Guides · Conditions

Invasive species and your floats

Floats move water and debris between lakes, which is how species such as zebra and quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil spread. A short routine before each move keeps a single lake from becoming a vector.

The clean, drain, dry routine

1. Clean

   Remove all plant fragments, mud, and any attached animals from floats, chines, the float step area, water rudders, and wheel wells. Treat anything you cannot identify as a risk.

2. Drain

   Pump out water held in float compartments and treat that water as contaminated. Drain it where it can evaporate, never into another body of water.

3. Dry

   Let surfaces dry fully before the next launch, five days or more when you can. A hot or high-pressure rinse helps where drying time is short.

Where permits and inspections apply

Rules vary by state and province. Washington requires an annual permit to land on its waters, and a recognized self-inspection certification covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Several parks and reservoirs run mandatory inspection or decontamination. Check each destination before you fly.

Good habits

• Keep a log of the waters you have used in the last 30 days, with cleaning notes.
• Carry a short checklist on board to show officials and the public.
• Report new sightings to your state, provincial, or federal contact.