Attention Boaters

By Liz Riter

Zebra mussels have recently been found in Pactola Lake, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The zebra mussel is considered an aquatic invasive species in Montana, and watercraft inspection stations, such as the one located at Powder River Taxidermy supervised by the Montana Conservation District is on the lookout for such invasive species in watercraft.

A stop at the station usually takes between 5-7 minutes to get information, inspect, and seal your boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or other watercraft.

These invasive species wreak havoc with our waterways, killing native fish and plants and rendering the lakes and streams uninhabitable and in some cases unusable for recreation.

All that is necessary for not transferring mussels or other invasive species is to clean, drain, and dry your boat, anchor, rope, live wells, and any other gear since aquatic invasive species cannot live without water. Please stop at the station or go to cleandraindrymt.com for more information. Thanks for helping to keep Montana waters clear of invasive species.