Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week August 1-7, 2022

Watercraft inspectors protect Montana’s waters from harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). This year, these inspectors have already intercepted 35 mussel fouled boats traveling through or launching in the state of Montana and have conducted over 51,000 inspections at 22 roadside Watercraft Inspection Stations. More than 6,000 boats were inspected over the 4th of July weekend, with many stations seeing over 100 boats per day. Detailed inspection information for each station can be found on the Watercraft Inspection Dashboard.

Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week is a time to celebrate and recognize the great work of our state's inspectors, and all of the area supervisors and other FWP staff that support them in the important work of preventing AIS. Being an inspector is not the easiest job - the hours are long, the summer days are hot, and the stations are often in remote locations. During appreciation week, we encourage you to let Montana's watercraft inspectors know how much you appreciate the work they do to protect our waters!

Show Your Appreciation By:

1. Spread the word NOT the invasive species!

Share news of appreciation week or a selfie with your favorite watercraft inspector or station on social media! Thank the inspectors on Facebook and tag them at @ProtectOurWatersMontana and use hashtags #LoveYourBoatInspector and #ProtectOurWatersMontana

2. Come out and show support!

Encourage your co-workers, friends, and family to stop in at their local watercraft inspection station to say hello and thank their watercraft inspectors for their diligence and hard work.

3. Participate and assist your inspectors with your inspection, be helpful, friendly, and give them a big thanks!

Remember to always Clean, Drain, Dry boats and gear when leaving the water to prevent the spread of AIS, every time. If you or someone you know is traveling with a boat that has been out of state, check CleanDrainDryMT.com for information.