8-1 IAN Quagga

All Idaho Invasive Species inspection stations are now open and 18 mussel fouled watercraft have been intercepted this season.

 The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) recently announced that all 15 mandatory watercraft inspection stations are now open in Idaho. The stations are concentrated at the state line and are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., seven days a week. An earlier opening date this season has provided the opportunity to inspect more boats that are coming to or through Idaho from infested waters at Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant and the Great Lakes. ISDA has intercepted 18 fouled boats, half of which were destined for Idaho waters. 

All of Idaho’s waterbodies have tested negative for these species, but they have been found in waters of other western states, and are causing severe economic and environmental harm in other states.

 Boaters should expect inspections! Quagga and zebra mussels do not occur in Idaho, and this program is prevention based. All boaters must stop at the stations. Watercraft inspectors are looking for high-risk boats that have been in quagga mussel- and zebra mussel-impacted states. All boats will be inspected for any attached mussels and/or standing water. Owners also will be asked where they have boated in the previous 30 days.  It is important that boaters arrive in Idaho with a clean, drained and dry watercraft.