Beulah aquatic invasive species check station to stay open with limited hours

The 2019 boating season is winding down, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) check stations throughout the state are set to close. The last day of operation for many check stations is Sunday, Sept. 22.

Wyoming law requires that any watercraft entering the state from Mar. 1 to Nov. 30 must be inspected for AIS before launching in Wyoming. With check stations closing Sept. 22, if coming from South Dakota, you must plan ahead to have your boat mandatory inspection during October and November.

“Game and Fish recognizes the challenges this closing date poses to South Dakota boaters wanting to enjoy fall fishing on Keyhole Reservoir,” states Reed Moore, AIS specialist out of Sheridan. “We are trying to accommodate these boaters by keeping the Beulah check station at exit 199 on Interstate-90 open with limited hours.”

Boaters will find the Beulah AIS check station open Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Nov. 2 to assist in inspections. Inspections are also available by appointment through the end of November and at the Sheridan Regional Office year-round. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment (307) 672-7418.

Boaters are reminded they can attend training next spring to become a certified AIS inspector which will then allow them to inspect their boat.

“One solution to the problem of early and late season inspections is to become a certified inspector yourself. The simple one-day training teaches you everything you need to know about aquatic invasive species, how to inspect boats, and the importance of Clean, Drain, Dry. You can then inspect your own boat,” adds Moore.

“Since many waters in South Dakota are positive for AIS, it is critical that we maintain these inspections to keep AIS out of Wyoming’s waters.”

Aquatic invasive species are nonnative organisms that can cause significant harm to an ecosystem when introduced. Aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, are small organisms that could have enormous impacts for Wyoming waters, boaters, and anglers.

They can ruin fisheries, clog cooling systems in motorboats, foul hulls, and ruin equipment.

Anyone who uses water or recreates on the water will be impacted.

For more information, contact your local Game and Fish office and ask to speak with AIS personnel, Sheridan (307) 672-7418.