Montana’s watercraft inspection stations set another record for boats inspected in 2019.  More than 112,00 watercraft have been inspected so far this year, surpassing last year’s number by 3,000 inspections. Inspectors have intercepted 16 boats with invasive mussels coming into the state.

Hunters who use boats to access waterfowl or big game hunting areas can help prevent aquatic invasive species from infesting Montana’s wetlands, rivers, and lakes. 

Montana’s watercraft inspection stations are closing for the season, but boaters can still obtain an inspection at FWP regional and area offices.

Late-season anglers and hunters utilizing boats for waterfowl or big game hunting need to follow the principles of clean, drain, dry to help protect our waters from invasive aquatic weeds, animals and diseases.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Summit on Dec. 4 and 5 in Helena. The two-day meeting will bring together AIS partners to discuss the progress made and next steps needed to continue advancing Montana’s AIS program.

A boat from Chicago bound for Seattle was quarantined and decontaminated at the Ravalli watercraft inspection station operated by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT).

This week experts on invasive species will gather to discuss the most pressing issues on aquatic invasive species management.  The Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species (WRP) will hold its annual meeting in Missoula Oct. 9-11, hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.  Aquatic invasive species (AIS) cause tremendous damage to our economic and natural resources. 

Non-residents planning to bring their watercraft into Montana must now purchase an AIS Prevention Pass (AISPP) before launching on state waters. The AISPP was initiated by the 2019 Montana Legislature to help fund the fight against aquatic invasive species.

Last month Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks discovered an established population of New Zealand mud snails at a private commercial fish hatchery south of Hamilton.

Montana’s boating season is slowing down, and with the decrease in boating traffic some watercraft inspection stations are reducing hours or closing for the season.

Beginning Aug. 12, the boat launch at the Willow Creek arm of Tiber Reservoir will be open only to Certified Boaters in the Aquatic Invasive Species program.