JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) announced on Monday, March 10, that the agency is offering free training for members of the public to become certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors.
“These trainings provide the necessary skills to inspect personally owned and other watercraft,” WGFD wrote on its website.
According to the WGFD, the training will include information on basic biology of invasive species, the impacts and distribution of AIS and their common transport vectors. It includes classroom instruction and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise, culminating in a certification exam.
AIS include zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails or aquatic vegetation such as curly pondweed, the WGFD wrote.
In 2024, the WGFD inspected a record number of 78,157 watercraft, the most since the AIS program started in 2010. Of these inspections last June, more than 1,200 were classified as high-risk, meaning the watercraft came from a state with at least one mussel-infested waterbody.
“Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to Wyoming’s water resources, impacting agriculture, municipalities and wildlife,” WGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Josh Leonard said via press release. “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 practice guidelines, is vital to safeguarding Wyoming’s waters.”
Trainings will be offered statewide as a one-day course from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the spring. The registration deadline is one week prior to the class date. The public can register using the WGFD’s online application.
The trainings in Pinedale and Jackson will be offered on the following dates:
- Pinedale training: May 25 at the Pinedale Game and Fish Regional Office
- Jackson training: June 8 at the Jackson Game and Fish Regional Office
For more information contact Josh Leonard at joshua.leonard@wyo.gov.
