, where boat
keeping their boats and tackle clean.
checks at launch sites are mandatory.
The PFBC promotes the Check, Drain, Clean
and Dry approach, which includes examining
boats, trailers and fishing gear before leaving a
body of water, draining water from motors, live
wells, bait buckets, and other equipment onsite,
and removing visible plant particles and debris.
Because some plant matter is microscopic, cleaning
with hot water (140 degrees F) and power washing
or running a boat and trailer through a commercial
car wash is encouraged, Thoroughly drying
equipment helps, too.
This year, PA DCNR expanded its Clean Boat,
Clean Waters campaign to include nine state parks,
where launch stewards educate visitors about
preventing the spread of unwanted vegetation and
offer to perform voluntary boat inspections. "We
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
distribute materials illustrating various plants, and
inspecting a boat for invasive plant species.

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019

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