Off-season rules begin for watercraft inspections

The Whitefish Lake Institute, City of Whitefish and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are asking watercraft users to comply with off-season rules on Whitefish Lake that go into effect on Oct. 1.

The watercraft inspection stations at City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park, and the decontamination station all close for the season on Monday, Sept. 30.

Off-season rules are in effect from Oct. 1 through April 30.

The City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park boat ramps will be locked in the off season. All motorized and non-motorized watercraft users may launch in the off season by demonstrating via the Off-Season Online AIS Self-Certification Program they have acquired sufficient knowledge of AIS risks and self-inspection techniques. Users who successfully pass the program test will be issued a certificate and lock code to enter and exit the boat ramp at City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park.

Users who passed the Off-Season Online AIS Self-Certification Program or the Early Morning Anglers AIS Self-Certification Program and received a code after April 1, 2019 will not need to take the test again as the code has not changed.

Because decontamination is not available during the off-season, officials ask high-risk watercraft to abstain from launching in Whitefish Lake during this time. These watercraft include those with ballast tanks or bags, those with standing water and those that have been in mussel infested waterways.

“We are once again asking high risk watercraft users to show care and abide by these rules during the off-season,” noted Carla Belski, Community Services Coordinator for City of Whitefish Parks and Recreation. “We appreciate all watercraft users continuing to respectfully access the lake during these months while our facilities are closed for the season.”

In a continued effort to increase protection of Whitefish Lake, the City of Whitefish, Montana State Parks, and the Whitefish Lake Institute continue to fund and manage inspection stations at City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park as well as a decontamination station.

“We appreciate the participation and patience of watercraft users throughout the 2019 season,” said Mike Koopal of the Whitefish Lake Institute. “Boaters and anglers at City Beach, Whitefish Lake State Park, and the prevention and decontamination station demonstrated they recognize the importance of preventing AIS from entering our waterways.”

Full program details are available at: http://whitefishlake.org/AIS_Mgmt_Pgm.php