Embedded Files
Your source for general information is the AIS Signage Guide (updated April 2025). A pdf is also located in our UW Box Signage folder, although some of the signs have been updated since it was written. Every County has a Signage Installation project in SWIMS where data using this form can be reported and you should have one added to your project list. Learn more below and by watching this AIS Signage video from the 2022 Training in Small Bites series. If you do not have the project in your My Project list, you can add it to your profile or ask your AIS Biologist to add it. The Project ID's to query are Signage-County number, e.g. Signage-10 for Clark County or Signage-50 for Portage County.
It's not likely that all the signs in a county can be checked in a single year, so some people create a rotating schedule signage checks as well as keeping an eye on sign conditions when they make visits for other reasons, such as boat inspections. Your intentional signage checks should be entered into your county's Signage Installation project. If you are making convenience checks of signs at sites you regularly visit you, only do a report when it make sense, such as when a replacement is put up. Where to start? Visit this CBCW page and choose your county. The "Sign Installed" column will reflect the last time an activity regarding the signage at that lake took place, which may not necessarily be an installation, but it will let you know a sign is there and you can look up the related data in your county sign project. It's important to note that the signage reporting form in SWIMS is for multiple sign types (see the form), so you should check the related fieldwork to see what was reported.
All of the signs are approved for use by WDNR based on consistent branding and messaging. The Prevent the Spread sign for boat launches and the smaller version for stream accesses are provided for free. Pdfs are available for all other signs to used to print with their own funds or possibly through Surface Water grant funding. Check with your AIS Biologist about grant funding rules related to signs. Click here for the Box folder with sign pdfs.
AIS Signage needs are one of our most common requests. The WDNR provides the Prevent the Spread boat launch signs free of charge for all launches used by the public on lakes and rivers. These 18" x 24" signs are stocked at DNR offices with AIS Staff around the state, so check with your DNR AIS Biologist for availability and to plan pick up when they're needed.
For stream access points, we have the Stream Access sign that features silhouettes of different types of users: paddling, angling, trapping and waterfowl hunting. These may also be useful at certain wetland access points. The sign pdfs are available in three sizes: 8.5 x 11, 18 x 24, and 24 x 24. The large version is the same size as the sign to the right and can be used on boot brush stations.
The Help Protect Our Fishing Areas sign (WY-093) is meant for use on top of boot/wader cleaning stations at anglers' access points. Many of these signs top boot brush stations across the state. We are considering options to update the signs already on the landscape with stickers for the contact information and any changes to advised cleaning options. For now, it is probably best to use the 24 x 24 size of the Stream Access sign for any new boot brush stations.
Boot Brush stations are built at the cost of those wishing to install them, sometimes with Surface Water Grant funding if approved.
There are additional versions of signs for waterfowl hunters and for boat cleaning stations. We provide pdfs of the signs to those who want to have them made, but do not provide signs for free. Like the anglers' sign above, the waterfowl hunting signs are also made to be used on boot/wader cleaning stations. The 4' x 4' boat cleaning signs are designed to hold cleaning tools for boaters to use before they leave the launch.
Note that none of the signs are species specific. We avoid using species specific signs due to finding that people focus their concern on that one species and forget that others could be in the water just waiting for a ride to the next lake or stream. That reduces the urgency to make sure your boat and gear are clean and drained EVERY time you enter or leave a waterbody.
An important step in putting up any kind of new signage is having landowner permission before installing. For installations on WDNR property you must contact the person managing that property and may need a land use agreement, depending on what the plans with them are.
If you are working on a new version of an AIS sign, contact your DNR Regional AIS Biologist to make sure it meets any standards put forth by WDNR if it's being paid for with DNR funding or if you would just like advice.
Reporting: One of the first questions asked with a discovery of a high profile invasive species is, "What kind of signs are there?" That and general management needs at the state and local level make reporting your AIS Signage activities in SWIMS important. Every County has a Signage Installation project in SWIMS where data using this form can be reported. Please encourage your partners to also report their sign management to you using the form. You can enter the data for them.
One of four designs for waterfowl hunting access points.
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