14 | Boating Safety Info: 402-471-5462
Aquatic Invasive Species
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM
Aquatic invasive species fees collected from boaters fund the Aquatic Invasive Species
Program in Nebraska. These fees pay for programs to educate the public about AIS;
prevention efforts to keep AIS from being introduced into Nebraska, such as monitoring
waters across the state; inspection and decontamination of conveyances; treatment for AIS
populations; and other AIS projects as needed.
PREVENTION
Aquatic Invasive Species – Any waterborne, non-native organism that threatens the
diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of impacted waters, or
commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities.
Impact – Invasive species may
cause significant ecological problems
because they have been introduced
into habitat in which there are no
natural pathogens, parasites or
predators. Lack of these natural
controls may allow a nuisance species
to grow exponentially in new habitat.
Introduced nuisance species may prey upon or compete with native species and could
transmit diseases to native species.
Preventive Steps – Anglers and boaters should take precautions to prevent the
introduction or spread of invasive species. This is especially important to boaters who travel
to waters that have invasive species not present in any Nebraska waters.
Follow these procedures:
• It is unlawful for a boat to arrive at or
leave any body of water in Nebraska
with water other than from a domestic
source except for fire-fighting purposes.
Drain water on site.
• It is unlawful for a boat or trailer to
arrive or leave a launch area with any
aquatic vegetation from that water
body still attached. Boat blinds cannot
use plants listed as invasive species or
noxious weeds.
• Wash mud off waders. Felt-sole wading
boots are unlawful.
• These steps are intended to prevent or delay the establishment of aquatic invasive
species in Nebraska waters.
Report Suspected AIS Observations
For questions, or to report any suspected AIS
observations, contact the Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission's aquatic invasive species
program manager at 402-471-7602 or ngpc.
ais@nebraska.gov.
LEWIS AND CLARK SRA
BOAT-CLEANING STATION
A waterless boat-cleaning station is
available at Lewis and Clark State
Recreation Area's Weigand Marina
to prevent the spread of AIS. It has a
vacuum, air blower, brush and hand
tools for removing any vegetation from
watercraft. The vacuum and blower
system allows boaters to clean and dry
all livewell and water lines to prevent
the spread of zebra mussels.
