YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — As winter turns to spring, which lends itself to more aquatic activities, Yellowstone National Park (YNP) reminds visitors and residents to make sure to keep boats, trailers and equipment cleaned, drained and dried to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).
Zebra and quagga mussels — both highly invasive species — were recently detected in water systems within a day’s drive of YNP. Last summer, a boat carrying invasive mussels was stopped at a check station in Grand Teton National Park. In March of this year, a watercraft was found to have live zebra mussels attached to the boat’s hull.
Proactive measures are required to ensure the long-term ecological integrity of YNP, especially since there are no eradication methods for those species and it could undo the work done to restore native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
To keep the GYE waters protected from invasive species, YNP advises following these guidelines:
Clean all plants, animals, mud, sand and other debris from your boat, anchor, boots and equipment. Use high-pressure, hot (120 – 140°F) water if possible.
Drain all water from your boat, including the motor, bilge, livewell and other compartments before you arrive. Leave drain plugs out during transport. Do not move water or organisms from one water body into another.
Dry all compartments and equipment in the sun until thoroughly dry.
View a short created by the National Park Service on how to clean boats here.
