GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is reminding visitors that it has stepped up protection measures to prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS) in waterways this boating season.
“It only takes one contaminated vessel to change our waterways forever,” GTNP said via Facebook.
GTNP’s current AIS prevention requirements state that sailboats with gravity-fed ballast systems must complete a 30-day dry time (out of water) before launching in the park. Additionally, any vessel found with Dreissenid mussels (dead or alive) will require a 30-day quarantine before hitting park waters.
According to GTNP, AIS are a serious ecological and economic threat to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Invasive species like Dreissenid, zebra and quagga mussels can cling to boats, survive out of water for days and spread to new waters — threatening native fish, clogging infrastructure and permanently altering habitats.
“Boats, waders and anything else that comes in contact with a body of water has the potential to spread non-native plants, pathogens and other invasive species among water bodies,” GTNP wrote. “Make sure to clean, drain, dry, all boating and fishing equipment after use.”
For those getting out on the water make sure to see GTNP’s website for more details about necessary inspections and permits.
