What is Clean Boats, Clean Waters?
Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) is a statewide watercraft inspection program that trains volunteers and professionals on how to educate and engage boaters and anglers in AIS prevention at their local lake and river boat landings. Participants have educational conversations with landing visitors about how to help prevent the spread of AIS and assist them in taking prevention steps, while also collecting valuable data.
While most CBCW participants are part of a lake organization, the program is open to anyone interested in AIS outreach. The continuation and growth of CBCW relies upon our highly-motivated participants, who primarily receive their training and support from LMPN partners. The local AIS knowledge, relationships, and expertise that you provide are integral to the success of CBCW!
CBCW Resources for Trainers
LMPN partners can access all CBCW training resources in the CBCW folder via the AIS Partnership Box file sharing site. The CBCW training video provides an overview of the program and guidance on how to conduct a CBCW workshop and support participants. In the CBCW Workshop Materials sub-folder, you'll find the CBCW workshop PowerPoint presentation template, draft workshop agenda, training attendance sheet, and printable handouts.
The CBCW website provides information and resources for CBCW participants and groups interested in learning more about the program. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the website and resources available. Some specific links useful to trainers include:
CBCW Training Calendar: Add your scheduled CBCW workshops to the training calendar! Share specific workshop details, time, location (in-person or virtual), and contact information.
CBCW Inspection Scenario Videos: There are seven online videos depicting various scenarios that watercraft inspectors may encounter at the boat landing. These videos are meant to complement the CBCW workshop, not replace it, and will hopefully be useful for inspectors as they form their own conversational approach at the landing. These videos can be part of your CBCW training or serve as resources for inspectors to view post-workshop.
Data Entry Guidance: Instructions are available in a variety of formats to guide participants through data entry, from how to login to SWIMS to how to view the data that's been entered.
CBCW Gear: CBCW t-shirts, hoodies, aprons, hats, and kits are available to purchase from the CBCW online store.
AIS Publications: There are a variety of free educational AIS publications available to the public, including the two items most commonly used by watercraft inspectors - the 'Help Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers' brochure and sticker. Email DNRAISinfo@wisconsin.gov to order.
Statewide AIS Prevention Campaigns
Wisconsin conducts two AIS outreach campaigns annually that promote the CBCW message to specific audiences across the state - the Drain Campaign and the Landing Blitz.
Learn more about these campaigns and how participating strengthens your CBCW efforts on the Drain Campaign & Landing Blitz webpage.
Have Questions? Let's Chat!
Whether a new member of the LMPN or a seasoned CBCW trainer, everyone runs into questions and issues from time to time. I'm here to offer support and discuss any questions or challenges you encounter!
Statewide CBCW Educator:
Erin McFarlane
erin.mcfarlane@uwsp.edu
715-346-4978
The CBCW program is coordinated by Extension Lakes, based in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and funded by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.