Boaters anxious to get on the water after a long, cold winter are reminded to ensure their watercraft are Clean, Drained and Dry to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Montana remains vigilante in stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species that can devastate aquatic habitats, ruin fishing and boating opportunities, and damage pipes and pumps used for agriculture and industry.

Certified boater training for Tiber and Canyon Ferry reservoir is available online.

The first watercraft inspection stations of 2019 will open this month in Kalispell, Ravalli and Browning. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species. 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the 2018 Watercraft Inspection Station Annual Report.   Highlights from the report include:

2018 was a big year for Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks and its aquatic invasive species program with a record number of watercrafts inspected, record number of water samples analyzed and no mussel larvae or adult mussels detected.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds waterfowl hunters that they can help prevent aquatic invasive species from infesting Montana’s wetlands, rivers and lakes.  The three steps of Clean, Drain, Dry greatly minimize the risk of spreading invasive species.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hosted a meeting of the watercraft inspection station partners in Helena.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announces a $837,000 grant to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to combat invasive mussels in Montana. These grant funds will be used to improve inspection/decontamination stations; provide campsites for inspection staff; purchase inspection and decontamination equipment, materials and supplies, outreach materials, storage sheds, and shelters; and also provide for sampling and analysis.

Labor Day weekend marked the conclusion of the summer boating season in Montana. With the decrease in boating traffic, some watercraft inspection stations are reducing hours or closing for the season.