Clean. Drain. Dry.
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten the evolved integrity of our waters as well as the quality of our recreational experience. Play your part in preventing their spread. Follow the "Clean. Drain. Dry." guidelines before showing up to participate in the 90-Miler.
Clean: Remove mud, plants, fish and organisms from your boat. Dispose of them in a proper container or on dry land. Clean the inside and outside of your boat. Clean your paddles and any other gear, including your shoes, if they have come in contact with the water. If a hose is available for use before heading into the next water body, hose your boat and gear down to help be assured they are properly cleaned.
Drain: Drain all water from hatches, boat wells, bags, bailers and containers while still at the river or lake you are leaving. Avoid using sponges as bailers because it is hard to get all the water out of them between quick (same day) transitions.
Dry: Dry your boat and gear. Aquatic invasives need moisture to survive. If you use a towel, stow it to be cleaned and dried later. Quick dry towels can be very useful. Make sure that any towel you use to dry your boat and gear is completely dry before using it again on another water body. If possible, alternate two pairs of shoes to give footwear time to dry when making quick (same day) transitions. Research available shoes and find types that allow for quick drainage and dry time.
Clean: Remove mud, plants, fish and organisms from your boat. Dispose of them in a proper container or on dry land. Clean the inside and outside of your boat. Clean your paddles and any other gear, including your shoes, if they have come in contact with the water. If a hose is available for use before heading into the next water body, hose your boat and gear down to help be assured they are properly cleaned.
Drain: Drain all water from hatches, boat wells, bags, bailers and containers while still at the river or lake you are leaving. Avoid using sponges as bailers because it is hard to get all the water out of them between quick (same day) transitions.
Dry: Dry your boat and gear. Aquatic invasives need moisture to survive. If you use a towel, stow it to be cleaned and dried later. Quick dry towels can be very useful. Make sure that any towel you use to dry your boat and gear is completely dry before using it again on another water body. If possible, alternate two pairs of shoes to give footwear time to dry when making quick (same day) transitions. Research available shoes and find types that allow for quick drainage and dry time.
Inspection Stations and Protocols
Pre-race boat inspection: Each boat will be inspected for invasive species prior to the race in either Saranac Lake or Old Forge. Inspected boats will receive a sticker, which is required by all participating boats.
Two Day 1 Invasive Species Boat Inspection Stations: There will be two aquatic invasive inspection stations on Day 1. The first will be on the carry between Seventh Lake and Eighth Lake. The second will be on the Marion River Carry, where there has been one in recent years. Inspection zones will be marked with signs and cones; they are mandatory walk zones to allow inspectors to give boats, rudders and shoes a quality inspection as participants go by. Inspectors have the authority to stop paddlers if they find something on your boat so they can quickly remove it. Racers running in the inspection walk zone, or failing to stop if inspectors ask, will receive a DNF for day 1.
Lake Utowana Route: Racers will follow a designated route through Lake Utowana to avoid the variable leaf milfoil infestation. Paddlers who diverge from the designated route will receive a DNF for Day 1. Utowana is located immediately after the Marion River Carry.
Two Day 1 Invasive Species Boat Inspection Stations: There will be two aquatic invasive inspection stations on Day 1. The first will be on the carry between Seventh Lake and Eighth Lake. The second will be on the Marion River Carry, where there has been one in recent years. Inspection zones will be marked with signs and cones; they are mandatory walk zones to allow inspectors to give boats, rudders and shoes a quality inspection as participants go by. Inspectors have the authority to stop paddlers if they find something on your boat so they can quickly remove it. Racers running in the inspection walk zone, or failing to stop if inspectors ask, will receive a DNF for day 1.
Lake Utowana Route: Racers will follow a designated route through Lake Utowana to avoid the variable leaf milfoil infestation. Paddlers who diverge from the designated route will receive a DNF for Day 1. Utowana is located immediately after the Marion River Carry.
Free Boat Wash Stations
An effective way to rid your boat of invasive species is to clean it at a free boat wash station. These stations have high pressure hoses spraying hot water (120-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Each station is operated by trained staff to identify invasive species and properly decontaminate any suspected threat. A full wash/decontamination takes less than 15 minutes. A map of the stations in the Adirondack Region can be found on the Adirondack Watershed Institute's website.
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831 Mill Brook Rd
Waitsfield, Vt. 05673 Mail P.O. Box 565 Phone 802-496-2285 Fax 802-329-2239 Tax ID/EIN: 03-0363813 |
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