Campaign to keep Big Lake Clean is catching on with locals

BIG LAKE — Clean boating launch hosts at Big Lake are making a big splash. The project has been a good first step in educating recreational users of the lake about some simple and common sense ways to help keep gas and oil out of the lake.

These include draining your boat’s bilge on land instead of in or near the lake, fueling your boat or other watercraft before you launch away from the water and using an absorbent pad to catch your drips.

Last year was the first of a two-year pilot grant from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and the initial outreach effort has been a resounding success. Community members have been receptive to learning simple ways to help keep Big Lake clean, and they are enjoying the free kits handed out by project volunteers.

The “Keep Big Lake Clean” boating kits include a variety of useful and educational items, including tips on ways to keep leaks and spills out of the lake.

Outreach for the Clean Boating on Big Lake Project is an ongoing effort and will continue through this summer and into next. It will focus on promoting environmentally friendly boating practices by users on busy holiday weekends and around boat launch sites, particularly important over the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

The Clean Boating on Big Lake Launch Program is sponsored by a grant from ADEC, administered through Cook Inletkeeper and managed locally by Mat-Su Conservation Services.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Catherine Inman at 841-2226 or visit inletkeeper.org/clean-water/clean-boating/biglake.