Help keep Big Lake clean

To the editor:

As Alaskans from all over come to Big Lake on sunny weekends, the amount of gas and oil in the lake increases to a dangerous level for fish and other aquatic life. Luckily, there are some things that we can do as boaters to take action and decrease the pollution in Big Lake. A few things to consider this summer:

• Every drop counts. Always keep absorbent pads on board and use them when fueling, checking or adding oil, and use them to collect any small spills that may happen.

• Go slow when fueling and always use an absorbent. Fueling your boat is not like fueling your car. Pay attention to where your fuel overflow vent is. Make sure to put something there to collect any overflow — don’t let that expensive fuel out into the lake or onto the parking lot.

• Don’t drain your boat on the launch ramp. Please wait until you are in the uplands, you’ve cleaned up any spills with absorbents, and there is some vegetation between you and the lake before you drain your boat.

• Avoid using soap to clean up spills. Soap sends oil to the bottom of the river or lake where it harms fish and other aquatic life.

Cook Inletkeeper is working with the community of Big Lake to provide tools and resources for boaters on Big Lake this summer. Inletkeeper staff will be at the North and South boat launches, as well as at the borough launch at Big Lake this summer. We will hand out absorbent pads, oil-absorbent bilge pillows, and other fun and useful tools to help you do your part to keep fuel and oil out of Big Lake. Stop by our table to help keep Big Lake clean.

Heather Leba

Talkeetna