MFWP Intercepts 3rd Mussel Filled Boat of the Year

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks continuously monitors boats in the state for aquatic invasive species from other bodies of water
• So far this year, MFWP has found 3 boats that needed quarantine for invasive species
• MFWP reminds boaters to always clean, drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water

MFWP Intercepts 3rd Mussel Filled Boat of the Year

As a former boat owner, I can attest to the multitude of things that need to be addressed when enjoying the water.  Safety devices, weather forecasts, toys, plugs, there is a never-ending list of responsibilities.

via GIPHY

One that should never be overlooked is cleaning your boat once you leave the water for the day, weekend or vacation.  Aquatic invasive species could be hiding on your dingy, and spreading those to other locations is an extremely bad thing in our waterways.

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Latest Mussel Finding in Dillon, MT from Out of State Boater

Montana boaters must stop for AIS inspection stations at various locations across the state.  (You can find the entire list here with a map.)  Recently in Dillon, MT the check station stopped the 3rd boat of the year for contamination.

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The boat had several locations of mussels still attached.  The boat was heading towards Alberta, Canada via Lake Havasu.  A complete decontamination was performed, and the boat was locked by MFWP.

Tips on Keeping Your Boat AIS Free in Montana Waters and Beyond

MFWP offers several suggestions for keeping your boat free of invasive species.  3 easy reminders when the day on the water ends include:

1. Clean
2. Drain
3. Dry

MFWP also reminds all boaters that:

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

To find out more about boating regulations and AIS in Montana waters, check here.