Cornell Cooperative Extension

Tompkins County
Dan Munsell checks a boat for signs of hydrilla at Treman Marine State Park, Ithaca NY, summer 2013

Watercraft Steward Program Stops Hydrilla Spread

Stewards offer free boat inspections and information on how boaters can conduct boat inspections on their own boats every time they enter and leave a body of water. The inspections will ensure boats and recreational equipment are clean of material that could transport aquatic plants, invertebrates, and other organisms.

NYS Parks and the Finger Lakes Institute have both implemented boat launch steward programs at  launches throughout the Finger Lakes region and New York State. The goal of these programs is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species through boater education and voluntary boat inspections.


Last updated July 26, 2019

How You Can Help

Hydrilla Hunters

Hydrilla Hunters logo

In order to eradicate hydrilla permanently, we need your help! Become a volunteer Hydrilla Hunter by contacting steward@cayugalake.org or volunteer to staff the display table located at the Ithaca Farmers' Market on select Sundays during the treatment season.

For Boaters

Boaters are encouraged to participate in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers" campaign, which calls upon anglers, boaters, paddlers, SCUBA divers, waterfowl hunters and others to become informed about aquatic nuisance species and to follow simple procedures to prevent the spread of invasive species every time they leave a body of water.