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In: AIS, ais snapshot day, aquatic invasive species, Scott McComb, Tim Campbell
Snapshot Day participant inspects an aquatic plant.

A Snapshot Day participant inspects an aquatic plant. Credit: University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension and Wisconsin Sea Grant invite nature lovers of all ages to participate in Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day on August 9, 2025. The statewide event will be held at over 20 locations across the state and invites volunteers to search for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

“Snapshot Day is a great way to engage volunteers for a one-day event, and it helps people learn a lot about the streams and rivers close to their homes,” said Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s AIS outreach specialist. “It also creates a boatload of monitoring data that the state depends on. We’re happy to be a part of it.”

On the day of the event, volunteers will gather at local training sites hosted by community conservation partners. After a brief training on how to identify AIS and follow search protocols, participants will visit designated monitoring sites to search for invasive species. Any potential invasive species found will be cataloged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, supporting control and management efforts. 

Scott McComb, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s southeast Wisconsin AIS outreach specialist, will be coordinating data collection throughout Milwaukee County. This is the fourth year he’s participated in Snapshot Day. “I like that it allows people to directly help the lakes and rivers in their community,” said McComb. “It’s also a great opportunity for folks to connect with others who share an interest in water and being outside.”  

The event is free, and no prior experience or special equipment is needed. Register and see all event details at: https://wateractionvolunteers.org/events/aquatic-invasive-species-snapshot-day-2025/

Advance registration is preferred to help site leaders build monitoring plans but will remain open until August 8, 2025. This event is recommended for ages 8 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

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The University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center administers Wisconsin Sea Grant, the Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, and Water@UW. The center supports multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. Wisconsin Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of marine resources through research, education, outreach, and technology transfer.

The post Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day returns August 9 first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/aquatic-invasive-species-snapshot-day-returns-august-9/

Jenna Mertz

On:
In: Clean Boats, Clean Waters, Introduced, Maree Stewart, podcast, Scott McComb, Tim Campbell

Maree Stewart was a middle schooler from Minocqua, Wisconsin, when she and two classmates had an idea that would shape Wisconsin’s lakes for the next 20 years and beyond.

“It doesn’t feel now like I’ve done this big, momentous thing, but it really has made such a difference,” Stewart said. “And it’s just really amazing how many people have been impacted by a science project that I did when I was 12 years old.”

Students Maree, Janelle, and Luke, in the original Clean Boats, Clean Waters shirts, pose at their educational booth.

Students Maree, Janelle, and Luke, in the original Clean Boats, Clean Waters shirts, pose at their educational booth. Credit: Clean Boats, Clean Waters program

In 2001, Stewart, Luke Voellinger, and Janelle Zajicek kick-started what would become Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW), one of the most successful watercraft inspection and aquatic invasive species (AIS) education programs in the country. With the help of a $25,000 grand prize, dedicated mentors, and some fateful wordsmithing from a local t-shirt printer, the trio transformed a middle school science project into a statewide initiative that’s connected with over two million boaters.

The improbable story — told for the first time in its entirety — is the subject of the newest episode of “Introduced,” Wisconsin Sea Grant’s podcast about Great Lakes stories and invasive species science.

“We wanted to showcase how community efforts like these can make a difference and inspire others to take action,” said executive producer Bonnie Willison. “It’s also a fun, timely story now that it’s summer and more people are getting out on the water. Chances are you’ll see a Clean Boats, Clean Waters inspector if you head to a boat launch.” 

Wisconsin Sea Grant has supported the program since its official start in 2004, hiring and training interns to work as inspectors along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. According to Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species outreach specialist, coverage along the coast is crucial: the Great Lakes are a source of invasive species in inland lakes and vice versa. 

Even with much to gain through a coastal watercraft inspection program, people feel less inclined to volunteer along the Great Lakes, Campbell noted — perhaps because they’re so big and it’s hard to believe that individual actions can make a difference. 

“The Great Lakes are everyone’s lakes and no one’s lakes,” said Campbell. “People are invested in the lake they have a cabin on, but it’s more difficult to get volunteers to stand at a Lake Michigan boat launch. It’s not the same level of ownership. Yet, one of the best ways to protect all lakes in Wisconsin, including the Great Lakes, is to have CBCW volunteers present on the coast.” 

The students worked in close collaboration with Laura Marquardt, Sandy Wickman, and Lisa Ahlers.

The students worked in close collaboration with Laura Marquardt, Sandy Wickman, and Lisa Ahlers. Credit: Clean Boats, Clean Waters program.

That’s where Scott McComb, Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species outreach specialist in southeastern Wisconsin, comes in. McComb organizes Clean Boats, Clean Waters training in Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties and works to build a sense of stewardship around Lake Michigan. His efforts ensure there isn’t a Great Lakes-sized hole in AIS prevention across the state.

For Campbell, the educational and neighborly spirit of the program is what sets the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program apart from other AIS prevention initiatives.“[Staff] don’t have any legal or inspection authority, but I think for our program, that might work out better because they’re a more friendly inspector,” he said. “Our inspectors are truly there to help.”

Even as seventh graders, Stewart and her peers recognized the importance of a friendly conversation.

“We just realized the power of [AIS education] is going to come from behavior changes of people. And how do you do that? By interacting with other people and word of mouth,” said Stewart. “It’s gone so far beyond what any of us ever thought it would, which is really great.”

 

The post Podcast tells story of seventh graders who launched Clean Boats, Clean Waters first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

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Jenna Mertz

On:
In: Lake Leaders Institute, Preston Cole, Scott McComb, Wisconsin DNR, Wisconsin Lakes Partnership

Scott McComb, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s Southeast Wisconsin aquatic invasive species outreach specialist, recently completed training through the Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute, culminating in an October 14 graduation event.

McComb was part of the fourteenth class of graduates to learn about Wisconsin’s unique lake resources through a program organized by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership.

Wisconsin DNR Secretary Preston Cole (right) congratulates Scott McComb on his completion of the Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute. (submitted photo)

He was recognized by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Preston Cole, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Dean Brian Sloss and Wisconsin Lakes board members David Zelinger and Nick Homan.

Through a series of in-person seminars and online meetings, McComb gained a deeper understanding of lake ecology and how to work with state and local governments to ensure that lakes get the attention they need. The program combines readings, discussions, field experiences and more to develop lake management and leadership skills.

Commented McComb, who joined Wisconsin Sea Grant in 2021 and is based at the Kenosha County Extension Office, “Lake Leaders was a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of people and water from cultural, scientific and legal perspectives while also providing opportunities to reflect on my own connection to lakes in Wisconsin.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in bioregional planning.

“The individuals who participate in this program are true leaders who have stepped forward to protect our lakes for future generations,” said Sara Windjue, leadership and capacity development specialist for the UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes Program. “They are committed to developing partnerships and facilitating the learning of others in order to build capacity that will ensure the protection and restoration of thousands of lakes across Wisconsin.”

McComb shows off his certificate of completion. (submitted photo)

“Lake Leaders was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Wisconsin lakes and to connect with other lake-minded folks from around the state,” added McComb. He is committed to “honoring the waters of Wisconsin by learning its lessons, sharing its stories and listening to all” as he works prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Southeast Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute draws participants from across the state to take part in a series of three two-day seminars. Participants demonstrate their commitment to protecting the integrity of the lakes in Wisconsin with an investment of their time and a modest registration cost to cover meals and lodging.

The Wisconsin Lakes Partnership is made up of the Extension Lakes Program at UW-Stevens Point, the Wisconsin DNR and the citizen advocacy organization Wisconsin Lakes. Recognizing a need for new and ongoing leadership in the management of Wisconsin’s lakes, they created the Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute in 1996. Its mission is to assist citizen lake leaders to develop both their technical and people skills, ultimately enriching their communities and the waters within them.

This year’s graduation ceremony took place at the Aldo Leopold Shack near Baraboo, a fitting setting for celebrating the 22 new Lake Leaders’ accomplishments and looking ahead to their conservation journeys.

McComb, kneeling in front, poses with fellow members of his cohort near the shack of famed naturalist and conservationist Aldo Leopold. (submitted photo)

Since its inception, over 300 participants have graduated from the institute and made significant contributions in addressing a diverse array of water management challenges. The program has attracted national attention as an effective strategy for enhancing lake stewardship and protection.

For more information about the program, contact McComb, reach out to the Extension Lakes program staff or visit the UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes website.

The post Aquatic invasive species staff member recognized as Lake Leader first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

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Jennifer Smith

On:
In: AIS, AIS outreach, aquatic invasive species, Clean Boats, Kenosha, lake monitoring, Milwaukee, purple loosestrife, Racine, Scott McComb, Tim Campbell

Wisconsin Sea Grant has a new team member in the effort to protect our waters from aquatic invasive species. Scott McComb began May 3 as the southeast Wisconsin aquatic invasive species (AIS) outreach specialist.

Scott McComb has joined the staff of Wisconsin Sea Grant. (Submitted photo)

McComb’s position focuses on Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee counties, where he will coordinate education, monitoring and outreach programs for communities, stakeholders and volunteers to prevent the spread of AIS. His office is located at the Kenosha County Center in Bristol, though he anticipates spending a significant amount of time in the field in the three counties.

The three main programs McComb will focus on are the “Clean Boats, Clean Waters” campaign, a purple loosestrife biocontrol program and a citizen lake monitoring program. When possible, he’ll also have a presence at local and regional events (like Racine’s Salmon-A-Rama in July) to help spread the word about AIS prevention and answer the public’s questions.

McComb is eager to engage with a wide range of people. “Honestly, I feel like everyone under the sun is my stakeholder!” he laughed. He will partner with lake or homeowners’ associations that monitor bodies of water, government entities like parks departments, volunteer groups, conservation corps and individuals with an interest in maintaining healthy ecosystems for future generations.

He’s also keen to work with people of different ages. “I’d really like to engage youth and the diversity of cultures and backgrounds in this region. There are so many great groups and people to connect to,” said McComb.

As the summer recreation season gets underway and people head out for boating, fishing and other outdoor pastimes, McComb stressed the basics of protecting our waters, such as the “Inspect—remove—drain—never move—dispose” motto. People should inspect their boats, kayaks or other watercraft for aquatic plants and animals; remove any that are found; drain water from live wells and other areas; never move water, plants or animals between waterbodies; and dispose of unused bait in the trash.

Additionally, he said, “Just be curious and keep your eyes open with what’s going on in the different lakes that you use. You don’t need to be an expert on aquatic vegetation to see a species start to take over, and there’s a whole bunch of people—including myself and DNR folks—who are here to help you identify something if you think it’s an invasive.”

McComb during a hike in Zebra Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah. (Submitted photo)

McComb grew up in the Madison area and earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He then spent several years in Utah, where he completed a master’s degree in bioregional planning and worked in planning and conservation.

Said Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species outreach specialist, “Scott has a lot of experience helping communities plan and implement projects that help them improve their communities. I look forward to seeing how that experience helps him build upon existing local partnerships in southeast Wisconsin to improve aquatic invasive species prevention and management.”

A desire to be closer to family brought McComb and his wife back to Wisconsin. In their free time, they enjoy canoeing, kayaking and simply being out in nature.

As McComb settles into his new role, he encourages people seeking AIS information to get in touch. He can be reached at 608-890-0977 or McComb@aqua.wisc.edu.

The post Scott McComb ready to take on aquatic invasive species role in southeast Wisconsin first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases – Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases – Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/scott-mccomb-ready-to-take-on-aquatic-invasive-species-role-in-southeast-wisconsin/

Jennifer Smith