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Watershed groups ask Hayden for permission and support for seasonal 'lake host' to guard Honeysuckle Beach against invasive mussels
Summary
The Hayden Lake Watershed Improvement District and Hayden Lake Watershed Association proposed a seasonal Department of Agriculture‑trained lake host at Honeysuckle Beach to educate boaters and reduce the risk of golden mussel introduction; presenters estimated annual costs near $25,000 and asked for permission to station personnel and post signage while pursuing partner funding and an MOU.
Representatives of the Hayden Lake Watershed Improvement District and the Hayden Lake Watershed Association told the Hayden City Council on April 14 they want permission to station a seasonal lake host at the Honeysuckle Beach boat launch and to post Department of Agriculture‑approved signage at the access point to reduce invasive mussel risk.
Christine Barson of the Improvement District and Jan Wood, president of the Watershed Association, described the recently observed 'golden mussel' threat on the West Coast and stressed that a preventive education presence is far less expensive than an eradication response. "This would be a precautionary move. We don't have the mussel in our lake," Barson said, and presenters estimated the program’s annual cost at about $25,000.
Council members asked about coordination with existing county/state inspection stations, law enforcement roles, funding shares with nearby entities (for example, the City of Hayden Lake and irrigation districts), and operational details such as where inspections or checks would occur at busy launch times. Wanda (meeting respondent on legal matters) said the city would likely use an MOU or contract and that the lake host would have no policing powers; deputies or contracted enforcement would handle formal inspections.
Council members expressed general support for permitting the presence and signage, but asked watershed representatives to return with a detailed operational plan, budget breakdown, confirmed partner commitments, and a proposed MOU before the city would enter any contract or provide financial support.
