Aquatic Invasive Species
Montana’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) monitoring and prevention program is led by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). To learn more about FWP’s AIS program, access outreach resources, and review steps for how you can protect Montana’s waters, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) provides significant benefits to the environment, state and local economies, and industries dependent on water. This includes downstream benefits such as reliable hydroelectricity, flood control, irrigation, navigation, recreation, and fisheries. Columbia River Basin management agencies, partner organizations, and citizens are looking to Montana to help protect them from an introduction of invasive species, such as zebra or quagga mussels, especially given the 2016 detection of larval mussels in two Montana reservoirs east of the Continental Divide and the 2023 quagga mussel detection in the Snake River in Idaho. The longer an introduction can be curbed, the more protected the native species, the less funding spent on response efforts, and the longer we have to augment the science and develop control methods that are more likely to be effective. The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) is in a unique position to augment existing AIS prevention efforts led by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks through funding, education, and collaborative efforts.
Aquatic invasive species can
- Outcompete and displace native species
- Cause dramatic shifts in trophic dynamics, food web structure, and species abundance
- Cause local extinction of species
- Cause large-scale mortality of trees and shrubs
- Reduce the value of timber and agricultural crops, and their associated products
- Alter ecosystem processes
- Modify the provision of ecosystem services
- Alter gene pools through hybridization with native species
- Alter carbon and nitrogen cycling, water use, and soil properties
- Reduce potential of recreationally hunted and fished species
- Diminish habitat aesthetics
- Alter water chemistry
Protecting Montana’s waters from aquatic invasive species depends on the collaboration of management agencies, partner organizations, and Montana citizens and visitors. Together we can prevent the spread of invasive species by always following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols, stopping at watercraft inspection stations, and reporting any invasive animals or plants.
Our Work
Industry Outreach Program
The Aquatic Invasive Species Industry Outreach program was established in 2019 by the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission and has continued to be led by WMCC’s Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) member, hosted through Montana Conservation Corps. With a focus on water-based businesses, such as fly-fishing shops, marinas, and boat shops, this initiative aims to support education for employees and customers on their role in AIS prevention. Throughout the season, WMCC’s BSWC member coordinates visits to these businesses to build and strengthen partnerships, provide updates on AIS in Montana, educate on Montana’s rules and regulations, answer questions, and provide outreach materials for employees and customers.
The map below highlights the businesses that were visited during the 2026 season by WMCC’s BSWC member and partner organizations. In all, 80 businesses were visited, spanning each watershed in Western Montana. Interact with the map below to check out our partnering businesses!
Clean. Drain. Dry Outreach Videos
In partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), WMCC worked with a filmmaker to develop and produce AIS outreach videos that include information for citizen science monitoring efforts, an introduction to AIS for seasonal staff at aquatic-based businesses, and AIS prevention tips for wading anglers.
You can view all three videos here or head to Montana FWP’s youtube channel.
Annual Watercraft Inspector Appreciation Week
During the first week of August each year, WMCC celebrates Montana’s watercraft inspectors and invites partners and the public to recognize their hard-work and dedication to protecting Montana’s waters from invasive species. In 2026, WMCC taught summer campers about AIS and helped them create thank-you cards for the inspectors. WMCC delivered these creative cards, along with other supplies, to watercraft inspectors across Western Montana.
Resources
To apply for state-funded AIS grants for projects that address AIS prevention, early detection, education and outreach, research and/or treatment, visit Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program.
To learn about invasive species cooperative projects, education and outreach campaigns, and other activities to identify, prevent, and mitigate invasive species in Montana, visit the Montana Invasive Species Council.
To inquire about professional services that support invasive species prevention efforts, and learn more about education and outreach programs that encourage voluntary behavior change, visit the Invasive Species Action Network (ISAN).