AIS are an ecological and economical threat to Cowboy State’s waters

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Wyoming Game and Fish Sheridan Region Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Reed Moore shared some insight into the severity of the AIS prevention program ongoing in the Cowboy State. 

Game and Fish are taking measures to ensure no contaminated boats transport any more AIS into Wyoming waters. The department notes some AIS are already present and Game and Fish are studying techniques that could help deal with Aisian clams and curly pondweed, just two of the species that have infiltrated Wyoming. 

The many check stations requiring boaters to stop for inspections are looking for many different AIS, but two specific species of mussels are of top concern. 

R. Moore

Zebra mussels have much more of an impact on both the ecosystems and infrastructures of the waters they invade. 

R. Moore

These accumulations of mussels have caused millions of dollars in damage in other states to boats and even hydroelectric power plants by blocking water lines. 

R. Moore

All watercraft using Wyoming waters are required to display an aquatic invasive species decal, with few exceptions. 

Non-motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet or less in length, all solid and inflatable paddleboards regardless of length and all devices defined as water sport toys are exempt from the decal requirement.

Wyoming law requires any watercraft entering the state from March 1 – Nov. 30, each year to be inspected for AIS before launching in Wyoming.

To find a check station location, purchase an AIS decal and learn more on how to protect Wyoming waters from this threat, click here.