Flexing Our Mussels: Another Year Clear of AIS in Montana

As the sun rises on the new inspection season, it's time for boaters to think twice before hitting the water. Stick around for some crucial info.

INSPECTION SEASON OPENING SOON

Can you believe it? Watercraft inspection season is about to begin. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds us that March 7 marks the opening of aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection stations in Dillon, Ravalli and Anaconda.

Montana FWP contracts with tribes, conservation districts and counties for watercraft inspection station operations and works with partners state-wide, such as Trout Unlimited and Walleyes Unlimited, to expand AIS early detection survey and AIS outreach.

READ MORE: Volunteer Opportunities Abound In Montana's Stunning State Parks

NOT AN OUT-OF-STATE SOUVENIR WE WANT

The FWP AIS team recently posted the AIS Early Detection, Monitoring, and Control Annual Report and the AIS Prevention Report online. One of the biggest take-aways from this year’s reports is the risk posed by Montana residents bringing in AIS from other states. These are residents that either have homes out of state or travel out of state and then bring AIS back home.

If you know snowbirds who are bringing a boat home, be sure they get their boat inspected before they put it in the water. Also, if you or someone you know buys a boat from out of state, be sure to get it inspected.

SOME OF 2025'S HIGHLIGHTS

>>>125,928 inspections conducted.

>>>Intercepted 38 zebra and quagga mussel-
fouled watercraft, 21 were destined to
launch in Montana.

>>>Conducted interviews at Fort Peck and
Flathead Lake boat ramps to gather
information on boater compliance and
potential gaps.

>>>Expanded quality control at inspection
stations with additional staff.

>>>Expanded partner involvement in
management and operation of watercraft
inspection stations.

Congratulations to Montana FWP and their partners for their vigilance in protecting Montana's waters. Here's to another successful season!