Boat inspection program continues at Glacier Park

The effort to prevent aquatic invaders from entering lakes, rivers and streams in Glacier National Park will continue this year with the Park’s boat inspection and permit program this summer as part of an ongoing aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention program.

Aquatic invasive species, including zebra and quagga mussels, continue to threaten Park waterways. Recently established mussel populations in the southwest present new threats, as boats from that region have been intercepted in the northwest with tiny invaders hidden on board.

Invasive mussels have been found on boats within Montana and passing through Montana over the past few years. Eurasian watermilfoil and other invasive aquatic plants are also present in western Montana waterways, necessitating a high degree of vigilance to prevent spread. Federal law prohibits the transportation and introduction of invasive species into the ecosystem in Glacier Park.

All motorized and trailered watercraft must have a thorough boat inspection by a Glacier Park employee upon every entry to the Park. A free permit is issued after the inspection, which may take up to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the boat.

A boat may launch multiple times provided the boat does not leave the Park between launches. To receive a permit, boats must be clean, drained and thoroughly dry (including bilge areas and livewells) upon inspection. Boats with internal ballast tanks or other enclosed compartments that exchange water with the environment and that cannot be readily cleaned, dried and fully inspected are prohibited from launching in Glacier Park.

Hand-propelled watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts and catarafts, are required to obtain an AIS-free self-certification permit. The permit is free, completed by the boater and is required upon each entry to the park.

The permit must remain with boaters while they are floating. It is available at all Park visitor centers, backcountry permit offices, Park Headquarters, at maintained boat launches and online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ais.htm.

While launch hours are not restricted, inspection hours are limited. Hours vary throughout the Park and will be adjusted seasonally. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, permits will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Park Headquarters in West Glacier, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at all other locations, including the St. Mary Visitor Center, Two Medicine Ranger Station and Many Glacier Ranger Station. Boaters wishing to launch on Bowman Lake should obtain a permit at Park Headquarters and then immediately proceed to Bowman Lake after the inspection.

Boats that fail an inspection will be denied a permit. Boaters may re-apply for a permit after their boat is thoroughly cleaned, drained and dried. Boats found with infestations of any aquatic invasive species may be quarantined until they are fully decontaminated, which could take up to 30 days. All boaters are encouraged to thoroughly clean, drain and dry their watercraft and/or fishing equipment before coming to Glacier Park. Fishing equipment must be clean and dry as well.

For more information, visit online www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/boating.htm or www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ais.htm.