Invasive Species of Idaho is a program of Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The purpose of this page is to spread of awareness of Invasive Species.
ISDA, established in 1919, supports and regulates one of the state's most important industries with a mission of "Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals, and the environment through education and regulation." If you are looking for additional information about the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), please visit http://agri.idaho.gov/
Comment Polic
04/03/2026
🔍 Malad Inspectors are at it again with the third catch of the season!
💧 Mussel Fouled Watercraft #3 was a fishing boat that spent the winter in Lake Havasu. The vessel had been out of the water for 3 days by the time it reached the station. Inspectors found multiple small mussels on the trim tabs and gimbal area.
When mussels first settle out, they can be smaller than a grain of rice. How many mussels do you see?
03/31/2026
Idaho watercraft inspectors are starting off the 2026 season strong with our first 2 catches of the year.
💧 Mussel Fouled Watercraft #1 was intercepted at the Malad Inspection Station. This boat was in and out of Lake Powell for a few weeks and out for 3 days by the time it arrived at the station. Mussels were found in the bilge area, interior compartments, and carpeted deck tracked in on footwear.
💧 Mussel Fouled Watercraft #2 was intercepted early in the night at the Cedars Inspection Station. This large sailboat had been out of the water for 4 years, but prior to that had spent time in Lake Huron. Mussels were found attached to the keel. Although this vessel poses low biological risk, the introduction of dead mussel material into waterways can skew early detection monitoring results.
Great work Malad and Cedars inspectors! 🔎
This year’s Snake River quagga mussel treatment took place September 30 to October 14.
The dynamic and complex river system brings great challenges to treating quagga mussels. Jeremey Varley, Chief Treatment Engineer explains how the team worked to eliminate any potential safe harbors for invasive mussels throughout the treatment area.
10/10/2025
The 2025 quagga mussel treatment on the Snake River is going strong and is expected to conclude October 14th.
💧The treatment application is going to plan while accounting for complex factors, including deep holes, freshwater inputs, and varying conditions such as temperature changes.
💧Copper levels and treatment impact continues to be closely monitored by ISDA staff, the contracted applicator, and the product manufacturer.
💧In addition to the totes placed strategically along the river, new tactics to the treatment application include deep-hole injections and shoreline treatments.
View more information about ISDA's work to eradicate quagga mussels on the Snake River here: idaho.gov/quagga
Day 4 of treatment is underway ✅ ISDA continues to closely monitor copper levels to ensure an effective application against quagga mussels. Copper monitoring is a critical piece of the plan.
The chelated copper product Natrix, proven effective in 2023 and 2024, is once again being used in the 2025 treatment plan to eradicate the concentrated quagga mussel population in the Snake River.
ISDA is developing a strategic treatment plan to eradicate invasive quagga mussels from the Snake River. With more data and information than ever before, and strong support from stakeholders across Idaho, we’re moving forward to protect one of our most critical water resources.
The responses from engaged groups and communities are clear: we must finish the job to safeguard the Snake River, which supports hydropower, irrigation, recreation, and more. Once finalized, the full treatment plan will be available at idaho.gov/quagga.
09/12/2025
NEWS RELEASE: ISDA announced today a 51% reduction in the quagga mussel impacted area of the Snake River near Twin Falls.
No quagga mussels have been detected upriver or downriver of the 2024 treatment zone. Of concern to irrigators in the Magic Valley, no mussels have been detected in nearby reservoirs.
“Quagga mussels pose a serious threat to Idaho’s water infrastructure, ecosystems and economy,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt. “Full eradication remains the goal, but even reaching a level of containment is uncommon in other U.S. systems. ISDA’s treatments are critical to prevent widespread impacts to agriculture, power generation and Idaho’s aquatic environments.”
Read the full release: https://agri.idaho.gov/pressrelease/ISDA%20reports%2051%20percent%20decrease%20in%20quagga%20mussel%20impacted%20area%20of%20Snake%20River/
More information: idaho.gov/quagga
05/29/2025
We at ISDA would like to congratulate Mitch Whitmill on his retirement from his position as the Noxious W**d and Invasive Species Control Superintendent for Jefferson County. Mitch has been great to work with over the duration of his career. We will miss seeing his cowboy hat at noxious w**d meetings and wish him a happy retirement.
05/23/2025
Protect Idaho’s waters!
Whether you're boating, fishing, or paddling — clean your gear, drain your boat, and dry everything thoroughly. Small actions can make a big impact.
Let’s keep our waters clean and invasive species out!
04/12/2025
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is now hiring for seasonal positions! 🛶
Join the front lines of defense against aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, as a watercraft inspector. Multiple locations available throughout the state.
Apply now to launch your career with us at ISDA!
Check out seasonal opportunities here: https://statecareers.idaho.gov/search/agriculture/jobs
Additional summer positions will be posted in the near future.
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| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
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| Friday | 8am - 5pm |