23/07/2024
ATTENTION IDAHO BOATERS:
New laws aimed at combating invasive species in Idaho waters went into effect July 1. The state is emphasizing the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying all boats and other watercraft between trips to the water. Idaho Power recently produced a short YouTube video demonstrating how we are increasing our own boat decontamination procedures and how other river users can do the same.
The new laws were prompted by the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in the Snake River near Twin Falls last year. The prolific mussels pose a threat to pumps, hydroelectric facilities, boat docks, and other infrastructure in the river if they become established. They also have the potential to alter the river’s ecosystem, threatening native fish and other aquatic species. The state deployed an aggressive eradication effort last fall and has begun sampling to determine if quaggas remain in the river.
All out-of-state watercraft now must be inspected and decontaminated at an inspection station prior to launch. Nonresident watercraft owners must also purchase an invasive species sticker before putting their boat in the water. Idaho Power employees spend a lot of time working in the Snake River, monitoring fish, inspecting equipment, maintaining stream gages, and conducting other activities related to our 17 hydroelectric power plants. We encourage our customers to clean, drain, and dry their boats to prevent the transport of invasive species.
Anyone needing information or a free decontamination wash for watercraft that may have been in mussel-infested waters can call the ISDA hotline at 1-877-336-8676 or visit invasivespecies.idaho.gov for more information.
