Aquatic Invasive Species

Help keep aquatic invasive species out of Montana waterways

Outdoor recreationists and boaters venturing out into Lake County rivers and lakes need to be aware of the ongoing effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species to the area.

Aquatic invasive species are aquatic organisms that are not normally present in an ecosystem.

These organisms will out-compete native species, and their presence can cause severe damage and major disruption to local ecosystems, economies, industry and tourism.

The zebra and quagga mussels are two types of invasive mussels from Europe now found in more than 600 lakes and reservoirs in 30 states across the country. These fingernail-sized mussels have byssal threads, which allow them to attach to surfaces like boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable water toys and fishing equipment.

Mussels can impact agriculture and hydropower by attaching themselves to the insides of pipes, clogging irrigation systems and inner workings of dams, which causes environmental and economic harm.

Zebra and quagga mussels aren’t the only invasive species wreaking environmental havoc. Other invasive

ZEBRA MUSSEL

species include weeds, such as the curly leaf pond or the Eurasian watermilfoil, which displace native vegetation and wildlife. Snails, such as the New Zealand mud snail, will use up nutrients for native vegetation and reduce the number of native bugs that fish eat.

In an attempt to thwart a statewide AIS contamination, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and partner agencies, which include the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, operate more than 25 roadside watercraft inspection stations and across the state.

Anyone carrying or towing any type of watercraft or water-based equipment, non-motorized and motorized, must stop at all open roadside inspection stations they encounter. All watercraft coming into Montana from out-of-state must seek out an inspection prior to launching.

Inspections are typically brief and include a short interview to make sure watercraft are not transporting mud, water, plants or invasive organisms. Larger or more complex boats may require additional time for an inspection.

Watercraft owners can minimize the risk of spreading AIS into new locations and make their inspections faster by practicing the “clean, drain, dry” method. • Clean: Remove all mud, water, and vegetation before leaving an access area. • Drain: All water from the watercraft and equipment needs to be drained. • Dry: Let your watercraft and equipment dry before launching in another area.

According to FWP officials, these inspection stations are having a solid impact. As of May 30, inspectors in Montana caught 12 mussel-fouled boats with invasive zebra or quagga mussels and one boat with red rim melania snails attached to watercraft.

Last year, more than 113,000 watercraft were inspected for signs of aquatic invasive species, identifying 16 mussel-fouled vessels and over 300 vessels were intercepted for transporting aquatic weeds. Inspection station staff will do their part in the fight against the coronavirus by following COVID-19 safety protocols, which include mandatory six-foot social distancing, wearing facial masks when interacting with the public and regularly wiping down and sanitizing equipment and surfaces.

To find a watercraft inspection station or for more information about FWP’s AIS program, go to CleanDrainDryMT. com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440. Story by Rob Zolman / Valley Journal

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