Currently under state law in Montana it is illegal to transport or introduce an invasive species. But there are more preventative measures which could be taken.  Here are some ideas of what else could be done: 

• Boat stickers, like the Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker. The sticker is required for all motorized and non-motorized boats in Idaho.  Money collected with the sticker fees fund boat washing stations, boat inspections, and informational materials. Check out Idaho's boat sticker program! 

• Requirement of certification of decontamination, filled out before entering waters. A certificate is awarded if your boat meets standards indicated by filling out a form.  Sections on the form include: a checklist of waters the boat has been in the last 30 days and what cleaning measures have been taken. If you don’t meet the standards, the boat must go through a decontamination process. In some states, decontamination is free and offered at major lakes and reservoirs.

• Required boat inspections on major roads and highways leading into the state. Check out Colorado's mandatory boat inspection system!

• Coordination between states and management agencies.

• Clean marina and boater pledge programs: Boaters take a pledge to take measures to keep waters clean by cleaning boats and taking precautionary measures to stop the spread of aquatic invasives.  

• Boat cleaning stations at major lakes and reservoirs.

• Educational programs for the general public or within the schools.  Idaho has an “Invasive Weeds Toolkit Program” educating elementary school children about weed issues. Check out Idaho's Weed Awareness Program!

• Invasive species disposal stations.  These stations act as a place to dispose of invasive species.  The signs at the stations are also a great way to educate boaters about aquatic invasive species and how to help prevent their spread.  Check out New York's disposal stations!