Montana Code Annotated 2019

TITLE 80. AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 7. DISEASE, PEST, AND WEED CONTROL

Part 10. Aquatic Invasive Species

Missouri River Containment And Quarantine Program

80-7-1025. Missouri River containment and quarantine program. (1) The department of fish, wildlife, and parks shall operate a containment and quarantine program for water bodies fouled by invasive mussels in the Missouri River system, including but not limited to:

(a) restrictions on moored vessels within the system;

(b) restrictions regarding the use of launch sites and the exit of vessels from fouled water bodies in the system. Launching in and exiting from fouled water bodies is restricted to vessels certified by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks for local use on those water bodies unless check stations and decontamination units are present.

(c) restrictions on fishing derbies in fouled water bodies.

(2) By December 31, 2018, the department of fish, wildlife, and parks shall develop a containment and quarantine plan for the Missouri River system, allowing for public input and comment, and submit the plan to the invasive species council established in 2-15-3309. The plan may permit the reopening of fouled water bodies in the system to all vessels if launch site inspectors are properly trained, if the necessary infrastructure and equipment are in place and have been fully tested in advance of deployment, and if invasive species are fully contained, after decontamination, to the source water body.

History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 348, L. 2017.