FWP Gearing Up for a New Watercraft Inspection Station Season

Several watercraft inspection stations begin operation in early March to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as Lakes Mead and Havasu. Before launch, boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessels inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) at a Montana watercraft inspection station.

The stations near Dillon, Ravalli, and Anaconda will open this weekend. FWP works closely with partners for station operation and contracts with the Beaverhead Conservation District for the operation of the Dillon station and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for the operation of the Ravalli station. Inspections will also be available at the FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell in March to help accommodate requirements for Mac Days.

Watercraft inspection stations are Montana's first line of defense against the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways.

Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers, and gear are clean, drained, and dry before transporting and need to be aware of Montana's inspection rules:

• All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected before launching.

• All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected before launching.

• Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations.

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