Become a certified AIS inspector with free training
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering training for members of the public to become a certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species inspector. Training will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13 at the regional Game and Fish office in Cody.
The free, day-long session is open to anyone interested in preventing the spread of AIS through watercraft inspection and is a particularly good opportunity for boaters from outside Wyoming, especially Montana, who frequently travel out of state with their watercraft.
“For boaters who live near the Wyoming and Montana border, this training can allow for compliance with both state’s inspection requirements,” said Sheridan AIS Specialist Reed Moore. “Although you have to stop whenever you pass an open check station, becoming certified allows boaters to launch legally when check station hours do not align with their travel plans. For businesses that cater to watercraft users, employees can be trained and the location can be certified to offer inspection services to their customer base.”
Anyone can register online or by contacting Reed Moore at 307-675-5482 or reed.moore@wyo.gov. Please provide your name, mailing address, phone number and email address.
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.
The free, day-long session is open to anyone interested in preventing the spread of AIS through watercraft inspection and is a particularly good opportunity for boaters from outside Wyoming, especially Montana, who frequently travel out of state with their watercraft.
“For boaters who live near the Wyoming and Montana border, this training can allow for compliance with both state’s inspection requirements,” said Sheridan AIS Specialist Reed Moore. “Although you have to stop whenever you pass an open check station, becoming certified allows boaters to launch legally when check station hours do not align with their travel plans. For businesses that cater to watercraft users, employees can be trained and the location can be certified to offer inspection services to their customer base.”
Anyone can register online or by contacting Reed Moore at 307-675-5482 or reed.moore@wyo.gov. Please provide your name, mailing address, phone number and email address.
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.
307-527-7125
