May 2021 - 9

AIS rapid response plans
for Wyoming waters
Casper Region
* Glendo Reservoir
* Alcova Reservoir
* Seminoe Reservoir
* Guernsey Reservoir
* Pathfinder Reservoir
Laramie Region
* Greyrocks Reservoir
* Granite Reservoir
* Hawk Springs Reservoir
* Wheatland Reservoir
No. 3

Josh Leonard, statewide aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department,
conducts a watercraft inspection at a check station. Leonard played a big role in drafting rapid response plans
for Wyoming waters if AIS are detected. (Photo by Chris Martin/WGFD)

Green River Region
* Flaming Gorge Reservoir
* Viva Naughton Reservoir
* Fontenelle Reservoir
* Sulphur Creek Reservoir

Lander Region
* Boysen Reservoir
* Ocean Lake
* Pilot Butte Reservoir
Cody Region
* Bighorn Lake
* Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Jackson Region
* Jackson Lake
* Palisades Reservoir
Sheridan Region
* Keyhole Reservoir
* Lake Desmet
Pinedale Region
* Fremont Lake

AIS inspection stations open throughout Wyoming
By Game and Fish staff

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department aquatic
invasive species inspection stations for watercraft
have resumed seasonal operations across the
state. All boaters must stop when coming upon an
AIS inspection station.
Watercraft inspections are crucial to keep
Wyoming waters free from AIS like zebra and
quagga mussels. To date, mussels have not been
detected in any of Wyoming's natural waters. The
best defense against AIS is vigilance by the public.
Watercraft owners can make their check station
stop quick if their watercraft are clean, drained
and dry. Before hitting the water the spring
boaters should remember:
* Along with registration of watercraft, watercraft used on Wyoming waters must have
an AIS decal. A Wyoming AIS decal must be
displayed on all watercraft (including rentals)
using Wyoming waters with the exception of
nonmotorized inflatable watercraft 10-feet in

length or less. While these watercraft are not
required to have a decal, they still require an
inspection when coming from out of state.
There is a combination watercraft registration
and AIS decal that may be purchased for one or
three years.
* Boats must stop at established check stations
each time a boater passes one. Check stations
are established at ports of entry, border
locations or at boat ramps. Inspections also are
available at Game and Fish regional offices,
but people must call ahead of time for an
inspection.
* Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from
March 1-Nov. 30 must undergo an inspection
by an authorized inspector prior to launching
on any Wyoming waterway. If the watercraft
was used on a water suspect or positive for
invasive mussels in the last 30 days, it must
be inspected prior to launching year round and
may require decontamination.
* If boaters entering Wyoming do not encounter

an open AIS check station on their route of
travel, it is the boater's responsibility to seek
out an inspection before launching on any
Wyoming waterway.
* A watercraft may launch without further
inspection if it has a properly affixed seal
applied by an authorized inspector and is
accompanied by a valid seal receipt during
transit. The person transporting the watercraft
may remove the seal immediately prior to
launching on the destination water and must
retain the seal and valid seal receipt while on
the water.
* Even if a watercraft has been previously
inspected and has a valid seal and seal receipt,
boaters are still required to stop at any open
AIS check station. Having the properly affixed
seal and valid seal receipt will expedite the
inspection process.
For the most recent information on Wyoming
AIS go to: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/AIS.
Wyoming Wildlife | 9

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/AIS

May 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2021