Blackfeet watercraft inspections begin

Beginning Sept. 8, the Blackfeet Watercraft Inspection Station seven miles west of Browning on U.S. 2 will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Motorized watercraft wishing to launch on Blackfeet waters must obtain a Certificate of Inspection, good for seven days, during these hours in order to launch.

During the post-Labor Day boating season, nonmotorized watercraft that are clean, drained and dry may fill out a self-inspection certification and launch. Self-certification forms may be picked up at the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife office in Browning, some fishing license retailers or the watercraft inspection station on U.S. 2.

Game wardens will inspect nonmotorized watercraft at local water bodies to assess the efficacy of the pilot program.

Visit www.flatheadbasincommission.org for a list of retailers or to download a self inspection form.

Motorized watercraft that cannot get inspected during the new hours of operation can call the tribal wildlife agency at (406) 338-7207 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to schedule an inspection mid-week.

Call (406) 559-6815 for more information.