Invasive Investigator Program

History:  Aquatic invasive species can be found in many Connecticut lakes. It is important to curb the spread of these species because they are detrimental to the ecosystem and can adversely impact recreational activities. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) believes that public awareness and education are key tools to prevent the spread of all aquatic invasive species by recreational boaters and other users.

General Description: The volunteer AIS Launch Monitor Program is designed specifically to help educate people on ways to keep our waters clean and prevent the spread of aquatic hitchhikers into the lakes and rivers of Connecticut. AIS Launch Monitors will check for invasive species and collect information about where boats have been, if any invasive species were found, and what, if any, cleaning steps were done prior to launch. 

How the Program Works

Training: Volunteers are required to attend a virtual 2-3 hour training and visit your local state boat launch. DEEP Boating staff will familiarize you with the local invasive species, teach you how to conduct a voluntary inspection, and provide instructions regarding data collection. The program is administered under the authority of the DEEP and training is held virtually. Volunteers will be under the local supervision of the lake or pond organization with whom they register.

Monitoring: At the boat launch, we ask that you interact with boaters, familiarize them with invasive species present at the waterbody, distribute invasive species educational materials, conduct a voluntary inspection to see if there are any visible plant fragments or zebra mussels, and show the boater the steps needed to ensure they are not spreading unwanted plants and animals. The Invasive Investigator will also conduct a voluntary survey to determine what, if any, cleaning precautions were taken prior to launching, and return surveys and other information gathered to the DEEP Boating Division on a weekly basis. 

Hours: Scheduling will be done according to times you are available. While volunteers may schedule boat launch monitoring times at their convenience, we encourage participation particularly on weekends, since that is when most people go boating. 

Zoom link will be sent after sign up closes. There is a minimum of 5 people to run the training.

May 19, 2026 at 9am-11am. Sign up closes May 18 at 8am. Register Here
June 6, 2026 at 9am-11am. Sign up closes June 3 at 8am. Register Here
June 23, 2026 at 9am-11am. Sign up closes June 21 at 8am. Register Here
July 8, 2026 at 5-7:30pm. Sign up closes July 5 at 8am. Register Here

If you have any additional questions, please contact Wendy Flynn of the DEEP Boating Division at 860-447-4339 or gwendolynn.flynn@ct.gov.

Content last updated on November 19, 2025.