Clean Recreational Equipment
On Site!

Boating, mountain biking, and trail-riding with motorized equipment can be a blast!  Unfortunately these activities can also be a means to invasive species spread.  Good news is - prevention of this is fairly simple.  Please clean your recreational equipment before moving it to a new boat launch or trail head.  Bikes, ATVs and motorcycles can be dry brushed before loading up & going home.  Boats can be wiped down with a clean towel.  At the very least, all equipment should be inspected for invasive species "stow-away" passengers before you move on.
Northern Michigan is home to beautiful rivers and lakes, vast forestlands, and numerous trails. Invasive species can alter these natural areas we enjoy and have the potential to cause damage to the environment, economy, and human health.
Everyone can help protect our natural areas for visitors and future outdoor enthusiasts. Bikers, hikers, horseback riders, kayakers, and ORV riders can all do their part to help stop the spread of invasive species.  It can be as simple as cleaning your boots after a walk in the woods, or washing your kayak or canoe with a power washer after a float down the river.
  • Trail users, whether on foot, bike, or off-road vehicle, can use stiff bristled brushes to clean boots and tire treads.
  • Washing your ORV after a trail ride is a great practice too!
  • Plant fragments and seeds can easily attach to clothing and your pet’s fur and should be removed before leaving a trail.
  • On the water: boaters and fishermen can also use stiff bristled brushes to remove mud from the bottom of a kayak or wader soles.
  • It is also a good idea to wash fishing equipment, boots, and your boat (motor or no motor) with hot water before using it again.
We can all be good stewards! Take a few minutes before and after your outdoor recreation activity to clean off your clothes, shoes, gear, and vehicle.