SLELO PRISM

Watercraft Inspection Stewards are the first line of defense to mitigate the impact and spread of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. They work to protect habitats that filter water, provide homes to wildlife, are a safe haven for migrating species, and serve as a sink pulling carbon from the atmosphere. Without the steward program these habitats are subject to the threat of human development, fragmentation, and the harmful effects of invasive species, with the added stress of climate change.

Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, as well as many other inland waterbodies, play a crucial role in the formation of the Algonquin to Adirondack corridor (A2A) by connecting the Algonquin Park and the Adirondack Park. Wildlife pass directly through these bodies of water when traveling between the two parks. Maintaining the biodiversity within the A2A is vital for the health of this region and invasive species threaten its viability. Invasive species colonize and compete with native species, therefore, decreasing the biodiversity of the area. 

 When launching your watercraft make sure you Clean, Drain and Dry all equipment and your watercraft before entering the water. You should also inspect your watercraft once you retrieve it in order to prevent the spread of invasive species to other waterbodies.