Clean, Drain, Dry | Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Campaign
Because aquatic invasive species can have devastating effects in Oregon waterways, invasive species managers want to take all precautions to keep these organisms from entering into or traveling around our waters. These plants and animals can be difficult to differentiate from our native species, which is why the Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have implemented a Clean, Drain, Dry approach to keeping boats free of any and all aquatic species when out of the water.
How do you "Clean, Drain, Dry"?
CLEAN all aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your boat, motor, or trailer and discard them in the trash. Rinse, scrub, or pressure wash away from storm drains, ditches, or waterways. Lawns, gravel pads, or self-serve car washes are best.
DRAIN water from your motor, live well, bilge, and inside compartments on land before leaving the waterbody. For paddlecraft, flip or tilt the craft to let the water drain. Open any compartments and remove seats if necessary. Rinse or flush under the flooring, at inflation chamber joints, or in other areas that can trap mud and debris.
DRY your boat between uses. Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water. Find a place that will allow the anchor line to dry. AND "Pull the Plug" if your boat has a drain plug. "Aquatic" life need water to survive. Mussels are a particular threat because they can close their shells and survive out of water for a long time.
These practices done together are the best defense against spreading any invaders already in our waterways. Boat inspection stations are another defense to any invaders trying to cross the border by hitch-hiking on a boat, motor, trailer, etc.
Also, empty your bait bucket on land before leaving the waterbody. Never release live bait into a waterbody, or release aquatic animals from one waterbody into another.
MOTORIZED BOATS
CLEAN off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, motor, trailer, and equipment before leaving water access. Scrub hull using a stiff brush. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water when possible. Flush motor according to owner’s manual.
Jet Boats and Personal Watercraft (PWCs) users: Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from hull, trailer, intake grate and steering nozzle, etc. Run engine 5-10 seconds to blow out excess water and vegetation from internal drive before leaving water access.
Sailors: Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from the centerboard, bilge board wells, rudderpost, trailer and other equipment before leaving water access.
DRAIN water from watercraft, motor, bilge, bladder tanks, livewell, and portable bait containers before leaving water access.
DRY everything on your boat between uses. Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water. Find a place that will allow the anchor line to dry. AND "Pull the Plug" if your boat has a drain plug. "
Canoe at Clear Lake
NON-MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT
For canoes, boards, rafts, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats, inflatables, sculls, and other non-motorized recreational watercraft:
CLEAN off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. Scrub hull using a stiff brush. Rinse watercraft, trailer and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible.
DRAIN water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water containing devices before leaving water access.
DRY everything on your boat between uses. Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water. Find a place that will allow the anchor line to dry.
What's the Problem with Aquatic Invasive Species?
Oregon’s freshwater, estuarine, and marine waters constitute over 100,000 miles of rivers, 16m major watersheds, more than 6,200 lakes, nine major estuaries, and over 360 miles of coastline. These waters provide habitat for salmonids and countless other native species and support tribal, commercial, and recreational fishing. They are crucial to providing hydropower, flood control, irrigation, municipal and industrial water supplies, aesthetic enjoyment, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Aquatic invasive species—primarily plants & animals—can flourish in our waterways, choking out native plants that once grew there, disrupting food webs and clogging boat, hydropower, and irrigation infrastructure. Examples of these species include invasive freshwater mussels including zebra, quagga and golden mussels, water primrose, hydrilla, and New Zealand mudsnails. See the Invasive Species Information HUB for more information on these and other threats.
Learn to recognize these species and report any you find to the Oregon Invasive Species Reporting Hotline
Current Regulations
Waterway Access and Aquatic Invasive Species Permits
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permits are required for:
Non-motorized boats regardless of length (kayaks, canoes, drift boats, stand-up paddleboards and rafts) need a Waterway Access Permit. Funds are used for waterway access improvements such as boat ramps and restrooms and for aquatic invasive species prevention efforts.
The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Permit fee is included for Oregon-registered motorized boats and sailboats. Funds are dedicated to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels.
Out-of-state boaters must buy an AIS Permit separately and carry it when operating in Oregon.
All of the revenue from the Waterway Access Permit supports two important programs: developing new or improving existing non-motorized access sites (staging areas, dry-entry launches and docks, restrooms, and single car parking) and funding efforts to prevent and control aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels.
Mandatory Boat Inspections
ALL WATERCRAFT MUST STOP AT AN OPEN WATERCRAFT INSPECTION STATION FOR WATERCRAFT INSPECTION. A watercraft is any size or type of motorized or non-motorized boat (kayak, canoe, raft, stand up paddle board, surf board, etc.).
When you see large orange signs reading "Boat Inspection Ahead" and "Inspection Required for All Watercraft," pull in — the station is open.
Inspections are always free. ODFW staff will check your boat, trailer, and gear for aquatic invasive species. If anything is found, they'll decontaminate your boat on the spot to keep Oregon's waterways healthy.
Most inspections take just five minutes—even faster if you've already Cleaned, Drained, and Dried your boat. Decontamination, if needed, usually takes about 15 minutes.
Station hours vary by day and season, so watch for the signs and help stop invasive species at the border.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program is managed by The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). OSMB manages funding, provides education and outreach materials, signage at the boat ramps, and oversees enforcement contracts for the program and ODFW runs the inspection stations.