Park steps up boat inspections for invasive species

Glacier National Park will step up its boat inspection and permit program this summer in response to the rapid westward migration of aquatic invasive species on recreational watercraft. The consequences of a such an infestation could be devastating to the Park's ecosystems and the local economy.

Visitors can still launch most motorized and trailered watercraft in the Park, but a thorough inspection is required upon every entry to the Park. Hand-propelled watercraft are not required to obtain a permit, but Park managers encourage all boaters to thoroughly clean, drain and dry their watercraft or fishing equipment before coming to the Park.

A live quagga mussel found on a sailboat in February prior to its launch on Flathead Lake, and the recent discovery of mussels on two boats in Idaho, highlight the risk of the unintentional introduction of aquatic invasive species to area waters and represent a clear warning to managers that the Park's existing permit program was not adequate. Following are the features of the 2011 inspection program:

• A free permit is required to launch any motorized or trailered watercraft in the Park. Hand-propelled water craft and passive floatation devices such as float tubes do not require a permit.

• A new permit is required upon each entry into the Park. Permits are no longer valid for 14 days. A boat may launch multiple times provided the boat does not leave the Park between launches.

• A thorough inspection is required for each permit. Though exempted from the permit requirement, Park inspectors will inspect hand-propelled watercraft on a voluntary basis.

• Inspections may take 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the boat. Boaters should plan on additional time for inspections.

• Boats with internal ballast tanks or other enclosed compartments that exchange water with the environment and that cannot be readily opened and fully inspected are prohibited within the Park.

• To receive a permit, boats must be clean, drained and thoroughly dry (including bilge areas and livewells) upon inspection.

• Though launch hours are not restricted, inspection hours are limited. Hours will vary throughout the Park and will be adjusted seasonally.

• Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, permits are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Park Headquarters and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at all other locations. Permits are available the rest of the year between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at various locations throughout the Park. Call ahead for specific locations at 888-7800.

• Permits and inspections are available at Park Headquarters in West Glacier, St. Mary Visitor Center, Two Medicine Ranger Station, Polebridge Entrance Station and Many Glacier Ranger Station.

• Boaters on Waterton Lake must comply with permit and inspection requirements of Parks Canada.

• Boats failing inspection will be denied a permit. Boaters may re-apply for a permit after their boat is thoroughly cleaned, drained and dried.

• Boats found with infestations of aquatic invasive species may be quarantined until they are fully decontaminated. This may take up to 30 days.

For rules and regulations on boating, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/boating.htm For more information on aquatic invasive species, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ais.htm.