New watercraft inspections in effect

In an effort to keep Wyoming waters free from harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra and quagga mussels, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has new regulations to prevent these species from entering the state on watercraft.

New Wyoming regulations require that any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1 through Nov. 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching in any water of the state. Any watercraft that has been in a water infested with zebra or quagga mussels within the past 30 days is required to undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching year-round.

Beginning April 15, AIS inspection stations will be operated at ports of entry, border locations and boat ramps. Information on inspection station, including locations and dates and hours of operation, may be found online at wgfd.wyo.gov/AIS or by calling 1-877-WGFD-AIS.

• You must get your watercraft inspected each time you enter Wyoming. The inspection is not good for the entire season. If you travel with your boat out of state each day, it must be inspected before you launch each time. An alternative would be to store your watercraft in Wyoming so you do not have to transport it across state lines requiring an inspection each time.

• Once your boat is inspected, a wire seal will be placed on your boat to connect it to the trailer and you will be provided with a paper receipt to document your inspection. Remember to remove the seal immediately before you launch and keep the broken seal and receipt in your possession while on the water.

• Border locations will not be open 24 hours a day, so you may need to find an alternative location to get your watercraft inspected before launching. You may get an AIS inspection and have your boat sealed at a Game and Fish certified location.

• If you are transporting any watercraft, motorboats, rafts, drift boats, kayaks, etc. you must stop at any open AIS inspection station that you encounter. When inspection stations are open, signs will direct vehicles transporting watercraft to the location. Even if you have a seal on your boat, you must stop in at the check station so the inspector can verify that the seal and your receipt match.

“Invasive mussels can attach to boats as juveniles or adults and larvae can be transported in water in the bilge, livewell, or motor of a boat,” Beth Bear, AIS coordinator, said.

“These larvae can infest new waters if watercraft owners do not drain, clean, and dry their watercraft before launching.”

Bear said boaters should drain all water from their boat including the motor, bilge, livewell, and ballast areas. The boat should be cleaned of all mud, plants, and debris.

“The plants can be invasive and mud and plants can also harbor other AIS,” Bear said.