MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is reminding boaters and anglers to follow clean, drain and dry guidelines to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

AIS and nonnative organisms pose a grave and growing threat to YNP and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Boaters and anglers can protect Yellowstone’s waters by cleaning, draining and drying all boats, trailers and equipment prior to arriving in the park.

Watercraft equipped with sealed internal ballast tanks are banned from all park waters as inspections cannot always detect aquatic invaders in these types of boats. Felt-soled footwear is banned because they can carry microscopic disease organisms even after cleaning.

Clean, drain and dry requirements are critical steps to protect the park’s and nation’s waterways. Remember:

  • Clean all plants, animals, mud, sand and other debris from your boat, anchor, boots and equipment. Use high-pressure, hot (120-140F) 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 for five days.

YNP warns AIS can quickly and drastically transform habitats and food chains, causing permanent declines in fish and food resources for native wildlife. Preventing the introduction of AIS is critical as eradication is costly and usually impossible.

Dreissenid Mussels, including Zebra and Quagga Mussels, are among the world’s most harmful invasive species, with large and widespread ecological and economic effects. If Zebra or Quagga mussels are found in Yellowstone, park waters may close to all watercraft to prevent the spread to other waterways.

Watercraft and angler float tubes must have a YNP AIS inspection and permit prior to launching in park waters. Permits and inspections are available for purchase 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week during the summer season at the following locations:

Motorized and non-motorized watercraft (including angler float tubes and paddle boards):

  • Bridge Bay Ranger Station
  • Grant Marina
  • Lewis Lake Ranger Station

Angler float tubes only:

  • West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center
  • Bechler Ranger Station
  • Mammoth Backcountry Office
  • Northeast Entrance Station
  • Grant Backcountry Office

YNP encourages people to report violations and potential discoveries of AIS. The park will continue efforts to develop an AIS Management Plan and Rapid Response Framework.

Boating and fishing season begins in YNP on Saturday, May 27, and ends Oct. 31.