Help Stop Aquatic Invasive Species

Park staff hosing off a kayak at the AIS permit station in Apgar

NPS

 

A boat propeller engulfed by quagga mussels. Help keep our waters free of aquatic invasive species.

NPS

Boating Permits and Season Dates

ALERT!
Boating in Two Medicine and St. Mary will be restricted in 2022 as follows:

St. Mary Lake

• Motorized boating on St. Mary Lake will NOT be available in 2022
• Non-motorized boat inspections will NOT be available in St. Mary in 2022, however non-motorized boaters may launch on St. Mary Lake after inspection at the Lake McDonald inspection station, and travel to St. Mary via the Going to the Sun Road.

Two Medicine Lake

• Motorized and non-motorized boating will NOT be available on Two Medicine Lake in 2022
• Concession boats will be available to rent for public use.

Lake McDonald

• Inspection station across the road from the Apgar boat dock
• Both motorized and non-motorized boating available

For motorized boaters wishing to launch on opening day, we suggest you have your boat inspected and sealed at one of our partner AIS inspection stations 30 days prior to opening day.

• Second Sunday in May – October 31

Second Sunday in May – May 31
7:00 – 5:00pm

June 1 - September 30
7:00 - 8:00pm
*Hours adjusted for waning daylight

October 1 - October 31
8:00 - 4:00pm

North Fork Area (Kintla and Bowman Lakes)

• Inspection station at the Polebridge Ranger Station
• Non-motorized boating available on both KIntla and Bowman Lakes.
• <10 hp motorized on Bowman Lake only
• Second Sunday in May (upon seasonal road opening) – October 31

Second Sunday in May – May 31
7:00 – 5:00pm

June 1 - September 30
7:00 - 8:00pm
*Hours adjusted for waning daylight

October 1 - October 31
8:00 - 4:00pm

Many Glacier Area (Sherburne and Swiftcurrent Lakes)

• Inspection station located in the ranger station parking area
• Non-motorized boating only
• Last Saturday in May – Last Thursday in September

7:30 - 5:00pm

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is dominated by large fjord-like glacial lakes. For many visitors they are a primary destination. Boating, fishing, or just plain hanging out on the shore and skipping rocks consume many a relaxing hour and are the stuff of magical memories. We need your help to keep it that way.

On the surface things look fine, but in the past stocking of non-native fish changed the ecosystems of most park lakes. These fish out compete native species for food and habitat. We need to prevent additional non-native species of animals or plants from accidentally being introduced, because each small change effects the overall health of park waters.

Use this field guide to help you identify AIS.

Don't Move a Mussel

Now there is a new and serious threat. Imagine a future where going to your favorite rock-skipping beach, you find the shoreline matted with tens of thousands of small mussel shells, with everything cemented together in a sharp, smelly mess. Imagine once productive fisheries wiped out by these new invaders. It's not science fiction, impacts are already occurring in waters in the Great Lakes, eastern provinces and states, the prairies and plains, and more recently in the Southwestern United States.

Since the 1980s freshwater zebra and quagga mussels have steadily advanced westward, transported on trailered boats. Very recently, a mussel-carrying boat was intercepted at a marina on Flathead Lake. The boat had come from the Southwest. Flathead Lake is just downstream from Glacier.

Protecting the waters of the Peace Park requires immediate action, both by the parks and by every boater.

 

Glacier National Park Watercraft Launch Regulations

*All watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) with unispectable water holding compartments are prohibited from launching in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park will honor motorized watercraft inspections and seals from Montana State, Whitefish Lake, and Blackfeet Tribal Inspectors following a 30 day quarantine. Dated sealing documentation must be presented prior to launching. Non-motorized watercraft will only be issued launch permits after inspection by Glacier National Park inspectors.

Waterton Lakes National Park Permit Regulations

Currently, motorized and trailer-launched watercraft require a 90 day quarantine after inspection before launching on Waterton Lake. Non-motorized boats may self-certify prior to launching.

To obtain the permit you must complete a self-inspection form, which will act as a permit. Watercraft users must ensure their permits are available for examination. Self-inspection forms will be available at the park gate, Visitor Reception Centre, Operations Building and Wardens Office, campgrounds, and select locations in town. Permit stations will also be located throughout the park at boat launches and the most popular boating areas.

More information is available on the Waterton Lakes National Park Lakes Activities page.

Additional Aquatic Invasive Species Information

fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/species/ais/
www.100thmeridian.org
nas.er.usgs.gov/default.aspx