I only have a kayak, but I entered anyway, and aced the quiz.

This was forwarded to me from the Mill Creek Nature Center (at the Mall of Ga.) with the following note.

quote:

Please pass this press release on to anyone you know who is a boater...valuable information as well as a great incentive!

IWLA Launches Clean Boats Campaign to Combat Invasive Species

Gaithersburg, Md. -- Every day, boaters and anglers unknowingly introduce harmful invasive species into their favorite lakes and streams. These plants and animals hitch a ride in boat hulls, propellers, muddy boots, and other equipment. The Izaak Walton League of America is launching the Clean Boats Campaign to raise awareness of this problem and educate boaters and anglers how to properly clean their gear. The campaign kicks off with a sweepstakes for a $2,500 boater’s shopping spree and other prizes. Participants enter to win by visiting www.cleanboats.org and taking our Clean Boats Challenge to see if they know how to keep their boats and waterways clean and safe from invasive species.

Because invasive species such as zebra mussels and round gobies aren't native to American waters, they are safe from the predators and diseases of their native habitat. As a result, they reproduce exponentially and outcompete native fish and wildlife populations, threatening biodiversity. They can also ruin boat engines, jam steering equipment, increase the operating costs of drinking water and power plants, affect human health, and reduce property values. In the Great Lakes region alone, at least 184 aquatic invasive species are already established, with a new one discovered every eight months.

"Each year, the United States spends $9 billion trying to control the spread of aquatic invasive species that are damaging our waterways and wildlife," says Leah Miller, director of watershed programs for the Izaak Walton League. "If you can detect them early enough, it may be possible to eradicate them. But in most instances, it is too late. That's why it is important for boaters, anglers, and other water users to inspect and clean their boats and gear every time they leave the water. This keeps invasive species from spreading to new waters."

Clean Boats Campaign public service announcements are available for download and use. For more information, please contact Jay Clark at (301) 548-0150, ext. 233, or jclark@iwla.org.

The Clean Boats Campaign is funded by the Healing Our Waters Coalition, the Anheuser-Busch Companies, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Great Lakes Watershed Restoration Program.

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Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League of America protects America's outdoors through community-based conservation, education, and the promotion of outdoor recreation. The League has more than 40,000 members and supporters nationwide