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State expands Mid‑Snake quarantine, requires inspection and decontamination of watercraft between Hansen and Broken Bridge
Summary
Idaho’s invasive‑species program defined the treatment/quarantine area on the Mid‑Snake and affirmed mandatory inspection and decontamination of watercraft launched within that stretch before and after use; department said mussels found are small but can colonize and the department will maintain stations for cleaning.
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Agriculture outlined and the committee approved a temporary quarantine rule that defines the Mid‑Snake treatment and quarantine area and requires inspection and decontamination of watercraft launched in the regulated reach.
Deputy Director Lloyd Knight described the quarantine area as the stretch from the Hansen Bridge downstream to the Broken Bridge, where the department has done two treatments and where access is now allowed with inspection and decontamination requirements. Knight said the rule has been amended several times during treatment and monitoring and that the temporary rule before the committee reflects the current quarantine area.
Committee members asked technical questions about mussel size and identification. Knight said quagga mussels found locally typically reach about the size of a fingernail at most and that they will colonize surfaces if not removed. Bureau Chief Nick Zirflue explained that other native bivalves such as western ridged mussels exist in Idaho and that citizens should use the department’s invasive‑species hotline and submit photos when in doubt.
Representative McCann moved approval of docket 020609-2406; the committee approved the temporary rule by voice vote.
