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i-lidsOne of our most effective tools in the prevention of the spread of invasive species.
Next to the diligence and engagement of our community and association members, probably nothing we can do will have a bigger impact than the I-LIDS device. |
INTERNET LANDING INSTALLED DEVICE SENSOR
Our Internet Landing Installed Device Sensor (I-LIDS) is always watching the hundreds of boat launch activities each year. Thousands of videos are captured - documenting the boats, trailers and vehicles entering and leaving the Lake 26 public launch area. Those videos are all individually reviewed for any indication that a boater has not taken appropriate care to control the spread of invasive species.
The Twenty-Six Lake Property Owners' Association reviews suspected violations in order to make a determination about civil pursuit of a violator.
Most significantly, field testing has shown a clear behavioral difference in the compliance of boaters when this system is present at the launch. The same way the presence of a highway patrolman on the freeway ensures traffic comply with the laws.
The Twenty-Six Lake Property Owners' Association reviews suspected violations in order to make a determination about civil pursuit of a violator.
Most significantly, field testing has shown a clear behavioral difference in the compliance of boaters when this system is present at the launch. The same way the presence of a highway patrolman on the freeway ensures traffic comply with the laws.
CHECK OUT THE 2017 HIGHLIGHTS FOR LIDS AT AREA LAKES
HOW DOES IT WORK?
With the I-LIDS just sitting out there, the question can arise "How do we know it works?". Three specific questions asked are:.
1) How do boaters react to the system?
2) Are there any suspect AIS violations going into the lake on boats or trailers?
3) How much does it cost to operate?
1) How do boaters react to the system?
2) Are there any suspect AIS violations going into the lake on boats or trailers?
3) How much does it cost to operate?
- How do boaters react? In reviewing over 176,000 videos in 2017 we saw many boaters on camera looking or even crawling on their backs to identify attached plants and remove them. Again checkout: 2017 Video Highlights It's not likely we would have this reaction if the I-LIDS was not there. (Don't you check your speed when you see a trooper on the highway looking for speeders?) In fact many youth can be seen proudly inspecting and doing the right thing.
- Are there suspect AIS violations? Sadly, there are some that have obvious launches with plants on the boat and trailer that we see 1 . In 2017 there were 12 of them. But based on about 35,000 launches reviewed, that amounts to an amazingly low violation rate of 0.03%!
- Boaters tell us. There is always an opportunity onsite to talk to boaters about the system and what they think of it. 99% of the reactions are positive and some comments shared are, "Well the cameras there", "It's the right thing to do", "It reminds me to inspect".
- Customers tell us, "We used to see people launching weeds at the ramp. Since installing the I-LIDS, we don't see that happen anymore. It helps us remind people to clean off plants. Its working for us."
- Cost effectiveness. With customers performing the basic install/deinstall, the operating cost for an average season is about 60 cents an hour. The average inspector cost can be $16/hour.
- Importance of video review. Not every customer is going to want to take the time to review all videos although we do make this available as an option. We think it's extremely important to review videos to identify if there are suspect AIS violations, to make sure the behavior is desired, and so that people know it's not just sitting there. We can do this very cost effectively or train volunteers on your lake to review. You cannot manage what you don't measure.
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