All watercraft in Idaho must have an Invasive Species Fund sticker prior to launching on Idaho waters, so what is so important about this sticker? The stickers are sold by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the funds then go directly to the Idaho Department of Agriculture’s Invasive Species Program. The Idaho Invasive Species Program actively works to protect what we know and love about Idaho’s waters and lands. The program performs boat inspections, monitors washing stations and creates informational materials for the public. The Invasive Species Program also utilized Idaho General and Federal grant funding to carry out these efforts.

The ISDA watercraft inspection stations play an essential role in protecting Idaho from aquatic invasive species. Quagga and zebra mussels threaten Idaho’s water systems, native species, agriculture, utilities and more. If these invasive species were to infest Idaho’s waters, it could cost the state nearly $100 million annually in damage and lost revenue, and that is just the beginning. Just like other invasive species, these mussels can move into and dominate both natural and managed systems by disrupting their ability to function sustainably. They are highly competitive and persistent and can create monocultures that will eliminate Idaho's diverse biological landscape.

“We appreciate the program’s partners, including Idaho State Police, county law enforcement, commissions, tribes and the counties and conservation districts that operate so many of our stations,” said Nic Zurfluh, ISDA bureau chief of Invasive Species Program. “Our efforts against aquatic invasive species would not be possible without the statewide partnership and the public’s cooperation.”

As Idaho’s first line of defense against aquatic invasive species, all watercraft or water-related equipment are required to stop at the inspection stations. Stations across North Idaho are located at the main interstate and highway corridors coming into the state. Watercraft owners should keep an eye out for lighted message boards and road signage directing boating traffic to stations. North Idaho stations are operated locally by the Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District and the Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District.

So far for the 2023 season, just over 22,000 inspections have been performed and 14 mussel-fouled boats have been intercepted. Throughout the history of the program Idaho stations have performed over one million inspections. Invasive quagga and zebra mussels have not been detected in Idaho waterways as well as the Columbia River Basin. This reinforces prevention efforts in the form of watercraft inspection and decontamination are successful in Idaho and across the Pacific Northwest.

When working or playing in Idaho’s waters, you can do some simple things to minimize the likelihood of moving aquatic invasive species:

CLEAN watercraft and equipment before leaving any waterbody. Inspect and clean watercraft, anchors, planes, trailers, waders, shoes, life jackets and scuba gear for visible plants and animals. Remove and dispose of material on-site in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of it washing into a water body.

DRAIN water from all equipment, including motors, live wells, sea strainers, wakeboard ballast tanks, boat hulls, scuba gear, bait buckets, waders, and boots. Pull the boat’s bilge plug and allow water to drain.

DRY all vessel compartments and lay equipment out to dry before using in a different waterbody or watershed.

With continued collaboration, we can protect Idaho’s waterways and preserve the natural beauty of our state. The ISDA operates a hotline 877-336-8676 for anyone needing information or a free decontamination wash for watercraft that may have been in mussel-infested waters. More information can be found on the Invasive Species of Idaho website.

The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to preserve lake health and protect water quality by promoting community awareness of local water resources through education, outreach, and stewardship. Our Gem includes local experts from the University of Idaho Community Water Resource Center, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Connect Kootenai.