GARFIELD COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspection Stations
The Garfield County Conservation District operates two Watercraft Inspection Stations with around twenty employees between the both. These stations are here as a way of intercepting vessels and equipment that have the potential to spread aquatic invasive species (AIS) and to decontaminate them (if necessary) before launching into Montana waters. The aquatic invasive species that they are on the look out for are things known as Quagga Mussels or Zebra Mussels. These mussels clog water intake structures, such as pipelines and screens, reducing pumping capabilities for power and water treatment facilities. Recreation-based industries and activities are also affected by the mussels which take up residence on docks, break walls, buoys, boats and beaches. Aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels and zebra mussels are small organisms that could have huge impacts for Montana and Wyoming waters, boaters, and anglers. There are other things that these mussels can ruin and that is fisheries, clog cooling systems in motorboats, foul hulls, and ruin equipment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
Use the button to take you to the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website on AIS.
This website includes everything from Invasive Species to watch out for; steps to staying clean, drain, and dry; Montana’s AIS Laws and Regulations, and where AIS species are being found around the state of Montana.
YEAR END REPORTS
CLICK THE BUTTONS BELOW TO LEARN MORE ON THE AIS WIS SEASON
2026 Mussel Fouled Catches
03/31/2026
Wibaux, MT Watercraft Inspection Station
Tuesday; March 31 at 2:30 the Wibaux station intercepted a mussel fouled pontoon heading to Circle, MT and planning to next launch on Fort Peck. It was recently purchased and last launched in the St. Croix River, WI. Mussels were found on the toons and the gimble area.
A full decontamination was performed. The vessel was locked and Game Warden Maribeth Ault has already contacted the owner.
06/25/2026
Wibaux, MT Watercraft Inspection Station
On Thursday June 25th at 11:30 am, the Wibaux station intercepted a mussel fouled ski boat heading to Somers, MT and planning to next launch in Flathead Lake. It was last launched in Lake St. Clair, Michigan and mussels were found along the lower unit. A full decontamination was performed on site, and the boat was locked to the trailer to apply a 30-day dry time. FWP game warden Maribeth Ault was notified and will follow up with the boater.
05/01/2026
Wibaux, MT Watercraft Inspection Station
On Friday, May 1st at 3:00 pm the Wibaux station intercepted a mussel fouled cabin cruiser that was recently purchased in Minnesota and headed to Polson, MT. The watercraft is being commercially hauled on a large flatbed trailer, so a decontamination was not performed, and the boat was not able to be locked to the trailer. Mussels were incrusted on the gimbal area of the watercraft. The transporter believed the boat was out of the water for at least a year but did not know much about it.
07/07/2026
Flowing Wells, MT Watercraft Inspection Station
On July 7th at 2:00 pm, the Flowing Wells station intercepted a mussel fouled wakeboard boat heading to Kalispell. It was last launched in Michael J Kirwan Reservoir, Ohio, 3 years ago. Mussels were located on and in the ballast intakes and byssal threads were found along the gimbal area. The boat was being transported and not able to be fully operated so only an exterior decontamination was completed. It was locked to the trailer to apply a dry time. FWP game warden John Huberdy was notified and will follow up with the boater.