New Rules Approved for Boats at Tiber and
Canyon Ferry
Montana’s
Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new rules requiring boaters to launch and
exit Tiber and Canyon Ferry reservoirs at designated boat ramps, unless they
are officially certified as local boaters by FWP. For this weekend, the boat
ramp at the Silos on the southwestern part of the reservoir, and the Shannon
Boat Ramp on the north end, will be open for use with decontamination stations
set up on site. All other public boat ramps will be closed for the weekend.
Learn more >>
Local Boater Program Basics
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Boat
owners complete educational training on aquatic invasive species and sign an
agreement to only use the boat at either Tiber or Canyon Ferry reservoir.
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Local
boaters aren’t required to have their boat decontaminated with hot water each
time they leave Tiber or Canyon Ferry – but they must stop at an inspection
station where they will be expedited through after a brief interview.
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The
program is designed to decrease volume at decon stations and allow a focus on
boats traveling elsewhere.
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Should
a certified local boater want to use the watercraft at another waterbody, as
part of the pledge, the boat owner is required to get the watercraft
decontaminated.
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Local
boater training and certification will be available online beginning in mid-April.
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Prospective
local boaters can get certified by attending one of the Joint Mussel Response Team’s open houses.
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Q: How are boats “decontaminated”?
A: Decontamination simply cleans the
boat by spraying the exterior and flushing the interior compartments with
pressurized hot (120-140°F) water to remove and kill any AIS that may be on the
watercraft. No chemicals are used.
An open house at Montana WILD in
Helena on March 27 will focus on upcoming watercraft inspections, regulations,
and local boater program certification. The open house will run from 6-9 p.m.,
with a Joint Mussel Response Team presentation set for 7 p.m. Local boaters can
be certified after the presentation. Preregistration is required.
Learn more >>
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