State flexes muscles on mussels
As you launch into boating season, expect to be inspected.
Some North Idaho inspection stations will be open next Thursday or Friday in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend as the state prepares for its second season of trying to keep invasive threats out of local waters.
While the program focuses on out-of-state boats and boats that have left Idaho and are returning, all traveling watercraft, including non-motorized vessels, must be inspected.
"(The program) underscores the importance of preventing these (zebra and quagga) mussels from becoming established in Idaho," said Agriculture Director Celia Gould. "If introduced, these mussels could impact Idaho's water bodies and recreation and likely impose a heavy maintenance burden on irrigated agriculture, power generation and water suppliers."
North Idaho stations will be at the eastbound Interstate 90 rest stop at Huetter, westbound I-90 at Cataldo, Athol, Cocolalla, Oldtown, Sandpoint and Clark Fork. The stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day. Most southern Idaho stations are already open.
Oldtown, Athol, and Sandpoint are slated to open on Thursday and Cocolalla on Friday. However, no dates have been scheduled for the two stations on I-90.
Post Falls Parks and Recreation Director Dave Fair said the Department of Agriculture recently contacted the city to see if it would be interested in managing the station and hiring workers through a grant the state received.
However, the city declined because it doesn't have ample time to get the program under way.
"It would take up to 60 days to run it by council, hire people and have the legal documents," Fair said. "We couldn't pull something together in eight days."
About 18,500 boats from 44 states were inspected last year from July 4 to Sept. 14.
Three vessels - all at North Idaho stations - were quarantined after mussels were found. Pend Oreille Basin Commission coordinator Kate Wilson said the economic impact on Idaho - if mussels are established - would be about $100 million a year.
"They're coming here and we need to be on guard," Wilson said. "It's a never-ending battle once they get here."
The mussels clog pipes, boats and machinery.
Agriculture spokeswoman Pamm Juker said education was a big part of the program in its first year, but enforcement will be increased this year for those who whiz by the stations.
"We are working more closely with local law enforcement," Juker said. "Compliance is an important component of the program, and we hope that compliance rates increase based on both public awareness of the issue and law enforcement involvement."
Management of the stations is taking on a more local flavor this year as opposed to a single contractor hired by the state.
"Local management of boat inspections stations will ensure a better working relationship with the community, law enforcement and the boating public," Wilson said.
The stations are funded by invasive species stickers that are purchased this year during the boat registration process. Stickers for non-motorized vessels and out-of-state watercraft will be on sale at inspection stations and boat businesses. Vendors will receive $1.50 for every sticker sold, ensuring they will not lose money by participating in the program.