LINCOLN, Neb. – Kansas boaters launching in Nebraska waters are helping the Cornhusker State battle the threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS) whether they realize it or not. Effective this year, any out-of-state-boater who has purchased Nebraska’s required $15 boat decal is aiding in preventing the spread of AIS in Nebraska. Fees go toward Nebraska’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program, which pays for education, prevention efforts such as monitoring water bodies, inspection and decontamination of boats, control of AIS populations, and other projects as needed. AIS populations currently present in Nebraska include zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.

Kansas boaters looking to purchase the nonresident decal can visit OutdoorNebraska.org or stop by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, North Platte, Alliance, Kearney or Bassett. The receipt can be used as proof of purchase until the decal arrives in the mail. The 3-inch-square decal must be permanently affixed to the starboard and rearward side of the boat, on the outside of the hull above the water line.

Boaters leaving Nebraska waters may be inspected to ensure that no water is present in the watercraft or in any container, including baitfish buckets. Boaters are required to drain all water from their watercrafts, remove any vegetation or mud from the watercraft and trailer, and are encouraged to towel dry any interior area of the boat to speed the drying process. Boat motors should be trimmed up and down to help drain water from lower units.

Shore anglers also are required to follow the same rules of not transporting water away from any lake or river. Anglers planning to harvest fish in Nebraska are encouraged to bring a cooler with ice for transporting their catch.

For more information on AIS in Nebraska, visit neinvasives.com, or contact the Nebraska Invasive Species Program at invasives@unl.edu.

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