Glacier Park inspecting all boats for invasive species

 Glacier National Park has resumed its boat inspection and permit program this summer as part of an ongoing aquatic invasive species prevention program.

Aquatic invasive species, including zebra and quagga mussels, continue to threaten park waterways, according to a news release from Glacier. Recently established mussel populations in the Southwest present new threats to park waters — mussel-positive boats from that region have been intercepted in the Northwest.

Motorized and trailered watercraft must have a thorough boat inspection by a park employee upon every entry to Glacier. 

A free permit is issued after the inspection, which may take up to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the boat. A boat may launch multiple times provided the boat does not leave the park between launches.

To receive a permit, boats must be clean, drained and thoroughly dry (including bilge areas and live wells). Boats with internal ballast tanks or other enclosed compartments that exchange water with the environment and that cannot be readily cleaned, dried, and fully inspected are prohibited from launching in Glacier National Park.

Hand-propelled watercraft (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, catarafts) being launched in the park are required to obtain an aquatic-invasive-species-free self-certification permit.

The permit is free, completed by the boater, and is required upon each entry to the park. The permit must remain with boaters while they are floating. It is available at all park visitor centers, backcountry permit offices, park headquarters, and at maintained boat launches. Visitors can download the permit at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ais.htm.

Though launch hours are not restricted, inspection hours are limited. Hours vary throughout the park and will be adjusted seasonally.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, permits are available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at park headquarters in West Glacier and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at all other locations, including the St. Mary Visitor Center, Two Medicine Ranger Station and Many Glacier Ranger Station.

Boaters who want to launch on Bowman Lake should obtain a permit at park headquarters.

Boats failing inspection will be denied permits. A boater may reapply for a permit after the boat is thoroughly cleaned, drained and dried. Boats found with infestations of any aquatic invasive species may be quarantined until they are fully decontaminated, which may take up to 30 days.  

Fishing equipment must be clean and dry as well.

Invasive mussels have been found on boats within Montana and passing through Montana over the past few years. Eurasian watermilfoil and other invasive aquatic plants also are present in Western Montana waterways.

For rules and regulations on boating visit the park’s web page at http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/boating.htm.