Three Lakes boat stickers are one way we educate boaters about conservation practices and how to keep new invasive species from spreading into our lakes. Get y
our sticker by filling out the Sticker Request & Boat Registration Form
We use stickers to:
- Help keep invasive species out of our lakes by keeping out transient boats
- Return lost boats found on the lakes to their owners
Many invasive species are found close by and could threaten our lakes’ environment. Here’s a few:
Zebra and quagga mussels, found in the Hudson River and some nearby Connecticut lakes, could quickly populate our waters, changing the ecosystem of our lakes, and starving native clams and fish. Their sharp shells discourage barefoot swimming and wading. These small mussels also clog water intakes for engines and water lines. A veliger, or young mussel, is microscopic and is transported by wet gear and boats.
Water chestnut, found in many nearby places including the Hudson River and in Mountain Lakes Park, will cover the lake surface, lower dissolved oxygen, and drop sharp seeds to the lake bottom. In 2014, five small plants, probably from one seed, were found and pulled from Lake Waccabuc.
Chinese mystery snails are found in Timber Lake in Goldens Bridge. Anecdotes have residents clearing these large snail shells out of the way with snow shovels to make a path to the water.
Hydrilla is a feared aquatic invasive plant because it takes off so easily and is so hard to control. It is found throughout the Croton reservoir and river system. Small fragments are enough to introduce this rapid grower into a new location.
Spiny water flea is less than half an inch long. Sometimes the first time it’s known to be in a lake is when it tangles fishing lines. Spiny water fleas feed on zooplankton, the backbone of aquatic food chains. Loss of zooplankton can also contribute to algal blooms. This tiny crustacean presents a serious risk to the ecosystem. The eggs survive even after being dried out or eaten by fish. Again, most transport between water bodies is felt to be by boats.
The best way to control invasive species is to keep them from arriving in the first place. That’s why we push to keep transient boats out of our lakes.
If you take your boat to another water body, make sure to clean it before you bring it back to our lakes. Or if you have visitors, please don’t allow them to put a boat or paddleboard into the water unless they have followed recommended procedures. See how to clean your boat.
If you find a stray boat, please contact Alayne Vlachos or send a message to threelakescouncil@gmail.com Alayne has a list of boat sticker numbers which we hope will identify the owner.