State park visitors urged to help protect parks from invasive species
Herr, Maxine R.
NEWS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 3, 2025
State park visitors urged to help protect parks from invasive species
Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, is highlighting the importance of stopping the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) during the week of May 3-9. ANS Awareness Week in North Dakota is intended to further educate visitors on the potential risk to public health, property and the economy from the negative impacts associated with ANS to ultimately stop the introduction and spread of ANS in the state’s waterways.
Nuisance, or invasive, species are aggressive species that pose serious threats to local ecosystems and water quality. Park visitors play a vital role in helping prevent the spread of invasive species across North Dakota through some quick and easy tasks:
- Clean gear: Before leaving a body of water, thoroughly clean all equipment such as boats, kayaks, fishing gear, and any other gear that comes into contact with water. Remove all plants, mud, and debris.
- Drain water: Drain all water from boats, motors, bilges, and live wells before leaving the area.
- Dry gear: Allow all gear to completely dry before using it in another body of water.
- Dispose of bait properly: Never release unused bait into the water.
- Stay informed: Learn about the ANS species in the park you're visiting and follow any guidelines or regulations provided by park staff.
With most state parks offering water access across North Dakota, visitors are reminded to help protect all waterways by practicing responsible watercraft use. To support these efforts, some state parks have tools to help reduce risks of spreading invasive species:
- Lake Metigoshe State Park features a convenient watercraft cleaning station, developed in partnership with the ND Game and Fish Department. This Clean, Drain, Dry and Dispose (CD3) station allows anglers and boaters to easily rinse off equipment.
- Grahams Island State Park boat ramps include an innovative Internet Landing Installed Device Sensor (ILIDS) to detect incoming watercraft and play a helpful reminder: remove all aquatic plants and animals before and after launching.
- Fort Stevenson State Park also has a ILIDS at its de Trobriand Marina and a CD3 cleaning station at the Garrison Marina.
This equipment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lake users should properly drain water from boats and gear that can lead to the accidental spread of ANS.
“Preventing the spread of invasive species starts with every water user making clean, drain and dry part of every outing,” said Kathy Duttenhefner, Natural Resources Division Chief at NDPRD. “These simple steps play a critical role in protecting North Dakota’s waters, forests and wildlife.”
The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.
__________________________________________________________________________
For More Information Contact:
Kristin Byram at
kcb...@nd.gov
_____________________________________________________________________
Kelly Armstrong, Governor
Cody Schulz, Parks & Recreation Director
604 E Boulevard Ave | Bismarck, ND 58505
PHONE: (701) 328-5357 | FAX: (701) 328-5363 | E-MAIL: par...@nd.gov
###