Wyoming Game and Fish report that the Sheridan region Aquatic Invasive Species crew inspected 8,138 watercraft in 2021.
Of those, 656 were high risk; meaning those craft were last used on a water infested with quagga or zebra mussels or the watercraft contained standing water from a state that has known invasive mussel populations.
Three watercraft entered check stations with dead mussels attached and underwent a complete decontamination to eliminate the risk of transporting the organisms to the watercraft’s final destination.
According to the Game and Fish, statewide, more than 68,000 boats were inspected in 2021. Game and Fish personnel decontaminated 924 boats, and inspectors found live mussels on two. It is the highest number of decontaminations since the AIS program was established in 2010 by the State Legislature and the first time live mussels were found on boats at Wyoming’s check stations.
Unfortunately, the department continues to see watercraft entering these check stations with bilge plugs in and/or with compartments containing standing water. The Game and Fish report that in 2017, AIS regulations were modified to include “all bilge and ballast plugs and other barriers that prevent water drainage from a watercraft shall be removed or remain open while a watercraft is transported by land within the state”.
While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Wyoming Game and Fish Sheridan Region Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Reed Moore informed listeners on how the invasive mussels have the ability to destroy an ecosystem at an alarming rate.
R. Moore
Standing water creates an increased risk for transporting AIS, as it creates an environment that allows organisms to remain viable while they are transported over land. Both microscopic juvenile mussels, called veligers, and adult mussels are able to live nearly a month in very small amounts of standing water. To reduce the chance of transporting AIS, it is important to make sure boaters Clean, Drain and Dry not only their boat, but any gear or equipment used.
This year, AIS check stations opened in the Sheridan region in April. Current hours at the Sheridan AIS check station at the Travel Center on 5th Street are Sunday through Wednesday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There are also certified private inspectors around Wyoming that can complete a watercraft inspection.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will not operate an AIS check station at Tongue River Reservoir this year, though their laws require an inspection for out-of-state watercraft prior to launching. Wyoming anglers and recreationists going to Tongue River Reservoir can get a certified watercraft inspection in Wyoming before their trip, which will fulfill Montana’s legal requirements.
Game and Fish ask the public to keep in mind that while the Sheridan AIS check station is open seven days a week, boaters should plan ahead and get an inspection done during Game and Fish operating hours. After the inspection, a seal will be placed on the watercraft that remains in place until it is launched, providing proof that it has received a certified inspection.
All watercraft traveling into Wyoming from March 1, through Nov. 30, must be inspected prior to launching in Wyoming. Boaters must also stop at any open AIS check station they pass with their watercraft while traveling to or from their boating destination.
The Game and Fish stated that they appreciate the support and cooperation of watercraft owners in keeping Wyoming’s waters free of aquatic invasive species.
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Last modified: June 27, 2022