Beginning in early April, Game and Fish Aquatic Invasive Species check stations across Wyoming will resume seasonal operations. All boaters must stop when coming upon an AIS inspection station, according to Game and Fish Public Information Specialist Christina Schmidt.
AIS, specifically zebra and quagga mussels, pose a risk to the ecosystems of Wyoming’s waters. The AIS stations are Wyoming’s gatekeepers to help prevent the invasion of species that pose this very real danger.
Although the mussels are a major concern, other plant and animal species have already invaded some of Wyoming’s waters. The AIS stations also act as prevention to accidental transportation by watercraft users of an invasive species from one body of water to another and it’s not only animal life that can cause a stir in waters.
Wyoming Game and Fish Sheridan Region Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Reed Moore told listeners of Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program about some of the many species that have already made their way into the Cowboy State.
R. Moore
The long term damage of the plant species can be seen in other parts of the nation.
R. Moore
If residents would like to join the fight against AIS, the Game and Fish is offering training for members of the public to become a certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species inspector. The free, day-long session is open to anyone interested in preventing the spread of AIS through watercraft inspection. These trainings are offered as a one-day course from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the spring in statewide locations. Registration deadline is one week prior to the class start date.
The training in Sheridan will take place April 2, at the Sheridan Game and Fish Regional Office. To register online to attend the class, click here.
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Last modified: March 9, 2022