Boat decon station moves near City Beach

Inspections for watercraft entering Whitefish Lake begin May 1, and the boat decontamination station has been relocated to near City Beach.

In partnership with Whitefish Lake Institute, the City of Whitefish operates aquatic invasive species inspection stations for boats at City Beach and State Park on the lake. The AIS prevention and decontamination station has been moved to the city’s boat parking lot at the corner of Edgewood Place and Washington Avenue near Whitefish City Beach.

All watercraft — motorized and non-motorized — entering Whitefish Lake are required to undergo AIS inspection, and in some cases are required to undergo decontamination before entering.

Preventative hot washes and decontaminations are required, whether or not you have been inspected at another station, on the following watercraft: with ballast tanks or bags that have not been out of water for 30 days, that have been in a mussel-infested waterway in the last 30 days, with unverified standing water, and that inspectors deem too dirty to inspect.

According to the city, improvements to the station are planned to include fencing, drainage, and a storage building on the east side of the lot. Although the station will open on May 1, it is expected that the improvements will take place as funding and time allows during the summer season and the city is asking boaters to be patient as improvements are made.

The AIS prevention and decontamination Station is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in May and September, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June through August. There will be extended hours during Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends.

The watercraft inspection station at City Beach is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in May and September and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. June through August.

The station at State Park is open May through September from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

There is also a self-certification program for non-motorized watercraft users and for anglers and those wishing to access the lake during the off-season.

For more information, visit http://www.cityofwhitefish.org/parks-and-recreation/city-beach.php