LAKE ELMO PROJECTS
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention in Action!
Exciting news at Lake Elmo!
A CD3 watercraft cleaning station is in place at the boat ramp. This waterless cleaning station provides users the tools they need to clean, drain, and dry their watercraft to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. And, it is FREE to use!
The cleaning station was graciously donated to FWP from
Yellowstone Conservation District.
Check it out next time you’re out paddling at Lake Elmo.
For more information on the cleaning station, visit:
https://www.cd3systems.com/
Lake Elmo Aquatic Invasive Species Eradication
The 2021 Montana Legislature awarded Yellowstone Conservation District (YCD) $100,000 to assist in the eradication of aquatic invasive clams at Lake Elmo State Park. YCD worked with the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to eradicate a species of invasive clams that were identified as dangerous to Montana waters. A component of the project was to replace an aging headgate used by the Billings Bench Water Users Association (BBWA). The headgate replacement assisted in draining the lake for the clam eradication, and will allow efficient drainage of Lake Elmo, if necessary, in the future. The updated and upgraded headgate also helps BBWA with more efficient use of irrigation water drawn from the lake.
As a second component YCD purchased a portable watercraft "cleaning station" for use by the public to clean boats and other items that enter Lake Elmo. The cleaning station serves both functional and educational purposes in keeping aquatic invasive species out of Montana waters. Both components were paid for by HB2 line-item funding acquired by YCD from the 2021 Montana Legislature.