Just a few questions about boat inspections

Car 1 hugs the center line as it approaches a sharp curve on a narrow road. Almost immediately, Car 2 comes around the curve from the opposite direction. The driver of Car 2 yells, "Pig!" Car 1 continues around the curve and strikes a large pig standing in the road.

Basing widely differing assumptions on the same set of facts is called a paradigm. Here's another. Read the following statement:

"Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a new rule that would require vessels launched on Montana waters to be inspected at designated aquatic invasive species inspection stations operated by FWP."

This statement recently appeared in area newspapers, including the Hungry Horse News. So, what's it mean? Inspected once a year? Inspected every time you launch? Inspected when you feel like it?

Annual inspections would be folly for preventing transport of invasive species. Inspections every time you launch could be effective but are also ridiculously unenforceable. If you only fish in front of the Somers Bay boat landing, you might comply.

On the other hand, if you fished Hungry Horse Reservoir on Saturday, you might be "somewhat reluctant" to drive to Somers to get an inspection before launching in Whitefish Lake on Sunday. Mandatory inspections every time you launch also would end boating on the spur of the moment - the way most of us live our lives.

To learn what FWP's press release really means, I contacted Eileen Ryce, an aquatic species nuisance coordinator in Helena.

Her response was, "The new rule just means that when a watercraft is driving past an inspection station, it needs to stop. Currently, our existing check station authority only extends to anglers and hunters. The new rule includes all watercraft, not just those who are angling."

Well, why didn't FWP's press release just say that?

Public comment on the proposed new rule (that all boaters must stop at invasive species check stations) will be taken at a public meeting at the FWP Region 1 office at 490 North Meridian Road, in Kalispell, on Thursday, May 19, at 6 p.m.

Until then, "Watch out for the large pig in the road!"