WEST GLACIER – Glacier National Park will now require boat inspections in an effort to keep aquatic invasive species out of the park’s waters.
The new regulations announced this week require that non-hand-propelled crafts be inspected by park staff.
Park officials say the invasive species such as quagga mussels can damage ecosystems and water facilities.
Boats must be clean, drained and dry before the inspections, which can last up to 30 minutes. Any boat that leaves the park will have to be re-inspected upon return.
Park officials say boats that fail the inspection will be denied a permit. If an inspection reveals an infestation of an invasive species, the boat could be quarantined for up to 30 days.