From Brad Bauer
Montana is home to many beautiful rivers and lakes that provide habitat for a wide variety of native species, provide places of recreation, and supply water for our agricultural economy. They can also provide a home for aquatic invasive species. Whether you use rivers and lakes to recreate, grow crops and livestock, or just enjoy knowing the scenery they create it is important to respect the impact of aquatic invasive species to Montana and “Clean, Drain, Dry.” Aquatic invasive species come in many forms. In Montana, there are currently invasive plants, mollusks, and disease. Additionally, neighboring states are home to invasive amphibians and fish. Though not yet present in Montana, many of these could easily make a home here if given a chance.
Aquatic invasive species can incur significant economic impacts to Montanan’s and those visiting Montana. Some of these costs are unexpected. In the United States, congressional researchers estimated invasive mussels cost the power industry $3.1 billion in the 1993-1999 period, with its impact on industries, businesses, and communities over $5 billion (New York Sea Grant 1994a). Other studies find dense, mat-like aquatic invasive plants can decreases property values. Maybe less surprising, aquatic invasive species can alter your recreational activities. Hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, and others are impacted by aquatic invasive species. Potential impacts to recreationist include no being longer able to comfortably swim or easily navigate to your favorite water bodies. Also, as the habitat is modified by these invaders, the wildlife that depends on it disappears. Agriculturist may suffer too from increase maintenance of water infrastructure and reduce irrigation efficiency. Finally, aquatic invasive species affect the biodiversity of the river and lakes and the surrounding area. About 42 percent of the species on the federal threatened or endangered species lists are at risk primarily because of invasive species (Montana Department of Agriculture 2016). According to the Montana Department of Agriculture, aquatic invasive species, including diseases, are easily spread from one water body to the other. Anglers, boaters, construction workers, pond owners, gardeners, seaplane pilots, field workers—virtually anyone who works or plays in or around water can unknowingly transport these pests on their boats and equipment or allow them to spread via improper management practices. What can be done? Like many things, prevention is the best medicine. What can you do? The mantra is “Clean, Drain, Dry.” CLEAN.
Completely remove all mud, water, and vegetation before leaving the river or lake access area. DRAIN. Drain all water from watercraft and equipment. DRY. Aquatic invaders can survive only in water and wet areas. Remember the next time you are enjoying a Montana river or lake to take a moment and plan for the prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species. Montana State University Extension–Gallatin County office is a partnership of Gallatin County and MSU. The Gallatin County office serves our community and is a source of information that is free, unbiased, and informational.
Brad Bauer is a Gallatin County Natural Resource Extension Agent, focusing on natural resources management, education, and outreach. •
