A handful of watercraft inspection stations begin operation on March 8 to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as the lower Colorado River, including lakes Mead, Havasu, Pleasant, Powell and Mohave. Boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessel inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) 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.
The stations near Dillon, Ravalli and Anaconda will open Saturday. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. FWP works closely with partners for station operation and contracts with the Beaverhead Conservation District for operation of the Dillon station and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for operation of the Ravalli station.
This year, 17 watercraft inspection stations will operate around the state. Additional stations will open throughout the summer as boat traffic increases.
Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers and gear are clean, drained and dry before transporting them, and they need to be aware of Montana’s 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.
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