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

The training includes information on basic biology of invasive species, the impacts and distribution of AIS and their common transport vectors. It includes classroom instruction and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise, culminating in a certification exam. The training is free and open to anyone.

AIS can be animals such as zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails or aquatic vegetation such as curly pondweed.

“Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to Wyoming’s water resources, impacting agriculture, municipalities and wildlife. Invasive species disrupt ecosystems and harm native species and prized fisheries,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator. “Public education about AIS, inspection techniques and proper boat maintenance, including Clean, Drain and Dry practice guidelines, is vital to safeguarding Wyoming’s waters.”

Trainings are offered statewide as a one-day course from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout the spring. The registration deadline is one week prior to the class date. The public can register using the Game and Fish’s online application.

The trainings will be offered throughout the state, including April 26 at the Game and Fish building in Cody. For more information contact Josh Leonard at joshua.leonard@wyo.gov.