New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton will join State and community partners to promote invasive species awareness and remind boaters to follow “Clean. Drain. Dry” steps that help protect rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies. This season, watercraft inspection stewards (boat stewards) will be stationed at more than 220 boat launches and decontamination stations throughout the state to educate and assist the public in cleaning equipment to prevent the introduction and spread of non-native plants and animals in New York waterbodies. 

WHAT:            Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP) Season Kickoff 

WHEN:           Thursday, May 21, 3 p.m. 

WHERE:        DEC Boat Launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road in the town of Verona, Oneida County - 7128 Cove Rd., Durhamville, NY 13054   

Note: Directions: From Route 49, head south on Vienna Rd, continue straight onto Higginsville Road, turn right onto Cove Road. The Barge Canal at Cove Road launch is on the left.  

Photo Op:    Boat decontamination demonstration to take place on site following program remarks.