Boat inspection stations are opening across the Flathead Valley this week, and boaters will have to receive an inspection for invasive mussels or face stiff penalties.

A Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks anti-mussel pilot program takes effect March 16. It states that motorized and non-motorized vessels entering the Flathead Basin after use elsewhere must be inspected before launch. These rules are in addition to mandatory inspections for boats entering Montana and the Columbia Basin.

Meanwhile, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes requires all watercraft participating in Spring Mack Days, from March 16 to May 13, to undergo inspections.

There are several locations where boaters can complete this requirement. Fish, Wildlife and Parks is opening its first certification station of the year on Thursday, March 15 at its Region 1 headquarters, located at 490 N. Meridian Rd. in Kalispell. It will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will be conducting inspections at Blue Bay beginning March 13. Boaters can also arrange inspections at their Polson offices, located at 406 6th Ave. E., from Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (406) 675-2700, ext. 7280, or (406)261-6515 to arrange a time.

The Tribes will open their Ravalli inspection station on Friday, March 16 at 7 a.m. Other stations around the basin will open later this spring.

Boaters who drive past an open inspection station and/or launch without prior inspection could receive a citation up to $500.

For more information, visit musselresponse.mt.gov.