Recreational boaters are heavily impacted by the introduction of aquatic invasive species (AIS), and the boater pathway is a significant source of spread for these harmful organisms. The Water Steward Program is a new initiative by ISAP with a focus on AIS prevention. 

With funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow grant program, the Water Steward Program offers training for volunteers in the Durham, Haliburton, Kawartha, and Pine Ridge regions. During the late spring and summer, teams of volunteer Water Stewards set up watercraft AIS-check stations at public boat launches across these regions, where boaters have the opportunity to learn how to effectively Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft, pertinent AIS regulations, species of concern for Ontario, and more.

As a volunteer Water Steward, your role would be to:

• Educate recreational boaters on the pathways, impacts, and identification of AIS.
• Promote preventive behaviors among recreational boaters.
• Encourage and train recreational boaters to actively reduce the spread of AIS through voluntary AIS-checks.

How can you help?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Water Steward, fill out the screening survey at the button below.

To learn more about our program, contact Jeff Berthelette at jeff_berthelette@ofah.org

Already a Water Steward?

To access the Boater Engagement Survey, click here: AIS Boater Engagement Survey

To download the Water Steward Handbook, click here: Water Steward Handbook PDF