
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
On Wednesday; August 28, 2025 at 10:30am, the Wibaux inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled pontoon. The boat was last in Vineyard Lake, MI 4 days ago and was in water for 2 months. The boat is heading to Spokane, WA with intentions of launching on the Columbia River. Mussels were found on the transom. A full decon was performed and the boat was locked to the trailer. Warden Maribeth Ault was contacted and will follow up with the boater as well. ID and WA were notified this vessel was coming
05/08/2025
Wibaux AIS WIS
08/14/2025
Wibaux AIS WIS
08/22/2025
Wibaux AIS WIS
09/09/2025
Flowing Wells AIS WIS
Wibaux station intercepted a mussel fouled I/O heading to Flathead Lake. The boat was last in Lake Minnetonka, MN 8 months ago and is being transported to its final destination for the owner. It was a recently purchased boat. Mussels were found along the gimbal area and on the motor, specifically on the anti-cavitation plates. A full decontamination was performed on site and the boat was locked to the trailer. FWP game warden Maribeth Ault was notified and will follow up with the boater.
05/08/2025
Wibaux AIS WIS
Wibaux they intercepted a mussel fouled pontoon planning to launch next in Tiber Reservoir. The boat was recently purchased in Minnesota and last launched in Middle Lake, MN 9 months ago. Mussels were found in the lifting strakes and on the backside of the toons. A Full decontamination was performed on site and the boat was locked to the trailer. FWP game warden Maribeth Ault was notified and will follow up with the boater.
05/09/2025
Wibaux AIS WIS
05/16/2025
Mussel fouled vessel intercepted by the Wibaux watercraft inspection station today 05.16. 2025 at 9:40 AM. Owner reports boat was originally from Washington but has been stored in Minnesota for the last 7 years. Boat is currently headed for Seattle. Inspectors decontaminated the vessel and locked to boat to the trailer. The boat owner was notified that he will have to stop at all inspection station and the state of Washington will follow up.
Wibaux AIS WIS
06/13/2025
Montana’s Wibaux watercraft inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled vessel on June 13, 2025 @ 12:30. Owner reports it was recently purchased from Michigan and it has been out of the water for 3 years. Only a couple of mussels were found.
Vessel was decontaminated and locked to the trailer. Boater is bringing the boat through the Port of Sweetgrass in route to Willow, AK.
Wibaux AIS WIS
06/17/2025
On Tuesday June 17th at 6:00 PM, the Wibaux inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled pontoon en route to Washington State. The boat was bought two days ago from a private party in Wisconsin. The last waterbody is believed to be somewhere in Wisconsin about 1 year ago. Adult mussels were found along the lifting strakes and around the transom. A full decontamination was completed, and the boat was locked to the trailer. Warden Maribeth Ault was notified. The owner will be traveling via I94 through Idaho and Washington. Contacts from Washington and Idaho were emailed and I will follow up with a phone call in the morning.
On Saturday; July 19, 2025 at 12:00 the Wibaux Watercraft Inspection Station intercepted a mussel fouled outboard cabin cruiser. The boat was en route to Hungry Horse Reservoir. A few dead shells and byssal threads were found along the trim tabs. The boat was last launched in Lake Sakakawea 1 month ago for 1 day. However, it was purchased from a private seller in Wisconsin a month and a half ago. So, it’s likely the mussels were from the last waterbody it was on in Wisconsin.
A full decontamination was performed, the boat was locked, and Game Warden Maribeth Ault was notified. North Dakota Fish and Game was contacted and informed of the situation.
07/19/2025
Wibaux AIS WIS
On Thursday; August 14, 2025 at 3:00 pm the Wibaux watercraft inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled pontoon en route to Hamilton Montana. One mussel was found along the toons. The boat was last on the Mississippi River in Minnesota. The boat was on the water for 6 weeks and was taken out yesterday. The float test showed the mussel was still viable.
A full decontamination was performed. The vessel was locked and Game Warden Maribeth Ault has already contacted the owner.
Friday; August 22, 2025 at 8:00pm the Wibaux station intercepted an I/O last in long lake, MN 5 days ago. The boat had been moored in long lake and was heading out to the kalispell area for vacation this week. Mussels were found on and around the motor. The boat was decontaminated on site and locked to the trailer. FWP game warden Maribeth Ault was contacted and will follow up with the boater.
A full decontamination was performed. The vessel was locked and Game Warden Maribeth Ault has already contacted the owner.
Tuesday; September 9, 2025 at 9:30 am Flowing Wells Watercraft inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled outboard fishing boat. The boat was last in Kitche Lake Minnesota and is heading back to the owners home in Stanford Montana. The boat has been stored at the owners second residence in Minnesota for the last 6 years. The owner claimed that it’s been 6 years since the boat has been on the water. However, based on the pictures, it could be argued otherwise. The mussels seemed to be very fresh. The hull, bilge, live well, anchor, and gimbal were decontaminated. However, the motor was not working, so the engine could not be flushed.
A full decontamination was performed. Carley Chapman will follow up with this boat to flush the engine and perform the second decontamination. I have also included Stanford Game Warden Nikole Ronneberg, so she can follow up with the owner.
Wibaux AIS WIS
Wibaux station intercepted a mussel fouled Malibu Wake setter headed to the Snake River in Idaho. The boat was last in Lake Minnetonka, MN five days ago. Mussels were found along the swim platform, engine, prop shaft, propeller, and trim tabs. A full decontamination was performed on site and the boat was locked to the trailer. FWP game warden Maribeth Ault was notified and will follow up with the boater.