They’re also vulnerable. Aquatic invasive species — things like zebra mussels, snails, algae and pathogens — spread fast, destroy ecosystems and screw everything up for fish, wildlife, recreation and water infrastructure.
Or didn’t drain their bilge. Or figured “it’s probably fine.” It’s not. Once AIS takes hold, there’s no easy way to fix it. Native species vanish, waterways clog, and fishing spots turn into caution signs.
So, if you’re floating, fishing, paddling or powering anything through Montana water, you have exactly three jobs:
And if you brought your own watercraft, know what inspections are required before you hit the water. There are stations across the state — find one and use it. Because if you drag a mussel into our watershed, it won’t just be your weekend that gets wrecked.
And definitely don't screw this one up.
Content shared with permission from our partners.