The Indiana Department of Natural Resources urges boat owners to protect Indiana waters by reducing the risk of transporting non-native species.

Plants such as Eurasian watermilfoil and hydrilla can make waters virtually unusable and cause property values to plummet if spread. Creatures such as zebra mussels can clog drains and pipes. Fish diseases such as the emerging VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) can result in large, widespread fish kills, according to the DNR.

The DNR urges boat owners to take the following steps to slow the invasion of exotic species:

•Remove all plants from boats and trailers before leaving the ramp.

•Dispose of all unused baitfish, including fish parts, in a garbage receptacle on shore. Never release them in the water.

•Dry the boat, trailer and other gear, such as oars or skis, completely before going to another body of water.

This includes draining the bilge, live wells, bait buckets and anything else that might contain water at the ramp.

“Indiana has some great aquatic resources. However, they are threatened by invading species of plants and disease that can destroy our natural resources and the recreational opportunities that come with them,” said Doug Keller, Indiana’s aquatic invasive species coordinator.