Lansing, MI – Michigan transportation officials are urging boat owners and commercial haulers to use the state’s expanded “Call Before You Haul” program, which now allows operators to submit travel and transport information online. The update, announced this week, is designed to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species across Michigan’s lakes and waterways as spring and summer travel increases.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the program helps track the movement of trailered watercraft—one of the most common ways invasive species are unintentionally carried between bodies of water. The new online reporting option provides haulers with a faster, more accessible way to share transport details before hitting the road.
MDOT officials said boaters who travel with personal watercraft, fishing boats, or larger trailered vessels can voluntarily report their origin, destination, and general travel plan. The information is used by environmental agencies to better understand transport patterns and identify potential risk areas for invasive species such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and quagga mussels.
The agency emphasized that the updated system does not replace mandatory “clean, drain, dry” requirements already in place statewide. Instead, it adds another layer of protection during peak boating months, especially for residents traveling between high-traffic recreation areas like Lake Michigan, Houghton Lake, Torch Lake, and the Detroit River.
Transportation officials noted that the program is especially helpful for long-haul transporters moving boats across county or state lines. They said broader participation can improve early detection efforts and reduce long-term ecological damage to Michigan waterways.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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