POLK COUNTY — Recreationists in Polk and Burnett County might have noticed a new sign at their favorite boat landing this summer. In 2024, the Polk County Land and Water Resources Department and the Burnett County Land Services Department initiated a process to design, print, and install signs at boat landings to alert boaters about local ordinances related to aquatic invasive species.
Polk and Burnett County have had local ordinances to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species since 2008. However, with the more recent discovery of zebra mussels in county lakes, the ordinances were amended to include the required use of a watercraft cleaning stations.
In Polk and Burnett County, local ordinance requires boaters to clean their boat and equipment before launching and before leaving a boat landing. This quick step is important to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Local ordinance also requires boaters to use watercraft cleaning stations when available at the boat landing. Watercraft cleaning stations provide boaters with tools that are free to use and aid in removing aquatic plants, animals, and water from boats, trailers, and equipment. Common tools at watercraft cleaning stations include: scrub brushes, grabber tools, compressed air, and sprayers with a light bleach water solution which neutralizes aquatic invasive species. To date, there are 26 watercraft cleaning stations in Polk County and 27 in Burnett County.
The boat landing sign project was funded through a WDNR Surface Water Grant and was completed in partnership with local lake and river organizations, the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WDNR, and KJE Design.
Last Update: Jul 21, 2025 10:17 am CDT
