Attention Boaters, Anglers, & Water-Users:
 Protect Montana’s waters from aquatic invasive species (AIS) and help preserve our fish, wildlife, and water resources. AIS can hitch a ride on watercraft or other equipment that moves from one waterbody to another.
Follow these steps to prevent the introduction or spread of AIS:
- Always Clean Drain and Dry you’re your boat, trailer, and fishing gear.
- Stop at all watercraft inspections stations.
- If you see or suspect a new infestation of an aquatic invasive plant or animal contact Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks at 406-444-2440 or go to www.CleanDrainDryMT.com.
FWP is hiring AIS staff
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hiring an AIS Supervisor for Northwest Montana. This job closes on March 9. Visit State of Montana Careers to view this and other AIS job announcements. Use keyword "AIS" in your search.
Watercraft Inspection Stations Opening in March
Several watercraft inspection stations begin operation in early March to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel positive areas such as Lake Mead and Havasu. Boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessel inspected for aquatic invasive species at a Montana watercraft inspection station prior to launch.
The stations that open in early March include those near Dillon, Anaconda and Ravalli. Read more from FWP.
Take Care of Your Aquatic Pets and Plants
 Unwanted pets when released into the wild can become invasive species. In the right conditions, pets like goldfish, some reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates like snails or crayfish can survive and overtake our native species.
Dumping an aquarium not only releases fish, but everything in the tank including snails, water plants, and diseases in the water. For the health of your pet, and the safety of our native wildlife, it’s never OK to release animals.
Be a responsible pet owner. Dispose of unwanted pets, aquarium plants and water, and live bait the proper way, and not into waterways. Find options for rehoming pets at Don't Let It Loose.
Webinars this week:
The North American Invasive Species Management Association is hosting educational webinars on priority invasive species issues the week of NISAW. Click the links below to register or get more information on the NISAW events page.
Monday, February 28th at 9:00 am (mountain) – USGS Decision Science – Modeling and Structured Decision Making
Tuesday, March 1st at 10:00 am (mountain) – Climate Change and Invasive Species
Wednesday, March 2nd at 10:00 am (mountain) – Protect the Uninfested West from Aquatic Invasive Species
Thursday, March 3rd at 11:00 pm (mountain) – Pacific Green Crab Management
Friday, March 4th at 10:00 am (mountain) – Firewood Rules, Certifications, and Recommendations across the USA (Presentation by Montana MISC member Leigh Greenwood)
Montana Invasive Species Council
The Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) is a statewide partnership working to protect Montana’s economy, natural resources, and public health through a coordinated approach to combat invasive species.
MISC and our 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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