Clean, Drain, Dry!
Broadus gains a Watercraft Inspection Station
July 18, 2019
By Liz Riter
Maybe you've noticed new happenings at Powder River Taxidermy?
The Powder River Conservation District (PRCD), in conjunction with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) has opened a Watercraft Inspection Station (WIS), located at Powder River Taxidermy in Broadus. The inspectors were trained last Tuesday all day and Wednesday morning. The station then opened on Wednesday afternoon, July 10, 2019.
It is mandatory to stop at the station if you have watercraft, both motorized and non-motorized, to have them inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species. These species include the zebra and quagga mussels, but there are also other invasive animals and plants which can invade Montana lakes and streams. It is very important to get these inspections as the mussels are very small and the immature ones are microscopic. The inspection station is open Wednesday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm. If you are going boating, you can bring your watercraft to the station before you leave town and get it inspected to save time when you get to the lake. It is still required to stop at every station you encounter, however if your boat has been sealed, it will speed up the process.
To stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species every time boaters and anglers leave the water they should:
Clean watercraft, trailers, and gear of all plants and mud.
Drain all water by removing all drains, plugs, bilges, or ballasts which retain water.
Dispose of unwanted bait in trash or fish cleaning stations and empty live wells.
Dry watercraft completely for 5 days or clean them with hot water (140 degrees) before launching them in a different waterbody.
For more information of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species, talk to our inspectors at the PR Taxidermy or visit cleandraindry. mt.gov.
Reader Comments(0)