Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native organisms that can be inadvertently transported by watercraft into ecosystems where they haven'y previously existed.  Zebra mussels and quagga mussels are the most notorious examples of aquatic invasive species in the mountain west region.  State natural resource divisions have fought for many year to keep keep invasive species out of regional waters through boat inspections, education and extensive monitoring of water bodies.  

Stand-up paddleboards and inflatable crafts are at the low end of the spectrum of risk for AIS transport.  Consequently, the are not subject to the same rigorous inspection and certification procedures that trailered boats must follow.  However, it is every boaters' and paddlers' responsibility to be aware of the risks of aquatic invasive species and to ensure that they're not providing an unintentional means of transport.  For invasive mussels, this means preventing spread of both mature mussels and microscopic veligers.  

The three fundamental steps of AIS mitigation are:

• CLEAN

• DRAIN

• DRY

For stand-up paddleboards and inflatables, this is as simple as wiping down the boards exterior and removing any mud or organic material that might stick the the board after removal from the water.  

For canoes and kayaks, it also means ensuring that there are no pockets of water or mud within the corners of the boat.  

Any boat with a motor or internal chambers will need to follow the jurisdiction-specific inspection protocol of whichever state it is attempting to launch in or transport to.

As of spring of 2021, Colorado does not have formal regulation of AIS inspection for hand-launched crafts, nor associated permit fees.  However, the surrounding states have all have their own regulations regarding hand-launched crafts and AIS.  Please check these rules when outside of Colorado to ensure compliance with state laws.  

Colorado:

https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/BoatWatercraftCleaning.aspx

Utah:

https://stdofthesea.utah.gov/ais_nonresident_faq.php

https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/quagga/self_certify.pdf

Wyoming:

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Fishing/AIS_GENERALINFO_PAMPHLET_3.pdf

Montana:

https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species/rules

Some jurisdictions have site-specific AIS regulations beyond what is required for the state.  For example, Yellowstone National Park requires inspection of all vessels, and Grand Teton National Park requires a boating permit.  Look for any additional AIS rules when venturing on a private, municipal, county-owned, or federally protected body of water.

Always remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY.