CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering trainings for members of the public to become certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors. These trainings provide the skills necessary to inspect personally-owned and other watercraft.

The trainings include information on basic biology of invasive species, the impacts of AIS, transport vectors and distribution of AIS. It includes classroom instruction, question-and-answer session and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise. The trainings are free and open to anyone.

Aquatic invasive species can be aquatic animals such as zebra and quagga mussels or rusty crayfish, or aquatic vegetation such as hydrilla.

“Aquatic invasive species can have far-reaching impacts on Wyoming water resources for agriculture, municipalities and wildlife. Many of these invasive species significantly change ecosystems, negatively affecting native species and our highly-prized fisheries,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator. “Educating members of the public about AIS and inspection techniques along with how to properly, Clean, Drain and Dry their boats, is critical in the fight to prevent the spread of AIS to Wyoming.”

Trainings are offered as a one-day course from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout the spring at statewide locations. The registration deadline is one week prior to the class start date.

Class dates include March 24 in Sheridan, April 8 in Cody, April 15 in Lander, April 22 in Casper, April 29 in Laramie, May 13 in Evanston, June 4 in Pinedale and June 9 in Jackson.

For more information contact Josh Leonard at joshua.leonard@wyo.gov.