Courtesy Boat Inspections

Related pages: For information on starting your own Courtesy Boat Inspection as well as guidance on training and financial aid, contact Lakes Environmental Association. (off-site)

• Cost Share Grants: cost share grants for local projects to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants - inspections and plant removal.
• Courtesy Boat Inspector Handbook
  

Background

Maine’s Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) Program completed its 12th year in 2012.  The purpose of these voluntary inspections is to reduce the spread of invasive aquatic plants (IAP) by boats, trailers, and associated equipment to Maine waters.  Trained Courtesy Boat Inspectors discuss with boaters the risk posed by IAP, show boaters how to inspect and remove vegetation from boating and fishing equipment while urging them to inspect before and after every launch, and answer questions regarding IAP.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) contracted again with Lakes Environmental Association in Bridgton to train volunteers and organize the inspections in 2012.  

Courtesy Boat Inspection Results Summary 2012 Season

• 81,823 total inspections on both motorized and non-motorized boats
• 93% of the motorized boats had the Lake & River Protection Sticker
• 156 launch sites on 117 waterbodies had Courtesy Boat Inspections
• 13 infested waterbodies had a  Courtesy Boat Inspection Program
• 2612 inspections (3.2%) yielded plant fragments – native or invasive

• of these intercepted plant fragments, 279 (11%) were “saves” (invasive plants) found primarily on boats exiting infested waters

• 52 organizations conducted courtesy boat inspections – plus 56 bass clubs inspected at their own tournaments

• 773 courtesy boat inspectors (paid and volunteer) worked a total of 41,454 hours

2012 Courtesy Boat Insection Statistics

 

 

Download the complete 2012 CBI Summary Report

For more information email DEP at milfoil@maine.gov