Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species

Become a watercraft inspector

3/7/2022 9:21:30 PM

Cheyenne - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering training for members of the public to become a certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species inspector. The free, day-long session is open to anyone interested in preventing the spread of AIS through watercraft inspection.

The training includes information on basic biology of invasive species, the impacts of AIS, transport vectors and distribution of AIS. It includes classroom instruction, a question-and-answer session and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise. Those who complete the class will be certified to inspect watercraft. 

Aquatic invasive species are animals like zebra and quagga mussels, rusty crayfish or vegetation such as curly pondweed. These organisms can wreak havoc when introduced into a water system. Many invasive species permanently change stream and lake ecology, negatively affecting native species and prized sport fisheries.

“Thorough watercraft inspections continue to be the best defense against aquatic invasive species,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator. “Our goal is to certify more people to assist with these inspections when Game and Fish check stations are not available and help keep AIS and Clean, Drain, Dry procedures for boats top of mind.”

Trainings are offered as a one-day course from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the spring in statewide locations. Registration deadline is one week prior to the class start date. The course schedule is:
 

Date	City	Location
March 19	Scottsbluff, Nebraska	Platte Valley Bank
March 26	Keyhole Reservoir	Pine Haven Town Hall
April 9	Laramie	Laramie Game and Fish Regional Office
April 23	Evanston	Patterson Visitor Center
April 16	Green River	Green River Game and Fish Regional Office
April 23	Casper	Casper Game and Fish Regional Office
April 9	Rapid City, South Dakota	The Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail
April 2	Sheridan	Sheridan Game and Fish Regional Office
May 13	Cody	Cody Game and Fish Regional Office
June 11	Jackson	Jackson Game and Fish Regional Office

 
Anyone can register online or by contacting Josh Leonard at (307) 721-1374 or joshua.leonard@wyo.gov. Please provide your name, mailing address, phone number and email address. 
 

(Sara DiRienzo, Public Information Officer - (sara.dirienzo@wyo.gov))

- WGFD -