Utah Ramps Up Boat Inspections For Summer Fun And Safety

Memorial Day weekend marked a busy start to Utah’s summer boating season, and aquatic invasive species crews across the state spent the holiday working to keep harmful mussels and invasive plants from spreading into additional waterways.

Over the four-day weekend, Utah Department of Natural Resources officers, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources technicians and staff from several partner agencies inspected thousands of boats at reservoirs, launch ramps and highway inspection stations throughout Utah. The inspections are aimed at preventing quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading from infested waters, including Lake Powell and reservoirs outside Utah, into other lakes and reservoirs across the state.

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

From Friday through Monday, crews statewide inspected 8,276 boats and completed 195 decontaminations. In the Lake Powell area alone, inspectors checked 1,343 watercraft and performed 74 decontaminations.

Inspection Lead To Several Violations

State officials also reported several violations of Utah aquatic invasive species laws during the holiday weekend. The most common problems included boaters failing to complete the required mussel-aware boater education course, failing to pay aquatic invasive species fees for motorized boats, and transporting boats without removing drain plugs.

“We want to thank all the boaters for their support and cooperation with our aquatic invasive species staff — we really appreciate those who take the time to be aware and prepared before hitting the water,” Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Aquatic Invasive Species Statewide Operations Lt. Bruce Johnson said in a press release. “It takes all of us to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Utah.”

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Officials say the concern is significant because quagga mussels can clog water lines and irrigation systems, damage boat engines and alter aquatic ecosystems by removing plankton that fish rely on for food. Dead mussels can also create foul odors and leave sharp shells along beaches.

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Eurasian watermilfoil presents a different challenge. The invasive plant grows rapidly and forms dense mats that block sunlight and crowd out native vegetation. Even a small fragment transported to another lake can establish a new infestation, and removing the plant from waterways can cost millions of dollars.

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Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Utah currently operates more than 40 inspection stations statewide, along with five dip tanks used to decontaminate boats. Additional dip tanks are scheduled to open in 2026 at Jordanelle State Park and Flaming Gorge’s Lucerne Valley Marina.