Folks warned about invasive species in the water

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By Erica Rush, KCBY News

LAKESIDE, Ore. -Recreational boaters aren't the only ones taking advantage of our local waterways, as biologists warn folks about the dangers of invasive aquatic species.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon State Marine Board and other outdoor officials teamed up earlier this week for a free training seminar on hindering species found throughout Southwestern Oregon.

According to Rick Boatener with ODFW , these invasive plants can pose a serious health risk to the waterways.

"They're easy to move around, just fragmentation will move them," says Boatener.  "They also grow in great masses so you get reduced fishing and boating opportunities as well as changes in the diversity in the water, so you're not having a great diversity in the water so you're not having as a great diversity, so your fish population aren't as high."

Folks attending the class not only learned about the dangers, but also how to prevent their spread and how to effectively inspect and clean their boats.
    
For those of you unable to attend, you can find more information at www.boatoregon.com

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