More quagga news
Snake River Quagga Treatment Update.
The 2026 treatment is a multi-phase treatment that will utilize the copper products Natrix and Earthtec QZ. The treatment began August 27th and is anticipated to conclude September 13th. View the full treatment plan below.
The treatment plan is designed to address any remaining potential safe harbors that may have quagga mussels, as well as any free-floating veligers in the infested area. Copper levels and treatment impact will be closely monitored by ISDA staff, the contracted applicator, and the product manufacturer.
ISDA confirmed, Tuesday August 18, 2026, a detection of quagga mussels in the infested area of the Snake River. Sampling has shown a 77% reduction in the quagga mussel detection in the Snake River near Twin Falls. The results show significant progress and demonstrate the effectiveness of ISDA’s ongoing treatment strategy.
The targeted treatment locations are based on extensive sampling of the river. Veliger sampling and a significant increase in diving efforts in the Snake River have allowed ISDA to identify a limited population of quagga mussels in the Twin Falls Dam and Shoshone Falls pool areas.
The treatment plan will directly target quagga mussels in micro-safe harbors, small isolated cracks in the rock faces between 18-25 feet below the water's surface. Drastic drop-offs with several habitable rocky substrates with fissures, cracks and potential freshwater inputs have made small refuges for the identified quagga mussels.
Treatment application will occur across two individual target locations of the river and is intended to eradicate quagga mussels at all life stages.
