The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wibaux watercraft inspection station intercepted a boat carrying zebra mussels Thursday. The owner purchased the used boat and was transporting it to Alberta, Canada. The last launch of the boat was in Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin.

Memorial Day in Montana is the unofficial start to summer, and as boaters flock to the amazing rivers and lakes across the state, they need to keep in mind the new rules aimed at limiting and preventing aquatic invasive species from spreading.

Boaters have an additional opportunity to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species with the opening of an additional watercraft inspection station in Kalispell.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Anaconda watercraft inspection station intercepted a boat carrying zebra mussels Friday. The cabin cruiser was being transported from Ohio to Puget Sound in Washington.

After public input, Fish, Wildlife and Parks is changing its access plan for Tiber Reservoir this year, keeping a focus preventing the spread of invasive mussels, while providing adequate access to the reservoir.

Watercraft owners who primarily recreate on either Tiber or Canyon Ferry Reservoir can received the Certified Boater designation. The online training course provides participants with information about the invasive mussel threat; how to appropriately clean, drain and dry watercraft; and why it’s important for everyone to take responsibility in protecting Montana’s waterbodies.

Snowbird coming home?  Have a boat? Be sure to get it inspected.

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is looking at other options for boating access to Tiber Reservoir that will allow for adequate access while ensuring watercraft won’t leave the reservoir without going through decontamination.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold a meeting March 21 in Chester about the 2017 and 2018 aquatic invasive species program on Tiber Reservoir.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will continue to focus on protecting Montana’s waterways, way of life and outdoor economy from the impacts of invasive species. This effort will require changes to how visitors use Tiber Reservoir.