Watercraft Station Opens Thursday

Boat owners and operators are reminded that they are required to stop at a state-run aquatic invasive species check and cleaning station that will be operating in the Fort Peck Information Center parking lot from June 12 through the Labor Day weekend.

Staff members from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and other agencies will inspect boats and other personal watercraft and trailers for invasive species, including plants, fish and mussels that could accidentally be introduced into Fort Peck Reservoir, the lower Missouri River and other area water bodies. The check station will be located off Montana Highway 24 just east of the Gateway Inn.

AIS species can overwhelm lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, kill fish and beneficial plants, and damage ecosystems. Invasive species can also harm recreational and agricultural resources by damaging boats and gear, clogging water pipes and hydropower facilities, restricting flows at community water services, and plugging up irrigation systems.

A roving AIS inspection crew will be working at Hell Creek State Park and Rock Creek Fishing Access Site on the Big Dry Arm of Fort Peck throughout the summer.

Parts of the reservoir have already been heavily impacted by invasive Eurasian watermilfoil, and boaters are asked to be especially careful about leaving the area with this plant material on their watercraft and trailers.