Be a Hero—Transport Zero

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is asking the public to be heroes and lend a hand in stopping the movement of all aquatic nuisance species.

The “Be A Hero-Transport Zero” Campaign (BHTZ) was constructed and initiated for IDNR with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and contracted market specialists to promote awareness and action in Illinois that may have not been there. This effort was guided by IDNR and supported by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding through U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Although similar to the “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” campaign, the Be a Hero campaign as clearly state objectives that can benefit Illinois natural resources and was designed to partner with citizens in a positive way. To participate in the campaign, request signage, or learn more about the BHTZ see links above or check out www.transportzero.org

Who Can Be a Citizen Hero?

Regardless of how you interact with the environment you can be a hero and find out how to protect the resources at www.transportzero.org.

Sportsmen and women can protect Illinois aquatic natural resources and ‘Be a Hero – Transport Zero’ with attention to three simple steps: 1) Removing plants animals and mud from equipment; 2) Draining all water from your boat and gear; and 3) Drying everything thoroughly with a towel. Boaters, anglers, scuba divers or waterfowl hunters will find valuable information at the Transport Zero – Aquatic website for learn about aquatic invasive species.

For those participating in land-based activities, such as upland hikers, campers, hunters, birders and landowners, valuable tips on helping with the campaign can be found at Transport Zero – Terrestrial.

Water gardeners, aquarium hobbyists and teachers also may play a role in minimizing the spread of aquatic invasive species. Check out the information at Release Zero.

And finally, if you or your lake association, club or resource organization wants to become a Hero, check out the resources at Partners.

What Aquatic Species are Threatening Waterways?

Several species such as bighead, silver, grass or black carps Eurasian ruffe, hydrilla and New Zealand mud snails threaten the aquatic resources of Illinois and surrounding states. Adhering to the steps to ‘Be a Hero – Transport Zero’ goes a long way to prevent the movement of invasive species. Also, familiarize yourself with the risks of the uncontrolled spread of invasive species and how to identify the most likely invaders. For assistance in identifying a suspicious invader, or to report these invaders when found in new locations in Illinois, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Aquatic Nuisance Species Program office at (217) 785-8772.

Resources

• A Be A Hero – Transport Zero campaign video
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Non-indigenous Aquatic Species website on Eurasian ruff
• Hydrilla
• USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species website on New Zealand mud snail
• USGS Non-indigenous Aquatic Species website on snakehead Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) – Species Profile
• Bighead, silver, grass or black carp