FWP holds boat inspections at checkpoints across the county

THOMPSON FALLS – With the official start of summer Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks continues its ongoing battle to stem the invasion of non-native species to the lakes, rivers and reservoirs of western Montana.

Invasive species, both plant and animal, are a threat to fragile ecosystems throughout the United States, and both pose a direct threat to the Clark Fork River and Noxon Reservoir within Sanders County.

“We search for all aquatic invasive species during boat inspections,” Craig McLane, an Aquatic Invasive Species Technician with the FWP, said.

There are multiple check stations located within the boundaries of Sanders County including one by Noxon Reservoir and one on the edge of Thompson Falls.

The FWP stations are spread throughout the state, where efforts are made to ensure invasive species are not brought into the state or spread within its boundaries.

Some invasive species are already in the state, such as New Zealand mudsnails.

Additionally, invasive plants, including Eurasian Watermilfoil, Purple Loosestrife and Didymo have crossed state lines into Montana.

The boat checks help to limit the spread of these animals and ensure their populations remain at manageable levels.

McLane noted that several stations, including those in Sanders County, are located near state lines to provide the FWP with an opportunity to inspect boats from out of state before they launch in Montana waters.

Out of state boats are a particular emphasis of these inspections in an effort to stop the spread of Zebra and Quagga Mussels, which have spread through states throughout the nation, including the southwest. Fortunately, these damaging mollusks have yet to make an incursion into the northwest portion of the nation.

“There are no Zebra Mussels we know of in Montana,” McLane said.

Originally native to Asia, these mussels have caused a great deal of ecological damage to other states, while also costing a sizeable amount of financial stress to infected regions.

According to Janet Flaman, who works at the FWP inspection station in Thompson Falls, inspections are conducted on boats from late May to early September.

Many boaters traveling through Sanders County are making their way to Noxon Reservoir.

The reservoir is a popular recreational waterway, which hosted a national Bassmaster qualifying tournament in May.

Finley Flats in Trout Creek is another popular area that draws visitors from across the region.

Flaman noted the inspectors collect any vegetation they find on boats and pass the samples on for inspection.

“It is often hard to tell whether a plant is native or invasive,” Flaman said.

The FWP inspectors in Thompson Falls added boats can pick up aquatic vegetation in their motor’s propeller blades, on their anchor ropes and even their trailers.

McLane recognized there has been an increase in the amount of invasive species found during summer inspections over the past years, but the reasons for these higher numbers was unclear.

“It is hard to tell whether the increase is due to our improved ability to detect species, or an increase in their populations,” McLane said.

The Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, a collection of private and public entities, is working to help limit the introduction, spread and impact of invasive aquatic species throughout the west.

The panel publishes pamphlets and booklets providing useful information on how to prevent the detrimental spread of invasive species.