Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week
Boaters and other water enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by local watercraft inspection stations to thank the friendly watercraft inspectors for their dedication and attention to detail in protecting Montana's waters.
Watercraft inspectors at the Highway 12 station near Helena. Photo: MISC
The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) invited Montanans to celebrate the Fifth Annual Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week from August 4 to 8. Watercraft inspectors protect Montana’s waters by preventing the spread or introduction of aquatic invasive species at inspection stations across the state.
“We recognize the dedication, friendliness and attention to detail the Montana watercraft inspectors deliver every day to protect our water bodies. They are our first line of defense against aquatic invasive species,” said WMCC Executive Director Casey Lewis.
Per Montana law, all watercraft, from pontoons to paddleboards, must stop at every watercraft inspection station they encounter. At the station, inspectors will ask a few questions, inspect the watercraft, and, if necessary, complete a decontamination. Inspectors are trained to ensure all watercraft are cleaned of any plants, mud, or sediment; drained of any standing water; and dried.
Watercraft inspectors at the station near Wibaux. Photo: MISC
Dedicated inspectors have checked over 61,000 vessels in the 2025 season so far. Inspectors have prevented 28 mussel-fouled vessels and over 325 with aquatic weeds from entering Montana’s waters. More than 30 roadside stations across the state are operated by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and partner organizations such as the Ravalli station, managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Clearwater Junction station, managed by Missoula County.
“The Clearwater Junction station sees over 25,000 watercrafts in a season and serves as a major line of defense for the Blackfoot, Clearwater and everything downstream,” says Rebecca Busby of Missoula County Aquatic Invasive Species District. "Montana is one of only a handful of states that remains mussel-free, and we're proud to say that our program and community are helping to keep it that way.”
The WMCC, a commission attached to the DNRC, supports inspectors by bringing supplies to partner-led inspection stations as a thank you while highlighting the important efforts of watercraft inspectors in Montana.
To protect Montana’s waters from aquatic invasive species, the WMCC encourages all Montanans to take advantage of decontamination stations, clean, drain, and dry all watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) and gear, and stop at all inspection stations.
For more information on aquatic invasive species prevention efforts in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/ais.
Aquatic Pet Rehoming Event in Helena
Encouraging responsible pet ownership through aquatic pet rehoming on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Helena, Montana – Do you have a pet that you are no longer able to care for? Don't Let It Loose into the wild! Instead, you can find your pet a new home at the FREE Aquatic Pet Rehoming Event on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00am – 3:00pm.
This event is hosted by Invasive Species Action Network (ISAN), and animal surrenders will be accepted in the auditorium at Montana WILD in Helena. Although Montana WILD is typically closed to visitors on weekends, the main exhibit hall will be open to the public during the event and will even feature invasive species learning opportunities from partners across the state!
At this event, local pet stores and animal rescues will be accepting fish, turtles, frogs, aquatic plants, and other aquatic pets for rehoming. Non-aquatic species, venomous animals, waterfowl, or domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, birds, and chickens will not be accepted.
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