Two free CBCW (Clean Boats, Clean Waters) workshops, hosted by the Oneida County Land and Water Department and the University of Wisconsin-Extension, and sponsored by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, are being planned in May. The CBCW program provides an opportunity to learn how and why educational awareness is critical in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

The workshops will have speakers from multiple resource agencies. Participants will receive information on AIS along with species identification, instructions on how to organize an effective volunteer watercraft inspection program and practice with conducting boater interviews. A CBCW water inspection handbook and kit, containing all the tools an inspector needs, will be available at the workshop.

Seating at both is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

• Thursday, May 2, 5 to 7 p.m. Join the Oneida County AIS Team at the Rhinelander Airport, 3375 Airport Rd., Rhinelander. This workshop will be a refresher course for CBCW participants. New volunteers are welcome as well. Beverages and a snack will be provided.

• Tuesday, May 21, 9 a.m. to noon. This CBCW workshop will be held at the Minocqua Community Center, 415 Menominee St., Minocqua. The workshop will be geared toward new CBCW participants. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

To register for these workshops, contact the Oneida County UW-Extension office at (715) 365-2750. For more information on the CBCW program, visit uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/cbcw. For any other questions, contact Michele Sadauskas, Oneida AIS Coordinator, at (715) 365-2750 or visit oneidacountyais.com.