Participate in the largest invasive species awareness effort in North America. Follow along on Facebook @invasivespeciesweek, join the conversation, and link your social posts with #NISAW or #invasivespecies.
Protect Montana’s waters from aquatic invasive species (AIS) and help preserve our fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources. AIS can hitch a ride on watercraft or other equipment that moves from one waterbody to another. Help protect our water; make sure your boat and gear are clean, drained, and dry.
Montana’s waters are under the threat of invasive aquatic plants, animals, and diseases. These non-native species can flourish in new locations because there are no natural predators or environmental conditions to restrain them.
Once established, AIS can harm our native plant and animal species and devastate aquatic habitats. AIS can threaten boating and fishing opportunities, irrigation and ag production, hydropower, and water infrastructure systems.
Recreational boats are the most common way AIS are spread. All boat owners (both motorized and non-motorized) must stop at all watercraft inspection stations and always follow the steps of Clean. Drain. Dry. Clean off all mud, plants, and animals from your boat and trailer. Drain water from the bilge or anyplace that can hold water. Dry your boat and gear to ensure AIS are eliminated. Follow these steps every time you leave the water. Stop at all watercraft inspection stations you encounter. If a boat enters Montana from out of state, it must be inspected before launching.
Prevention is our best defense against AIS!
Click to learn more about Clean. Drain. Dry.
See pictures and learn more about aquatic invasive species including frogs, fish, plants, snails, mussels and more!
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Help prevent the introduction of AIS into Montana’s waters.
Stop at all watercraft inspection stations and ensure you boat is clean, drained, and dry.
If you see or suspect a new infestation of an invasive plant or animal, please save a specimen and complete a Report a Suspected AIS form. Or call 406-444-2440.
What you can do to stop the spread of invasive species in Montana:
MISC and partners urge all Montanans to share this information widely and take these simple measures to be informed, attentive, and accountable for preventing the spread of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
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WATCH FOR NOXIOUS WEEDS. If you spot some, notify your county weed coordinator https://www.mtweed.org/weeds/weed-districts/ or report to EDDMapS West. eddmaps.org/west/
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USE CERTIFIED WEED FREE. Make sure to use weed-free forage, hay and mulch. mt.gov/Noxious-Weed-Seed-Free-Forage
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PLANT ONLY NON-INVASIVE PLANTS. Keep your garden free of known invasive plants. Many invasive species introductions come from the ornamental trade. mtnativeplants.org/
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CLEAN YOUR GEAR. Always wash and dry your boots, bikes, waders, boats, trailers, and off-road vehicles between uses. playcleango.org/
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CLEAN.DRAIN.DRY. Aquatic invasive species are often inadvertently spread by boats. Clean. Drain. Dry. every time you use your boat. http://cleandraindry.mt.gov/
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DON’T LET IT LOOSE. Dispose of unwanted pets, aquarium plants and water, and live bait the proper way, and not into waterways. Be a responsible pet owner. dontletitloose.com/state/montana/
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DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD. Buy it where you burn it or gather it on-site. Firewood can harbor pests and disease, and Montana depends on its healthy forests. dontmovefirewood.org
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SQUEAL ON PIGS. If you see a feral swine, or signs of their damage such as excessive rooting or digging, report it immediately by calling 406-444-2976. https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montana-invasive-species/squeal-on-pigs
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Click to play newly published video about invasive species threats in Montana! |
National Invasive Species Awareness Week Part I, February 22-26th: Virtual
Montana Watershed Coordination Council (MWCC) Meeting, February 26th: Virtual
Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) Meeting, March 4th: Virtual
Flathead Basin Commission (FBC) Spring Meeting, March 31st: Virtual
Western Regional Panel (WRP) Mid-Year Meeting, April 7th: Virtual
Upper Columbia Conservation Commission (UC3) Spring Meeting, May 12th: Virtual
National Invasive Species Awareness Week Part II, May 15-22nd: Virtual
North American Invasive Species Forum May 18-20th: Virtual
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