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Temporary quarantine set for mid-Snake River after quagga mussel detection; inspections required for launched watercraft
Summary
The committee approved a temporary rule formalizing a quarantine area on the mid-Snake River from Hanson Bridge downstream to Broken Bridge; the rule requires inspection and decontamination of watercraft launched in that stretch before launch and upon removal.
The committee approved a temporary rule (docket 0206092406) that defines the department's quarantine area for quagga mussel response on the mid-Snake River and requires inspection and decontamination of watercraft.
Lloyd Knight, deputy director at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, said the quarantine area runs from Hanson Bridge downstream to the Broken Bridge and reflects areas treated and monitored for quagga mussels. "All watercraft launched within that section of river are required to be inspected and decontaminated by our department and our stations prior to launch and when they pull out of the river," Knight said.
Officials said the temporary rule followed several earlier temporary amendments while treatment and surveys were ongoing; the department expects this quarantine area to remain in place while monitoring continues. Committee members praised the department's rapid response and asked about mussel size and other native bivalve species; bureau chief Nick Zirfloo clarified that quagga mussels are small (roughly the size of a fingernail at maturity) and that the state has other native bivalves (e.g., western ridged mussel) that can be identified through the invasive species hotline.
Representative McCann moved to approve the docket; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The department said it will brief the committee further at a February presentation with props and additional detail.
