Aquatic Invasive Species

The watercraft cleaning station features a set of tools to clear vessels of aquatic interlopers.

Inspectors are finding a rash of boats carrying invasive species into Montana, though the boating season’s busiest stretch is yet to come.

Montana’s second mussel-fouled boat of the year was intercepted Monday at the Dillon watercraft check station.

Yellowstone National Park is increasing the cost of its fishing and boating permits for the first time in years to fund its aquatic invasive species program.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reminding boat owners to ensure their crafts are cleaned, drained and dry before heading out for the season after watercraft inspectors intercepted a boat with invasive mussels on it this weekend.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and partners this year intercepted more than twice as many boats carrying invasive mussels as any other year.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said Wednesday a submerged drainpipe may have been how invasive New Zealand mudsnails entered a trout hatchery near Bridger in south central Montana.

Montana watercraft inspectors Sunday stopped a kayak carrying an invasive mussel from Michigan to Glacier National Park. It was the 27 mussel fouled vessel intercepted this season, compared to a total of 16 last year.

Watercraft inspectors in Montana have intercepted a record number of boats carrying invasive mussels this season.

State wildlife officials say a record number of boats carrying invasive mussels have already entered Montana this year. There have been 18 boats...