Western Montana Conservation Commission Announces Fifth Annual Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week
HELENA, Mont. – The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) today invited Montanans to celebrate the Fifth Annual Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week from August 4 to 8. Watercraft inspectors protect Montana’s waters by preventing the spread or introduction of aquatic invasive species at inspection stations across the state.
“We recognize the dedication, friendliness and attention to detail the Montana watercraft inspectors deliver every day to protect our water bodies. They are our first line of defense against aquatic invasive species,” said WMCC Executive Director Casey Lewis.
Per Montana law, all watercraft, from pontoons to paddleboards, must stop at every watercraft inspection station they encounter. At the station, inspectors will ask a few questions, inspect the watercraft, and, if necessary, complete a decontamination. Inspectors are trained to ensure all watercraft are cleaned of any plants, mud, or sediment; drained of any standing water; and dried.
Dedicated inspectors have checked over 61,000 vessels in the 2025 season so far. Inspectors have prevented 28 mussel-fouled vessels and over 325 with aquatic weeds from entering Montana’s waters. More than 30 roadside stations across the state are operated by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and partner organizations such as the Ravalli station, managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Clearwater Junction station, managed by Missoula County.
“The Clearwater Junction station sees over 25,000 watercrafts in a season and serves as a major line of defense for the Blackfoot, Clearwater and everything downstream,” says Rebecca Busby of Missoula County Aquatic Invasive Species District. "Montana is one of only a handful of states that remains mussel-free, and we're proud to say that our program and community are helping to keep it that way.”
The WMCC, a commission attached to the DNRC, supports inspectors by bringing supplies to partner-led inspection stations as a thank you while highlighting the important efforts of watercraft inspectors in Montana. Boaters and other water enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by local watercraft inspection stations during Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week to thank our friendly watercraft inspectors for their dedication and attention to detail in protecting Montana's waters.
To protect Montana’s waters from aquatic invasive species, the WMCC encourages all Montanans to take advantage of decontamination stations, clean, drain, and dry all watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) and gear, and stop at all inspection stations.
For more information on aquatic invasive species prevention efforts in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/ais.
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