Utah boaters urged to use Evanston Port of Entry this season
May 9, 2022, 1:05 PM
Utah boaters are encouraged to use use the Evanston Port of Entry station this season. Photo Credit: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah boaters headed to Bear Lake or Flaming Gorge are advised to plan ahead.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources asked boaters to stop at Evanston Port of Entry for aquatic invasive species inspections before heading to the area.
Aquatic invasive species are described as non-native organisms which can include insects, fish and mollusks.
Options for boat inspections and decontamination in Flaming Gorge and the Laketown side of Bear Lake may be limited. A short supply of seasonal workers has resulted in long lines and minimal service.
“Boaters are encouraged to stop at the Evanston Port of Entry AIS Mandatory Inspection Station for a boat inspection if you are traveling toward Bear Lake or Flaming Gorge,” DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Sgt. Krystal Tucker said. “Wyoming’s aquatic invasive species inspections for boats are valid in the state of Utah.”
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department operates a mandatory boat inspection station at the Evanston Port of Entry on I-80 East. The WGFD also offers an inspection station on Highway 530 at the turn-off to Anvil Draw boat launch.
Both stations can inspect boats arriving from Utah. For operating hours check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.
Requirements for Utah boaters:
- All watercraft must stop at mandatory inspection stations for the required inspections.
- “Watercraft” includes kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and inflatable rafts.
- Drain all water, and keep all drain plugs removed when leaving any waterbody.
- Nonresidents must take the mandatory education course and pay a boater fee before launching a boat.
- Clean, drain and dry watercraft for the mandatory dry time after launching at invested water bodies. If the required dry time is not possible, obtain professional decontamination from certified personnel.
- Before launching in any Utah waterbody, watercraft users must display a self-decontamination form on the dash of their tow vehicle. Forms are available at the boat launches, but can also be downloaded prior to your trip from stdofthesea.utah.gov/.
Over 40 inspection stations are located around Utah. See a map of inspection and decontamination stations here.
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