Boaters prompted to "Clean, Drain and Dry" to halt the spread of aquatic invasive species

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is urging boaters to follow the “Clean, Drain and Dry” routine to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. During summer, TPWD says boaters, paddlers and anglers should take “just a few minutes” every time they visit a lake, because transporting prohibited invasive species is illegal in Texas. The agency says boaters must drain all water from their boats and onboard containers, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching freshwater, and must remove invasive plants from boat and trailer. Zebra mussels and giant salvinia are highlighted as major threats. Zebra mussels are now found in 40 Texas lakes across seven river basins, and control or eradication is not possible after establishment. TPWD and partners monitor for early detection as larvae can travel in residual water.