Montana's Response to Aquatic Invasive Mussels

- Altered Food Webs, Habitat Changes, Extirpation of Native Species

- Irrigation, Public Water Supplies and Sewer Returns, Hydropower, Tourism, Fishing/Boating

- Boating, Swimming, Fishing

- Injury (cutting hazard), Bioaccumulating Heavy Metals and Toxic Algae

Montana's response to the threat of invasive mussels has been 'all hands on deck' for many around the state. But we now have many tools in place to protect Montana's aquatic resources to the best of our abilities.

We can now:

- detect mussels or other aquatic invasives early on and enact our rapid response plan, potentially eradicating populations before they become established

- contain and monitor potentially impacted waterbodies to prevent spread where eradication may not be possible

- stop invasives before they make it to new habitats with watercraft inspection

- educate the public effectively and efficiently about these threats and enlist their help to watch out for invasive species

 Clean. Drain. Dry. 

 Stop for Inspections 

 Report Suspected Invasive Species 

More Information:

 AIS Species Identification 

MT Field Guide:  Zebra  and  Quagga  mussels

 Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans 

 Montana Invasive Species Resources  

 Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) 

 MISC Reports and Publications 

 Montana DNRC Invasive Species Grant Program 

 Western Montana Conservation Commission 

 Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers 

 Western States Aquatic Invasive Species Network