Mussel-Fouled Boat Was on Its Way to a Northwest Montana Lake

Invasive mussels are prolific breeders. And we sure don't want them or their offspring in our pristine lakes.

That was what was at risk, when a Montana Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check station stepped in to vanquish some "settlers," or the juvenile form of the mussel, and that interception helped prevent a large boat from entering one of northwest Montana's gems.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that AIS inspectors told these uninvited, invasive guests that they weren’t welcome at our 4th of July celebrations!  Thanks to their amazing AIS check station team in Dillon, another mussel-fouled boat has been successfully intercepted before reaching Montana waters.

This vessel was intercepted just two days after it was launched in Lake Mead. The watercraft was headed to Whitefish, Montana, to be launched for a boat show on Whitefish Lake. The inspection station team found not only adult, but numerous settler mussels attached.

All watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species. You must obtain an inspection before launching on Montana waters. Stop at all open inspections stations you encounter

Boats with a ballast or bladder, such as wakeboard or wake-surfing boats, that intend to launch on Montana waters must be decontaminated before launching.

While planning your trip to Montana, if you find you will not encounter a watercraft inspection station on your way to your destination, Idaho, Wyoming, and Alberta inspection stations fulfill the before-launch requirements of Montana.

BOTTOM LINE?  Stop at ALL open inspection stations you encounter in Montana where your watercraft may be re-inspected.