With the help of outreach specialist Jo Latimore, two MSU students have traveled to at least 15 boat launches throughout the state this summer. Equipped with a mobile boat-washing unit, the group first hand-picks larger plants found on the hull, then power washes the boats using 140 degree water. The high temperatures are to insure invasive species cannot spread, "[It] has been shown, through research, to be enough to kill and remove most aquatic invasive organisms," said Latimore. While they are glad to clean boats and educate boaters, according to Latimore, "It's even more important that we get interest [sic] of the local community." Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife and phragmites are common invasive species in Michigan.