A new law set to take effect in Illinois this year is aimed at helping to curb the spread of aquatic invasive species throughout Illinois’ waterways.

From WBEZ 91.5:

“The agency has targeted 39 other plant and animal species as “high-risk” threats to the Great Lakes region. Now, the state of Illinois is hoping to put a dent in the critters’ spread with a law aimed at boaters.

The new state regulation, which goes into effect at the start of 2013, makes it illegal for a boat in one river or lake to pick up plants and then go into another body of water — at least without being cleaned first.”