FWP wants comments on boater access at Tiber

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reconsidering its previous restrictions for boat access at Tiber Reservoir south of Chester, and wants people to let it know what they think.

Invasive aquatic mussel larvae were discovered in Tiber in 2016, as well as evidence of mussels in Canyon Ferry Reservoir near Helena.

Tom Woolf, aquatic invasive species bureau chief at FWP, said this morning that no invasive mussels have been found in Montana since, but invasive mussel DNA has been found in water from Tiber.

“We’re not sure exactly what that means,” Woolf said.

The state is bringing in a scientific advisory panel to work with the state invasive species panel to learn more about using the DNA detection technology and what it means, he said.

Zebra and quagga mussels, which originate in Russia and Ukraine, have spread through Europe and parts of the United States, especially the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin. With no natural predators and a rapid, prolific breeding cycle, the mussels often settle on and in boats, water infrastructure, screens, water intakes, pumps, pipelines, dams and other structures.

Their presence damages the natural ecology and causes major problems with water system infrastructure including irrigation projects and municipal water supplies.

The state established a mussel response team after the discovery, with stricter rules on boat inspections and water entry.

FWP had proposed limiting boat access to Tiber to two entry points, Tiber Marina and the VFW campground.

The agency said in a press release that the proposal was intended to address concerns that, in 2017, watercraft were leaving the reservoir and launching in other state waters without being decontaminated.

Records also showed that some boaters leaving Tiber were directed to inspection stations but never showed up.

“Since Tiber is the only waterbody in the state that has come back positive for invasive mussel veligers, we need to ensure all boats are inspected before leaving the reservoir,” Woolf said in the release. “It’s a balance of providing access and protecting Montana’s waters.”

Several people at a meeting held in Chester March 21 were concerned about limiting access to one end of the reservoir, the release said, with people saying it could limit recreational opportunities and others expressing concerns with safety if boat ramps on the west end were closed.

The release said FWP is seeking options to allow motorboats to launch at an additional access site and would provide considerations for nonmotorized boats to launch. Access for emergency or search and rescue operations need to be addressed as well.

With the spring fishing season coming fast, the department sees the need to make a final decision on access management at Tiber quickly. FWP is asking for public comment on Tiber Reservoir boating access.

Comments can be sent to [email protected] and must be received by Monday, April 9. Written comments must be postmarked by April 9 and mailed to: Fisheries Division, PO Box 200701, Helena MT, 59620-0701.

The agency said it is “a challenge” finding staff to work at the inspections at Tiber, and is continuing to recruit workers for there and other sites.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Full-time and part-time positions are available. AIS watercraft inspector job information can be found at http://statecareers.mt.gov/.

‘Snowbirds’ need boats inspected and decontaminated

FWP also said in a release that the watercraft inspection station south of Dillon on Interstate 15 opened March 31. The station will be open on weekends until mid-April then it will be open seven days a week. Opening dates for all inspection stations will vary depending on location, boat traffic and risk of transporting aquatic invasive species. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Blackfeet Tribe also opened watercraft inspection stations in March, in partnership with FWP.

“One of our concerns is snowbirds bringing boats home.” Woolf said in a release. “A boat that has been in Lake Havasu for the winter will have quagga mussels on it that are smaller than a grain of rice. Boats like this must be inspected to ensure they are not transporting mussels into Montana.”

All watercraft are required to stop when a station is encountered including all motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, drift boats, personal pontoons and stand-up paddle boards. An inspection is required for all watercraft entering the state prior to launch as well as all watercraft crossing west over the Continental Divide and entering the Flathead Basin. Inspections are quick and easy if the boat is clean, drained and dry.

As in past years, watercraft owners should always practice Clean, Drain and Dry, the release said.

• Clean all debris from the watercraft and trailer.

• Pull drain plugs and make sure all compartments, bilges and ballasts are drained.

• Dry out your watercraft, including dry wells, storage areas and compartments.

Follow these simple steps to help protect state waters from aquatic invasive species.

For more information and a map of watercraft inspection stations, go to http://cleandraindry.mt.gov/.