This page, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Law, is offered by
Department of Conservation & Recreation

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Law

Learn about the law created by the Massachusetts Legislature regarding nuisance species.

Overview of An Act Protecting Lakes and Ponds

Effective as of April 9th, 2013

This important law makes it illegal in Massachusetts to introduce nuisance species to the state’s lakes and ponds, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Please clean all visible plant material from your boat, trailer, and any recreational equipment before you leave a lake and then clean your equipment. If not, you could face significant penalties under the law.

Please report violations to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075 or to your local Harbormaster.

You can view the law for more information.

Additional Resources

Open file, Federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

Open PDF file, 32.25 KB, 302 CMR 18.00 Aquatic Nuisance Control Program (English, PDF 32.25 KB)

Contact for Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Law

Online

Lakes and Ponds Program

Email DCR Lakes and Ponds Program at jim.straub@mass.gov

Email DCR Lakes and Ponds Program at tom.flannery2@mass.gov

Email DCR Lakes and Ponds Program at kara.sliwoski@mass.gov

Phone

Kara Sliwoski Call DCR Lakes and Ponds Program, Kara Sliwoski at 857-278-5279

Address

251 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02114

Directions

Lakes and Ponds Program

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