DWR to conduct administrative checkpoints in 2023 to help prevent the spread of quagga mussels

Salt Lake City — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers will be conducting an administrative checkpoint on June 2 in an effort to prevent invasive mussels from spreading from other states into Utah waterbodies.

Administrative checkpoints

By state law, DWR officials are authorized to conduct administrative checkpoints on various roadways throughout the year to help prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels. These checkpoints are different than mandatory inspection stations at waterbodies and other areas because all vehicles — not just those transporting watercraft — will be directed off the road. Then, the vehicles towing or hauling watercraft are directed to a separate area for inspections.

These checkpoints are approved in advance by a magistrate and require law enforcement officers to be present. The conservation officers ensure people are complying with the requirement to stop at inspection stations, and make sure all watercraft have been cleaned and drained appropriately. Cleaning and draining includes making sure there is no water left onboard, including in live wells, ballast tanks and lower engine units, and that the watercraft is free of plants, mud and attached invasive species. Drain plugs must also be removed while in transit.

An administrative checkpoint for this year will be held:

• On Friday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the north side of I-70 at the Utah Department of Transportation weigh station, located at approximately milepost 186. All watercraft traveling westbound on I-70 during time of the checkpoint are required to stop for inspection.

Other administrative checkpoints may also be held throughout the year in other locations, as inspection needs arise.

What counts as a "watercraft" and would require someone to stop for inspection?

Watercraft includes the following:

• Motorboats and sailboats
• Jet skis and wave runners
• Canoes
• Kayaks
• Float tubes
• Trailers and vehicles that go into the water on a boat ramp
• Paddleboards

"Basically, if it floats, it's a boat," Bruce Johnson, DWR aquatic invasive species statewide operations lieutenant, said. "Anyone transporting any watercraft is required to stop at one of our mandatory inspection stations and administrative checkpoints. We have been tasked with doing everything possible to keep quagga mussels contained in Lake Powell (as well as other infested waters outside of Utah) and out of the rest of the waters in the state. The inspection stations are conducted to eradicate and prevent these invasive species from infesting other waterbodies."

Inspection stations

As mentioned, inspection stations are different than administrative checkpoints. Inspection stations are often located at boat launch ramps at waterbodies, but can also be located along highways. While all vehicles have to stop at an administrative checkpoint, only those with watercraft need to stop at an inspection station. Law enforcement officers may also be present at inspection stations, but are not required to be, like with administrative checkpoints.

When a boater stops at a mandatory inspection station, aquatic invasive species professionals will check the watercraft for attached quagga and zebra mussels and for standing water. They also examine boats to ensure the drain plugs have been removed and have not been reinstalled. They will also obtain information about where that watercraft has been used during the last 30 days.

There are over 40 inspection stations located around Utah, with some located at boat launch ramps and others along highways. See a map of inspection and decontamination stations on the STD of the Sea website.

What happens if someone transporting a watercraft doesn't stop at an inspection station?

State law mandates that all watercraft stop at an operating inspection station. Anyone with a watercraft who doesn't stop is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. Along with receiving a citation, the individual will be directed back to the station to get their watercraft inspected. A watercraft can also be detained or quarantined if the owner refuses to submit to an inspection.