Mussel Alert, Boater Program talks set for Havre Wednesday

From Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will host an open house in Havre Wednesday to discuss the upcoming watercraft inspection season, new regulations, and Local Boater Program certification.

The open house will also focus on Montana's plan to detect, contain, and prevent the spread of invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species, and will go over new rules regarding transportation of aquatic bait such as minnows and leeches.

The open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Great Northern Inn at 1345 First St. in Havre, and will begin with a presentation at 6:15 p.m.

The Local Boater Program applies only to boaters who recreate primarily on Tiber and Canyon Ferry Reservoirs. This program is designed to streamline watercraft decontaminations at these reservoirs. Certified Local Boaters, like all other watercraft owners in Montana, must still stop at all operating aquatic invasive species inspection stations.

To complete the Local Boater Program application, boat owners will need the boat number, trailer plate number and the make, model and description of each boat they want to register. For nonmotorized watercraft, the make, model and description will suffice. An online Local Boaters' training application was made available in early April.

By getting into the do-it-yourself "Clean, Drain and Dry" habit, Montana boaters and anglers can help prevent the risk of spreading destructive mussels and other aquatic invasive species, which are easily transported via water in boats or bait buckets.

When boaters and anglers clean, drain and dry their boat and equipment after every outing on the water, they guarantee they are not transporting AIS. For more information, visit the Montana Mussel Response page on Facebook.