SANDPOINT — Law enforcement officials will now be present at two watercraft invasive species stations after a contract between Bonner County’s Sheriff's Office and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture was approved unanimously by county commissioners.  

From Aug. 18 until Oct. 31, 2026, deputies from the sheriff’s office will provide law enforcement services to watercraft invasive species stations in Albeni Falls and Clark Fork, helping boaters follow Idaho’s invasive species inspection protocol. 

The ISDA will reimburse law enforcement up to $116,525, to be paid in four equal installments of $29,131.25. The sheriff’s office will provide up to 35 hours of service per week for $57 an hour, plus mileage and approved supplies cost. The office will be responsible for providing all necessary equipment while at the inspection stations, including personnel, equipment, supplies, supervision and more.  

In presenting the request, Sheriff Daryl Wheeler said the contract was slated to start May 27, 2026, but that it took several months to receive a new contract after he requested an increase in pay for the deputies patrolling the area.  

Due to that, the applicable watercraft inspection sites were unable to be attended to until commissioners approved the newly received contract on Aug. 18.  

Deputies will enforce the provisions of the Idaho Invasive Species Act, allowing ISDA officials to conduct inspections of private or public premises, lands, bodies of water, means of conveyance or articles of any person in an effort to treat, control or destroy any invasive species like quagga mussels or zebra mussels.  

The contract is expected to be carried out until Oct. 31 unless terminated by ISDA if the “Legislature fails, neglects, or refuses to appropriate sufficient funds,” according to a memorandum submitted to the board.