Courtesy Boat Inspection

Maine Department of Environmental Protection oversees the CBI Program with the assistance of Bridgton-based Lakes Environmental Association.

The best way to combat invasive plants in Maine waterways is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Maine currently has 6 species of invasive aquatic plants. These are Variable- leaf Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Watermilfoil, European Naiad, European Frogbit and Hydrilla. These plants are so vigorous and propagate so fast that they can crowd out native plants, affect fish populations, and make swimming and boating difficult, if not impossible. When that happens, costly control measures are needed. This is why it is so important to prevent these invasive species from entering the lake.

Thompson Lake has the invasive plant Variable Leaf Milfoil. TLEA has significantly decreased but not eliminated this infestation.  The goal of the Courtesy Boat Inspection is to prevent the spread of this invasive to other lakes and prevent infestation of other invasives into Thompson Lake.

Each spring, TLEA hires Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBIs) to monitor boat launches at three or four ramps on Thompson Lake. Hours are on weekends and holidays. The inspectors are trained to discuss with boaters the risk posed by invasive plants and animals, show boaters how to inspect and remove vegetation from boating and fishing equipment, urge boaters to inspect both before and after each launch, and educate boaters on the importance of draining and drying their boats before reentering a lake.  Reliability, honesty, and strong communication skills are a must for all courtesy boat inspectors.  For more information on Courtesy Boat Inspection, please visit the MaineLakes.org website.

If you are interested in becoming a Courtesy Boat Inspector on Thompson Lake please contact TLEA at:  CBI@ThompsonLake.org

Courtesy Boat Inspection Handbook (PDF)