Montana sets up boat checkpoints for zebra mussels

HELENA (AP) — State wildlife officials are setting up boat inspection checkpoints to try to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Montana's waterways.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say state law requires vehicles hauling boats to stop at watercraft inspection stations, which are located at key border crossing sites, along major highways and near heavily used bodies of water.

FWP aquatic invasive species coordinator Allison Begley says two boats were found to be carrying dead zebra mussels at a checkpoint near Hardin.

The Independent Record reports (http://bit.ly/18kUEm6 ) zebra mussels also were discovered on a boat near Missoula after someone called in a tip.

Begley says Montana continues to be free of the zebra mussel infestation that is reported in 26 states.

Mussels are quick to reproduce and can clog intake pipes and damage piers as well as disrupt ecosystems.