Some Montana Watercraft Inspection Stations Have Already Opened

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Clean, drain, dry. Inspection season is underway in Montana.

While only a few of what will eventually be 17 inspections stations around the state opened over the weekend, it won't be long before all of them will be expecting to see you, regardless of the type of watercraft you may be carrying. That includes paddle boards, float tubes, canoes and kayaks.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that in addition to instate water recreation enthusiasts, there is an emphasis on checking snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as the lower Colorado River, including Lakes Mead, Havasu, Pleasant, Powell and Mohave. Many boats coming from the Great Lakes Region are a point of emphasis as well.

THE FIRST DEFENSE

All watercraft owners must have their vessel inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species at a Montana watercraft inspection station prior to launch. AIS are plants, animals or pathogens that are not native to Montana and can cause harm to our environment and economy. AIS are often introduced accidentally. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways.

The stations near Dillon on Interstate 15, Ravalli on US Highway 93 and Anaconda on Interstate 90 opened Saturday, March 8. Along with the 17 watercraft inspection stations will operate around the state this year, additional stations will open throughout the summer as boat traffic increases.

MONTANA INSPECTION RULES

>All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching.

>All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching.

>Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter.

>And all boaters are reminded to always clean, drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water.