The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is urging anyone using boats, kayaks, and inflatable rafts in the state to brush up on their aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention knowledge. Zebra and quagga mussels, highly invasive species, have been detected in water systems within a day’s drive of Yellowstone National Park.
AIS Prevention Requirements
All watercraft transported into the state from March 1 through Nov. 30, plus watercraft that launched in mussel-infested waters in the last 30 days, must undergo mandatory AIS inspection before hitting the water, per WGFD. Boaters who come across an AIS check station on their route of travel must stop, even if they’ve been inspected already.
Residents and non-residents must display a valid 2026 AIS decal on their watercraft. The decal costs $10 for motorized watercraft and $5 for non-motorized watercraft for residents, and $30 for motorized watercraft and $15 for non-motorized watercraft for non-residents. Non-motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet or less and stand-up paddleboards are exempt from the decal requirement but are still subject to mandatory inspections if entering from out-of-state.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Those looking to launch in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and/or Yellowstone National Park should be aware that the parks have their own boating guidelines. In GTNP, all watercraft must have a Grand Teton boat permit, which must be purchased each year before the watercraft gets in the water. Watercraft must stop at a park AIS inspection station on the way into the park.
In Yellowstone, all watercraft must pass a Yellowstone AIS inspection to receive a permit prior to launching. A 30-day dry time is required for all sailboats and certain motorized boats. Boats with outboard motors and non-motorized boats are exempt from the 30-day dry time requirement.
WGFD urges all boaters to follow three simple steps every time they leave the water: CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY. See the WGFD website to learn more AIS info, to purchase decals, and to find checkpoint locations and hours of operation statewide, including in the parks.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
