As Wyoming’s boating season comes to a close, so do many of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) check stations. Boaters should expect reduced hours at these stations, but mandatory inspections remain in effect until November 30 for any watercraft entering Wyoming. Boaters need to have their vessels inspected by an authorized inspector before launching, a requirement that applies from March 1 through November 30.
According to Josh Leonard, Game and Fish AIS Coordinator, watercraft that have been in waters infested with zebra or quagga mussels within the last 30 days must undergo inspections year-round. Boaters can check inspection station hours along their travel routes or schedule with private, certified inspectors.
On September 22, a boat carrying live zebra mussels was intercepted at the Beulah check station on Wyoming’s northeast border. This marks the first time this year that live mussels were found at a Wyoming check station. The boat, previously moored in Pactola Reservoir in South Dakota, was decontaminated immediately. Since the AIS Program’s expansion beyond the main boating season, inspections have continued into the fall to address the growing risk of AIS.
Zebra and quagga mussels are a major concern in Wyoming. They can damage watercraft, harm fish populations, disrupt freshwater ecosystems, and even clog infrastructure like dams and water treatment facilities. An infestation could lead to costly damage control, affecting all water users. Wyoming remains one of the few states in the continental U.S. without established mussel populations.
Game and Fish officials emphasize the importance of AIS inspections as a defense measure. Boaters should also practice Clean, Drain, Dry procedures to prevent the spread of invasive species. This includes cleaning watercraft of mud, plants, and debris, draining any standing water, and ensuring everything is dry before transport.
