(Des Moines)--The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding lake property owners to check their boat and trailers, and docks and lifts, for aquatic invasive species or AIS before storing them for the winter. Jason Euchner, Fisheries Bureau’s Aquatic Vegetation Management Biologist, says it’s important to closely inspect docks after pulling them from the water.

Aquatic invasive species move from one waterbody to another by hitchhiking on boats, in bait buckets and on other equipment used in the water. Euchner says keeping your boat and equipment clean and dry is the best way to avoid spreading AIS.

Euchner also offers advice for storing your docks during the winter.

He says there are usually few reports of AIS this time of year

It is illegal to possess or transport prohibited aquatic invasive species or to transport any aquatic plants on water-related equipment in Iowa.