Watercraft inspection station now open in Broadus

Attention All Watercraft Owners! Clean, Drain, Dry!

Courtesy Liz Riter

The Watercraft Inspection Station opened last Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at the Powder River Taxidermy.

If you are launching a motorized boat or non-motorized watercraft like a raft, or paddleboard you can get it inspected at the Taxidermy from 6 am to 6 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. You can be inspected here and then go straight to your intended desination, saving time so you can get right onto the water. If these times don't work into your plans, please call them and set up an appointment at a time which is convenient for both of you. It is mandatory to stop at the station if you have watercraft, both motorized and non-motorized, and have them inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species.

It is still required to stop at every station you encounter, however if your boat has been sealed, it will speed up the process. The main species searched for include the zebra and quagga mussels, but there are also other invasive animals and plants which can invade and harm Montana lakes and streams. It is very important to get these inspections as the mussels are very small and the immature ones are microscopic. These mussels and other invasive species have the potential to clog up waterways, irrigation pumps, boat motors, hydroelectric plants, dams, and more. Montana is one of the few states working hard to keep our lakes and rivers clean.

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, not into a waterway or invasive species may be introduced.

Dry watercraft completely for 5 days or clean them with hot water (140 degrees) before launching them in a different waterbody.

For more information, look up cleandraindrymt.com.

Let's keep Montana lakes and rivers clean and clear!