Aquatic invasion: It's not sci-fi

It can’t be easy taking on a problem that doesn’t yet exist, but those who have been sounding the alarm over aquatic invasive species have admirably done exactly that.

For several years now, organizations such as Montana Trout Unlimited and the Flathead Basin Commission have joined forces with state, federal and tribal agencies to raise awareness about the economic and environmental consequences of allowing zebra mussels, quagga mussels or Eurasian watermilfoil to invade Montana waters.

Two years ago, they took it a step further, establishing a boat inspection program to detect aquatic invasive species. More than 25,000 watercraft were inspected in 2012, with mussels being detected on only four of the vessels.

But that’s the point here: Even one contaminated boat can bring about the type of infestations that have caused enormous damage to dams, irrigation systems, docks and other infrastructure in other states.

Perhaps more important than the number of boats inspected was the 64,000 people that were provided information on aquatic invasive species by inspectors. Again, it was only a few years ago when there was very little awareness about a problem that has yet to manifest itself in Montana.

It’s been a major challenge to raise the profile of the issue to a point where an inspection program could be established and where thousands of people could be informed about the potential harm they could cause if they carelessly launched a contaminated boat in Montana.

It has reached a point where recently retired Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright proclaimed that he regards aquatic invasive species the biggest threat to the park, and it has risen to a level where this year, the state Legislature is taking action to make the inspection and education program even more comprehensive and aggressive.

The revamped program would cost about $1.4 million a year, but that amount pales in comparison to the millions spent in other states in combating established infestations. Montana doesn’t need that headache, and the efforts to prevent it from happening are justified.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Daily Inter Lake’s editorial board.