Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a form of biological pollution and are extremely difficult if not impossible to contain, control, or eradicate once they take hold in a body of water. 

For most AIS, humans are the primary vector of transport from one waterbody to another. Human recreational activities typically account for the majority of non-native aquatic plant and animal spread between lakes. Many of these nuisance plants and animals can be unknowingly carried on fishing gear, boating equipment, or in very small amounts of water in a watercraft. In fact, any equipment used on or in the water can collect and spread aquatic invasive species. As of 2021, White Lake is one of the only lakes in the Adirondacks free from aquatic invasive species, and we would like to keep it that way.  “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Lake George, Lake Champlain and many other Adirondack Lakes have found that out the hard way. Hundreds of Thousands of dollars are spent each year trying to control, contain, or eradicate. 

White Lake Steward Program

White Lake is one of few lakes in the Adirondack Park that is still invasive species free - The White Lake Steward Program is our first line of defense in keeping invasive species from coming to our lake.

White Lake’s Steward Program, in conjunction with the Aquatic Invasive Species Institute at Paul Smith’s College, is all about education to prevent spread to White Lake. Through grants and charitable donations, stewards are on duty for the summer to educate and inspect boats at “Beach A” two days a week. Stewards look for invasive species, recommend boat washing if needed, and educate boaters on how to prevent invasive species spread to White Lake and other lakes. In addition, lake stewards collect data about the vessels entering and exiting the lake. We rely on you, our trusted community members, to help fund this important program. Please consider a donation today: https://wladk.org/donate-now

During the 2022 season, our stewards saw an increase in boat activity from the previous years and intercepted one (1) boat with invasive species. View the report here.

Boat Wash Stations

White Lake’s closest boat washing station is located at the Rocky Mountain Trailhead in Inlet, NY. Volunteers are working diligently to bring a boat wash station closer to White Lake.

How to Wash Your Boat | Clean Drain Dry Procedure

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species starts with you! You can prevent the spread of invasive species, like Zebra Mussels, Hydrilla, and European Water Milfoil, by using this checklist every time you take your boat out of a freshwater lake, river, or stream.

CLEAN

• Only use water; do not use prophylactics, disinfectants, or other chemicals.

• Clean visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access.

• Rinse equipment and boat hulls with high pressure, hot water (120 degrees F, when possible).

• Rinse interior equipment with low pressure, hot water (120 degrees F).

• Flush motor with hot water (120 degrees F) for two minutes (or according to owners manual).

DRAIN

• Drain motor bilge, live well, and other water containing devices before leaving water access.

DRY

• Dry everything for at least five (5) days OR dry with a towel before reuse.

Invasive Species Identification (most common)