Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a new rule that would require vessels launched on Montana waters to be inspected at designated aquatic invasive species inspection stations.
Personnel at FWP operated inspection stations would search the exterior of the vessel, livewells, bait buckets, bilge areas and trailers. If invasive species are found on a vessel, state officials will decontaminate it. The vessel must then pass a second inspection before it is launched on state waters.
Three public hearings on the proposed new rule will be held beginning at 6 p.m.
May 19 FWP Region 1 office 490 North Meridian Road Kalispell
May 23 FWP Region 5 office 2300 Lake Elmo Dr. Billings
May 23 FWP Headquarters 1420 East 6th Ave. Helena
FWP has performed watercraft inspections since 2004.
Comments on the proposed rule must be received by May 27 by email to: fwpexotics@mt.gov, or in writing to: FWP Exotics, Fisheries, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.
To learn more about aquatic invasive species go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and click on the Montana Fishing Guide.
