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PO Box 158 • Whitefish, MT 59937 • (406) 863-2470 • Fax (406) 863-2419 For immediate release: September 29, 2022 Contact: Carla Belski [EMAIL REDACTED] [PHONE REDACTED] WHITEFISH AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM REMINDER OF OFF-SEASON RULES WHITEFISH, MT – The Whitefish Lake Institute, City of Whitefish and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks asks watercraft users to comply with off-season rules on Whitefish Lake. The City Beach Watercraft Inspection Station, Whitefish Lake State Park Watercraft Inspection Station, and the Whitefish Decontamination Station all close for the off- season on Friday, September 30th. The following rules go into effect from October 1st through April 30th: CITY BEACH AND STATE PARK BOAT RAMPS The City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park boat ramps will be locked in the off season. Motorized and non-motorized watercraft users may launch in the off season by demonstrating via the Off-Season Online AIS Self-Certification Program they have acquired sufficient knowledge of AIS risks and self-inspection techniques. Users who successfully pass the program test will be issued a certificate and lock code to enter and exit the boat ramp at City Beach and Whitefish Lake State Park. Find the Off- Season Online AIS Certification Program at www.cityofwhitefish.org. HIGH RISK WATERCRAFT Because decontamination is not available during the off-season, we ask high-risk watercraft to abstain from launching in Whitefish Lake during this time. Your cooperation will help protect our waterways and is greatly appreciated. This includes boats: • with ballast tanks or bags that have not been out of the water for 30 days, • with standing water that have not been out of the water for 30 days, • that have been in mussel infested waterways in the last 30 days, • that have dirt, mud, vegetation or animal life on any internal or external surface. ---PAGE BREAK--- “We are once again asking high risk watercraft users to show care and abide by these rules during the off-season,” noted Carla Belski, Community Services Coordinator for City of Whitefish Parks and Recreation. “We appreciate all watercraft users continuing to respectfully access the lake during these months while our facilities are closed for the season.”