CHEYENNE — Beginning this month, Game and Fish will be resuming seasonal operations for aquatic invasive species (AIS) check stations across Wyoming. These mandatory stations help ensure watercraft are not bringing invasive species of mussels into the state’s waterways.

“Wyoming is one of few places in the country that hasn’t detected invasive zebra or quagga mussels in the water,” Game and Fish AIS Coordinator Josh Leonard said. “Our agency is working to keep it that way, and make sure these destructive species stay out of the state’s waters.”

Leonard said that any out-of-state boater, as well as Wyoming residents who have taken their watercraft outside the state, need to go through the inspection checkpoints, where certified AIS inspectors will verify the watercraft are safe for entry into Wyoming waters.

A listing of inspectors is available on the Wyoming Game and Fish AIS inspection page. Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead for inspections to help streamline the process.

Beginning in early March, Game and Fish AIS check stations across Wyoming will resume seasonal operations. All boaters must stop when encountering an open AIS check station on their route of travel.

The best defense against AIS is vigilance by the public. Watercraft owners can make their check station faster if their watercraft correctly prepared. We have special instructions on how to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft. Before hitting the water this spring, boaters should remember that:

• Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1-Nov. 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching on any Wyoming waterway. If the watercraft was used on a water suspect or positive for invasive mussels in the last 30 days, it must be inspected prior to launching year-round and may require decontamination.
• If boaters entering Wyoming do not encounter an open AIS check station on their route of travel, it is the boater’s responsibility to seek out an inspection before launching on any Wyoming waterway. Inspection locations may be found on the Game and Fish AIS website.
• Along with watercraft registration, watercraft used on Wyoming waters must have a Wyoming AIS Decal. The decal must be displayed on all watercraft (including rentals) using Wyoming waters with the exception of both soft and hard-sided stand-up paddle boards, amphibious vehicles propelled by wheels and non-motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet in length or less. While these watercraft are not required to have a decal, they still require an inspection when coming from out of state. 
• Boats must stop at established check stations each time a boater passes a check station. Inspections are also available at Game and Fish regional offices but you must call ahead.
• A watercraft may launch without further inspection if the watercraft has a properly affixed seal applied by an authorized inspector and is accompanied by a valid seal receipt during transit. The person transporting the watercraft may remove the seal immediately prior to launching on the destination water and must retain the seal and valid seal receipt while on the water.
• Even if a watercraft has been previously inspected and has a valid seal and seal receipt, boaters are still required to stop at any open AIS check station. Having the properly affixed seal and valid seal receipt will expedite the inspection process.

For the most recent and up-to-date information on Wyoming AIS and other Game and Fish issues, visit the Game and Fish website.