FWP hosting AIS Summit Dec 4-5

From Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting the Aquatic Invasive Species Summit Dec. 4 and 5 in Helena.

The two-day meeting will bring together AIS partners to discuss the progress made and next steps needed to continue advancing Montana’s AIS program. The AIS Summit will include presentations and panel discussions from FWP AIS staff, partner organizations, and legislators.

People interested in attending the AIS Summit can register at http://CleanDrainDryMT.com or contact the FWP fisheries office at 406-444-2440. Registration is free and closes on Nov. 15.

Hunters can help prevent spread of AIS

Hunters who use boats to access waterfowl or big game hunting areas can help prevent aquatic invasive species from infesting Montana’s wetlands, rivers, and lakes. 

The three steps of Clean, Drain, Dry greatly minimize the risk of spreading invasive species. Waterfowl hunters should clean gear that can unintentionally carry invasive plants or animals. Before hunting in a new area all hunters should:

• Clean aquatic plants, animals and mud from boat, trailer, anchor, waders, boots, decoys, decoy lines and push poles.

• Drain water from decoys, boats, motors and other hunting equipment.

• Brush hunting dogs and rinse off muddy paws.

• Never move plants from one body of water to another. When using vegetation to construct blinds or conceal duck boats, use only what is available in the immediate hunting area.

A hunter’s watercraft must be inspected if:

• You are coming into Montana from out of state.

• You are traveling west over the Continental Divide into western Montana — the Columbia River Basin.

• You are coming off Tiber or Canyon Ferry reservoirs.

• You are launching anywhere within the Flathead Basin and your watercraft last launched on waters outside of the Flathead Basin.

Many inspection stations are closed for the season, but inspections can be done at FWP regional offices.

FWP reminds non-residents hunters planning to bring their watercraft into Montana that they must now purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass — Vessel AISPP — before launching on state waters. The Vessel AISPP was initiated by the 2019 Montana Legislature to help fund the fight against aquatic invasive species. Non-residents can purchase the Vessel AISPP at any FWP office or online at http://fwp.mt.gov and click on the License: Buy/Apply tab. Boat owners must carry a paper or digital receipt as proof of purchase. The Vessel AISPP expires on Dec. 31 each year and is not transferable between vessels.

For more information or to find an inspection station, visit http://www.CleanDrainDryMT.com or contact the FWP fisheries office at 406-444-2440.

Boat inspection stations close for season, inspections still required

Montana’s watercraft inspection stations are closing for the season, but boaters can still obtain an inspection at FWP regional and area offices.

Late-season anglers and hunters utilizing boats for waterfowl or big game hunting need to follow the principles of clean, drain, dry to help protect Montana waters from invasive aquatic weeds, animals and diseases:

• Clean all mud and debris from the watercraft, trailer, anchor, waders, decoys and fishing equipment.

• Pull drain plugs and make sure all compartments, bilges and ballasts are drained.

• Dry out watercraft, including dry wells, storage areas and compartments.

To learn more, go to http://CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.