District outlines watercraft inspections
Experience from around the globe has illustrated the cost and environmental damage caused by invasive species. Through proactive efforts, the Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District administers a grant through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture that addresses this threat through prevention, education, early detection and treatment programs.
WATERCRAFT INSPECTION STATION PROGRAM
The Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District manages and operates four inspection stations in the state of Idaho. Inspection stations are located on all major highways entering the state. This strategy is taken to maximize contact with boats traveling into the state from potentially fouled waterways. We also inspect all local watercraft entering our waterbodies so we can reduce the chance of an infestation that could be detrimental to our beautiful lakes.
WATERCRAFT INSPECTIONS
Watercraft Inspection Stations are Idaho’s first line of defense against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. Overland travel of contaminated watercraft and equipment is believed to be the single largest vector for AIS movement from one water system to the next.
HIGH-RISK WATERCRAFT INSPECTIONS
High-risk inspections are intense and include a thorough inspection of the exterior and interior parts of the watercraft. The inspection includes a thorough and complete visual and tactile inspection of all portions of the watercraft including compartments, bilge, trailer and any equipment, gear, ropes or anchors.
If any biological material is found on the watercraft or equipment, the inspectors conduct a roadside “hotwash” of the watercraft. This is done to prevent the spread of other invasive species such as New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian watermilfoil and hydrilla.
More than 1,000,000 inspections have been conducted in Idaho under this program since 2009.
Of the four inspection stations that the Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District manage and operate, here are the stats for the 2023 season:
• Total watercraft inspections, 36,657
• Returned by law enforcement, 722
• From infested waters, 329
• Total boats hot washed, 156
• Weeds on the watercraft, 441
EARLY DETECTION MONITORING PROGRAM
To protect Idaho from invasive species, it is important to stop new outbreaks before they start.
By the time an invader is readily noticeable and begins to cause damage, it is often too late. It can be challenging and expensive to remove an established invader. However, by detecting new outbreaks early and acting quickly to control them, we can avoid many of the environmental and economic losses caused by invasive species.
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Karla Freeman is the district administrator with the Kootenai-Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District.