Wyoming Boaters and Anglers Should Consider AIS Training

If you’ve ever wanted to flex your muscles at identifying invasive critters, Wyoming Game and Fish has a free training session right up your alley.

The Cody region of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering training for members of the public to become certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors. The training will provide the skills necessary to inspect personally owned watercraft and other types as well.

Becoming a certified inspector is advantageous for anglers and boaters who recreate throughout the year in adjacent states.

“Most western states such as Wyoming and Montana require an inspection of watercraft each time a boat crosses state lines,” said Jon Gatti, AIS specialist for the Cody area. “Certification allows boaters to avoid extra travel in order to seek out an inspection, especially in the spring and fall when check stations have more limited hours of operation.”

Aquatic invasive species can be aquatic animals such as zebra and quagga mussels or rusty crayfish or aquatic vegetation such as curly pondweed and milfoil.

Zebra mussels have become a more potent threat in Wyoming in 2021. The invasive mussels were found hidden inside moss balls sold at several pet stores throughout the state.

Wyoming is one of the few states that is free of zebra mussels. Now, there’s an urgent effort to eliminate moss balls and ensure Wyoming waters stay pristine.

The training includes:

• Information on the basic biology of invasive species
• The impacts of AIS, transport vectors, and distribution of AIS.
• Classroom instruction.
• A question-and-answer session.
• A hands-on watercraft inspection exercise.

The training is free and open to anyone interested in preventing the spread of AIS through watercraft inspection.

The training will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 14, at the Game and Fish regional office in Cody. Register by May 7.

To register or for more information, contact Jon Gatti at 307-254-3554 or jonathan.gatti@wyo.gov. Please provide your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. The public can also register online.