Invasive mussels found on Kalispell-bound boat
This June 17, 2021, file photo shows an invasive quagga mussel found on a boat that was about to enter Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. Quagga mussels are not native to the United States and can devastate ecosystems by overpopulating lakes and streams. (National Park Service via AP)
Watercraft inspectors in Montana recently intercepted their 50th mussel-fouled boat of the year after spotting the aquatic invasive species attached to the vessel, which was being towed from Lake Erie to Kalispell.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said the boat was intercepted Thursday at the Nashua Station on U.S. 2, which is operated by the McCone Conservation District via a contract with FWP. The department said mussels were found on the boat's sonar transducer, gimbal and other areas of the transom.
Statewide, 94,800 watercraft inspections have been conducted this year, down slightly from the 112,300 inspections conducted during the same period last year. In 2020, inspectors intercepted 35 mussel-fouled boats.
According to the state's aquatic invasive species dashboard, inspection teams also have identified more than 21,000 "high risk" boats this year; those are boats that were last launched in a state with known mussel infestations before arriving in Montana. The majority of out-of-state boats this year have come from Idaho, Wyoming, California, Oregon and Arizona.
Dozens of inspection stations are scattered throughout the state from Wibaux to Troy, with the busiest stations located at Clearwater Junction, Anaconda and Hardin.
FWP says all motorized and non-motorized boats being transferred into Montana must be inspected before they are launched. Failing to stop at a station along a driving route can result in a fine of up to $500.
Boaters should ensure their watercraft, trailers and all equipment that comes into contact with water, such as anchors, lines and swim ladders, are clean, drained of water and dried.