The 2010 COLA Boat Ramp Monitoring Program will begin the weekend of May 1st, 2010 to coincide with the the traditional opening of Wisconsin’s fishing season. The Program will once again focus on boater education to slow the spread of the invasive species on our Northwoods Lakes.

COLA employees will monitor the DNR boat ramp in Chicago Bay approximately 25 hours per week through mid-September. Baum’s Landing in Victory Heights will also be periodically staffed by volunteers.

Keeping our boats and trailers clean and free of aquatic “hitchhikers” is the best method to prevent the spread of invasive species. Boat and trailer inspections will be conducted at the ramps and a variety of literature will be available to help identify Eurasian Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Zebra mussels and other unwanted species. Consult DNR fishery regulations regarding containment of VHS, a major water borne threat to game fish species.

For more information on the COLA’s clean boat program contact Allan Hoeft at 865-2232 or a.hoeft@att.net.