Aquatic Invasive Species

WATERCRAFT INSPECTION STATIONS

The Garfield County Conservation District under the operation of Dusty Olson runs 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.

2024 Mussel Fouled Boats Intercepted

2024 Mussel Fouled Boats Intercepted

Saturday; April 20, 2024

Wibaux, MT

Around 12:45pm MST the Wibaux WIS intercepted a mussel fouled boat being commercially hauled from Minnesota to Seattle, WA. The boat was wrapped so unable to be fully inspected, mussels were found along the transom, gimbal area, and engine. The mussels were dry and crumbly and the transporter believes the boat has been out of the water since last fall. Due to freezing temperatures a hot water decon was not performed on site but the inspectors did their best to manually remove the mussels. Enforcement was contacted and Maribeth Ault responded, the boat was locked to the trailer and released to continue to the destination via I-94 and I-90. The transporter was informed that he would hit Anaconda, Cedars, and Spokane en route. The boat is being delivered to a marina in Seattle - Russ Hartzel FWP

Thursday; April 25, 2024

Wibaux, MT

Friday; May 3, 2024

Wibaux, MT

Sunday; May 5, 2024

Wibaux, MT

The Wibaux watercraft inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled Pontoon out of the State of Michigan. It is heading to Coeur D’Alene in ID. A full decon was performed onsite and Warden Maribeth Ault was contacted. Mussels were found on the bolts of the outboard motor. Idaho was contacted about this vessel. -Russ Hartzel FWP

At 3:00 pm, at the Wibaux station intercepted a mussel fouled pontoon boat recently purchased in Minnesota heading to Flathead lake. The boat was last launched in Lake Waconia, MN 8 months ago. Mussels were found all over the boat, mostly on the hull and gimbal areas, and were very abundant. Inspectors performed a full decontamination on site except for a motor flush because it was winterized. FWP game warden Maribeth Ault was notified and will follow up with the boater. The boat was locked to the trailer and a 30 day dry time was applied. After the dry time FWP supervisors will follow up with a decon and inspection. - Zach Crete FWP

Monday; June 17, 2024

Wibaux, MT

On Monday morning at 9:50am the Wibaux station intercepted a wrapped outboard boat that was last in St Claire, Michigan in August of last year and was heading to Blaine WA. The boat was being hauled by the owner. Mussels were found around the gimbal and transom areas. Enforcement was notified. The exterior unwrapped portions of the boat were decontaminated, Idaho and Washington were notified the boat was on its way, the boat was locked to the trailer and released.

Wednesday; June 19, 2024

Wibaux, MT

Last Wednesday the 19th the Wibaux station intercepted a mussel fouled Lund Outboard Fishing boat. The boat was last in Pepin Lake, MN and was bound for Ft. Peck. The boat had been out of the water for 30 days and the mussel shells that were found in the bilge were not viable, no other signs of mussels were found on the boat. A full decontamination was performed, enforcement was notified, and the boat was released. - Russ Hartzel

Sunday; June 30, 2024

Wibaux, MT

Sunday; June 30 around 1pm the Wibaux WIS intercepted a commercially hauled mussel fouled pontoon boat that is bound for Idaho. The pontoon was last on Lake Erie 4 months ago, and came from a dealer in North Carolina. Mussels were found through the hull and lifting strakes and along the gimbal and engine and were dry and crumbly and didn’t appear viable. The Wibaux crew contacted Maribeth Ault, completed a decon, locked and released the boat. Due to the heavy fouling on this boat it will still have mussels on it. We neglected to get a destination address prior to the haulers departure but gathered that he would take I-90 westbound to Idaho. -Russ Hartzell

Saturday; July 13, 2024

Wibaux, MT

Wibaux, MT

On Saturday July 20th at 11:10 AM a mussel fouled a kayak was intercepted at the Flowing Wells station heading to Washington. The settlers were found near the rudder on a 14’ Hobie fishing kayak. The kayak was last launched in Farm Island Lake, MN. The Kayak was last in the water 6 days ago, and they do not have plans to launch the watercraft again until next month sometime. A decontamination was completed onsite and law enforcement was contacted. They will be taking Hwy 200 to Missoula and then I90 into Idaho and finally Washington.

-Zach Crete

Saturday; July 20, 2024

Wibaux, MT

On Thursday August 22nd at 11:52 AM, the Wibaux inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled dual inboard cabin cruiser. It was last in Foss Lake, Oklahoma headed for Lake Pend Oreille , Idaho. A float test was conducted, and the mussels appear to be dead. It was last in the water roughly 1 week ago and is being hauled by a transporter. The boat was unable to be locked due to being in a semitrailer. Maribeth Ault was contacted and will follow up. ID was alerted and will take over from here.

-Zach Crete

Saturday; August 24, 2024

Flowing Wells, MT

Saturday; August 24, 2024

Flowing Wells, MT

On Wednesday August 28th 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

-Zach Crete

Friday; September 6, 2024

Wibaux, MT

Just before noon on July 13, 2024; the Wibaux station intercepted a fouled outboard heading from Rabbit Lake, MN to fort peck lake. Only a couple shells were found in the live well and are presumed dead. Meribeth was contacted as well. These people may be going back to MN since we locked their boat to the trailer as they were hoping to launch tomorrow. -Bramblett, Paul

Saturday; July 20, 2024

On Saturday August 24th at 8:30 am, the Flowing Wells inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled watercraft. The boat was last in Pelican Lake, MN two days ago and is planning to head to the Flathead area. Several small settler mussels were found in the anchor compartment and attached to vegetation found on the watercraft. He plans to stay in Montana for a few days and will use the sailboat as a camper (on the trailer). The vessel isn’t launch soon, and a dry time, 30 days, and follow up decon will take place prior to launch. The vessel was deconed and locked to the trailer. Region 1 law enforcement is aware of this vessel.

-Zach Crete

The Garfield County Conservation District operates two watercraft inspection stations in the state of Montana one being at Flowing Wells and one station being in Wibaux.

On September 6th at 5:30 pm the Wibaux, MT watercraft inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled outboard. It was recently purchased in Minnesota and is heading back home to Poulsbo, WA. A mussel was found on the hull and the exterior of the boat was decontaminated. FWP game warden Justin Feddes was called to follow up with the boater. The boat was also locked to the trailer, and ID and WA were notified.

-Zach Crete

At 11:15 a.m. The Wibaux watercraft inspection station intercepted a mussel fouled Pontoon out of the State of Michigan. It is heading to Coeur D’Alene in ID. A full decon was performed onsite and Warden Maribeth Ault was contacted. Mussels were found on the bolts of the outboard motor. Idaho was contacted about this vessel. - Russ Hartzel FWP