The Division of Wildlife Resources has created a new local boater program that expedites the process of boating on Flaming Gorge. The program reduces the amount of time spent with with Aquatic Invasive Species specialists before launching your boat at the boat ramp on the Utah side of Flaming Gorge. “If you’ve launched any type of watercraft in Utah, you know the threat posed by quagga mussels has increased the amount of time you have to spend before launching your boat,” shares the DWR. “For example, each time you visit a lake in Utah, you must complete a decontamination certification form. However, if you want to boat on Flaming Gorge, and you have a local boater sticker, an AIS specialist will not need to inspect your boat. Instead, he or she will simply verify your sticker and let you launch.” The program requires participants to inspect their own boat and ensure that the process of cleaning, draining, and drying has already occurred. “We understand the boat ramp at Flaming Gorge can become bottle necked at times,” shares interdiction specialist Jessica Wooten, “but this local boater program will help. It’s meant to keep the boat ramp moving in a timely, more efficient manner. We want to work proactively with our local boaters so we can spend more time inspecting and decontaminating boats coming in from contaminated waters, such as Lake Powell.” For more information about the program and who qualifies, call 435-790-5357.
