New bill promises harsher fines for boaters ignoring efforts to halt spread of invasive species in Montana
Erik Hanson, an invasive species consultant for the Flathead Basin Commission, decontaminates a boat in 2016 at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell. (Sam Wilson/Daily Inter Lake file photo)
State wildlife officials examine over 100,000 boats annually at roadside inspection stations, searching for signs of hitchhiking critters that could harm local lakes, rivers and streams.
Of special concern are zebra and quagga mussels. Both species have been known to reproduce uncontrollably in American waters, causing millions of dollars of infrastructural damage and devastating local ecosystems. In 2024, officials intercepted 42 boats infected with mussels, but Rep. Tom Millet, R-Marion, says more needs to be done to stop the spread of invasive species in Montana.
“We have not had such problems that a statewide emergency has been declared, but that does not mean we can sit on our laurels,” said Millet at a House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee hearing Tuesday night.
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