(Provided by Indiana DNR)

The DNR seeks volunteers to help gather information on recreational use at large northern Indiana lakes to learn about the spread of aquatic species.

Lakes involved in the project are Bass, Manitou, Maxinkuckee, Wawasee, Webster and Winona.

Volunteers will monitor selected boat ramps during high-use times to record boats entering or leaving the lake and if any aquatic species, such as plants, mussels or invertebrates, are attached. Volunteers will also record the type of watercraft and its home state, according to license plate.

The information will help the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife and local lake associations know if aquatic species are entering the lake through recreational boating and fishing, according to DNR District 1 fisheries biologist Tom Bacula. The information could be used to help with public outreach and species management plans.

"This is a pay-it-forward type of volunteer service," Bacula said. "A little preventive information and data collection will hopefully minimize the spread of aquatic species that costs thousands of dollars annually to control."

Data will be collected weekends from July 4 to Sept. 6, at designated public access sites, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

People interested in volunteering can sign up through the event listing on the Division of Fish & Wildlife volunteer information page at dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/8301.htm.