Boaters in Wyoming and Montana who want to go out on the Tongue River Reservoir, will have to have their boat inspected elsewhere.
Beginning this year, boats will not be inspected at the reservoir for aquatic invasive species.
In addition to limited funding and the challenge of staffing, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department has determined that the reservoir is a low risk area for AIS’s.
The 2 closest places to the reservoir for inspections are in Sheridan and in Hardin, Montana.
Including contractors, last year the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department inspected more than 123,000 watercraft, with about 2,000 of those done at Tongue River Reservoir State Park.
Of those 2,000, only 24 watercrafts were reported to have standing water, which is a concern because it can carry mussel larvae, disease-causing pathogens and plant fragments.
Overall, 61 mussel fouled vessels were intercepted in Montana last year.
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Last modified: May 10, 2022