CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is offering free trainings for members of the public to become certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors.
These trainings will provide the necessary skills to inspect personally owned and public watercraft, according to the WGFD. Trainings will be offered statewide as one-day courses throughout the spring.
Aquatic invasive species can be animals such as zebra and quagga mussels or New Zealand mudsnails, and aquatic vegetation such as curly pondweed.
According to the WGFD, course registrants will learn the basic biology of invasive species, the impacts and distribution of AIS and common transport vectors. The course includes classroom instruction and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise, culminating in a certification exam.
“Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to Wyoming’s water resources, impacting agriculture, municipalities and wildlife,” Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator Josh Leonard said in the announcement.. “Invasive species disrupt ecosystems and harm native species and prized fisheries. Public education about AIS, inspection techniques and proper boat maintenance, including Clean, Drain and Dry practices, is vital to safeguarding Wyoming’s waters.”
The watercraft instructor training will be held in Jackson on Sunday, June 2 at the Jackson Game and Fish Regional Office located at 420 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001. The registration deadline is one week prior to the class start date.
