Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations At DEC Boat Launching And Fishing Sites
Applicable Regulations
6 NYCRR Section 59.4 and 190.24 (links leave DEC's website)
Sites regulations apply to:
These regulations apply to all sites from which a watercraft can be launched that are under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The following actions are prohibited:
- Launching, or attempting to launch a watercraft from a state boat launching site, a fishing access site, or any other site from which a watercraft may be launched, or leaving from these sites with any plant or animal, or parts thereof, visible to the human eye, in, on, or attached to any part of the watercraft, including livewells and bilges, the motor, rudder, anchor or other appurtenants; any equipment or gear; or the trailer or any other device used to transport or launch a watercraft that may come into contact with the water, unless a written permit is obtained from the department.
- No person shall launch, or attempt to launch a watercraft from a state boat launching site, a fishing access site, or any other site from which a watercraft may be launched, or leave from these sites without draining the watercraft, including bilge areas, livewells, bait wells and ballast tanks, unless a written permit is obtained from the department.
These regulations do not apply to:
- Plants not otherwise defined in law or regulation as invasive species affixed to or transported in watercraft for use as camouflage for hunting or wildlife viewing purposes.
- Bait, including baitfish, that can legally be used on a waterbody and is possessed consistent with all applicable law and regulations.
- Legally taken game or fish.
- The use of plants or animals for habitat restoration, weed control, scientific research, aquaculture, or other activity approved by the department, consistent with all applicable laws and regulations related to their use, possession or harvest.
Definitions:
- Animal includes every living and non-living creature except a human being, dog or other companion animal as defined in section 350 of the Agriculture and Markets Law.
- Watercraft includes every motorized or non-motorized boat or vehicle capable of being used or operated as a means of transportation or recreation in or on water.
- Launch means to place a watercraft into a waterbody for any purpose and any activity that takes place within fifty feet of the high water mark of the waterbody for the purpose of placing a watercraft into a waterbody, including moving by trailer or other device or carrying by hand a watercraft toward the waterbody, or entering a queue prior to launching.
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