Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program

The Nebraska Invasive Species Program (NISP) continues to administer a multi-institutional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program with grant funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Goals

1. Decrease the risk of aquatic invasive species introduction into Nebraska by implementing a boat inspections and decontamination program;
2. Increase public awareness of AIS through an integrated outreach and education program;
3. Continue AIS monitoring to help focus prevention efforts;
4. Increase local and regional collaboration in the prevention of AIS.

Current Status

Boater surveys, watercraft inspections and outreach activities have been conducted since 2011 to increase public awareness of aquatic invasive species and promote prevention actions among watercraft users. In addition, the Coordinator served on regional aquatic invasive species panels to coordinate prevention and management efforts across state lines, delivered webinars to various audiences, provided over 15,000 outreach materials to partners, and collected water samples to assistance the U.S. Geological Survey eDNA pilot study on zebra mussel detection. Advertisements were ran in Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s guides and other printed publications, and on two billboards. Two (one stationary at Lewis and Clark Lake and one trailered) CD3 waterless watercraft cleaning station were purchased; we monitor use of both units through an online platform.