Nez Perce Tribe
Department of Fisheries and Resources Management
Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Program
Invasive Species Awareness
Citizen Science and community involvement are key elements in the fight against aquatic invasive species!! Please look for more information on the invasive species campaigns listed below and find ways that you can support these initiatives!
Clean, Drain, Dry
“Clean, Drain, Dry” Campaign is a movement to help inform recreational water users of the importance of preventing the spread of invasive species with proper watercraft and equipment maintenance which includes; insuring watercraft and equipment are clean of all plant and animal life, or any other debris like mud, Drain all water from all areas if your watercraft and equipment before leaving the water’s access, and make sure that your watercraft and equipment are completely dry for at least 24 hours before entering a new body of water.
Don't Move a Mussel
“Don’t move a mussel” is a campaign that shares vital information on the impacts of invasive quagga, zebra, and golden mussels on the environment and essential infrastructure, and the importance of ensuring the proper steps are taken to prevent any movement of invasive mussels. Maintenance costs would reach into the millions if invasive mussels became established in the pacific Northwest, impacts to ingenious resources and culture would be immeasurable, making prevention a key focus.
Catch, Kill, Report
Some states require that you kill and report any invasive fish species that happen to be caught within their managed waters due to the impacts they have on vital native species populations. Some have bounty programs have been put in place to encourage the removal of some aquatic invasive/nuisance species and have made it illegal to release certain species back into a waterbody alive. Check your state’s regulations to see which aquatic invasive/nuisance species could be subject to the “Catch, Kill, Report” campaign.
Don't Let it Loose
The “Don’t Let it Loose” campaign is a movement to bring awareness to the importance of responsible pet ownership. It is important to know that it is never okay to release a pet into the wild for their own health and for the health of other creatures and living things throughout the environment. It is also important to refrain from release unused live bait into a body of water as well as you could be releasing an invasive or unwanted species to a new area. Please rehome any unwanted pets and properly dispose of unused live baits.
Play, Clean, Go
“Play, Clean, Go” is a campaign that spreads awareness on how to be a responsible recreationalist, whether you are biking, hiking, camping, or enjoying a water activity, it is important that you take the proper steps to ensure you are not unknowingly spreading invasive species to new areas. It is important that you; remove any plants, animals, or debris such as mud from any gear, vehicles, or pets, that you clean all your gear before entering and leaving recreational sites, that you stay on designated trails, and that you only use certified or local firewood and hay when you go on your outdoor adventures.