Boat inspection stations open

Inspection stations and roving inspection crews went into operation on May 24 at key border crossing sites, along major highways and on heavily used water bodies in a statewide effort to halt the spread of aquatic invasive species in Montana.

A new roadside inspection station opened on U.S. 2 between Coram and West Glacier on May 22. The seasonally permanent station will be open 10-12 hours per day, on average.

Funding for the new station came from the city of Whitefish, which is concerned about impacts to Whitefish Lake and areas streams and lakes, and the Bureau of Reclamation’s station at Hungry Horse Dam.

The Flathead Chapter of Trout Unlimited has expressed interest in helping to fund the Canyon station. Support from Trout Unlimited and other groups could be key to keeping the station operating through Labor Day, according to Flathead Basin Commission executive director Caryn Miske.

Anyone transporting a boat must stop at an aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection station for a brief interview and inspection, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Montana’s aquatic invasive species laws were recently strengthened by the 2013 Legislature.

The most likely aquatic invasive species threats to Montana waters include quagga and zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and Eurasian watermilfoil. The cost of invasive species damages in the U.S. amounts to more than $100 billion each year.

Already in May, two boats stopped at inspection stations were found to be fouled by zebra mussels, and another contaminated boat was found by an alert private citizen.

FWP urges boaters to inspect, clean and dry boats, trailers and gear to ensure they don’t carry organisms from one water body to another.

“One of Montana’s best defense against spreading invasive species while enjoying the outdoors is to inspect, clean, and dry boats, trailers, and fishing gear after each use,” said Allison Begley, FWP’s aquatic invasive species coordinator in Helena. “If boaters and anglers get into the habit of carrying out this preventative maintenance, we’ll be able to decrease the number of troubling, expensive, unintentional introductions of harmful species in Montana,” Begley said.

Statewide, inspection stations and roving crews will be operating throughout the boating season at the Clearwater Junction rest area, in Eureka on Highway 37 westbound, in Ronan at the U.S. 93 northbound rest area, in Culbertson at the U.S. 2 westbound rest area, in Wibaux on I-94 westbound, at the Dena Mora I-90 eastbound rest area in Dillon on I-15 northbound, at the Hardin I-90 rest area, in Conrad on I-15 northbound and southbound, in Shelby on U.S. 2 westbound, in Fort Peck on Highway 24 eastbound, in Troy on U.S. 2 eastbound, and around the Clark Fork, Missouri, Madison, Bitterroot and Swan river drainages. Roving crews will also work at fishing tournaments and boating events.

For more information, visit online at www.fwp.mt.gov and click on “Aquatic Invasive Species” on the “Fishing” page.