Invasive quagga mussels found again in Snake River increase threat to Oregon waterways;
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
Clean, Drain, Dry all watercraft after use
EASTERN OREGON – (Release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) Quagga mussels, an aquatic invasive species, were detected a second time in the Snake River at Twin Falls, Idaho approximately 60 miles upstream from the Oregon border.
According to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) the recent positive detection locations include in the Shoshone Falls pool, Pillar Falls and the Twin Falls Reservoir behind Twin Falls hydroelectric facility.
“Access to the Snake River at Centennial Park remains open with mandatory inspection and decontamination for all watercraft. Pillar Falls to Twin Falls Dam remains closed. An additional temporary closure from Pillar Falls to Auger Falls will take place in mid-October for approximately 15 days to facilitate a treatment,” according to ISDA.
More information from ISDA can be found here: Small number of quagga mussels detected in the Snake River.
“Watercraft transport is a significant contributor in the spread of aquatic invasive species,” said Keith DeHart, ODFW Invasive Species Wildlife Integrity Coordinator. “It’s very important for boat owners to follow Clean, Drain, Dry guidance and adhere to Oregon’s clean launch laws. These are the ways that all boat owners can help protect Oregon’s amazing waterbodies.”
Quagga mussels can cause serious damage to lakes, streams, irrigation, and water delivery systems. If detected in Oregon, ODFW and other state agencies have the expertise, equipment, and are positioned to take quick action if needed.
To date quagga or zebra mussels have not been detected in Oregon’s waterways but watercraft inspection stations around the state have decontaminated six watercraft carrying quagga or zebra mussels and 232 watercraft with other types of aquatic biofouling, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, at inspection stations in 2024.
Since the start of the Watercraft Inspection Stations program in 2010, ODFW has inspected 226,865 watercraft and intercepted and decontaminated 173 watercraft with quagga or zebra mussels and 3,478 watercraft with other types of aquatic biofouling.
Visit https://myodfw.com/articles/waterway-access-and-aquatic-invasive-species-permits to learn more about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
ODFW reminds the public that all vehicles towing or carrying watercraft into Oregon must stop at any watercraft inspection station that is open to inspect for aquatic invasive species.
Stations are open if large, orange Boat Inspection Ahead signs are posted, followed by Inspection Required for All Watercraft. Open hours vary on a day-to-day basis and are only open during daylight hours.
A watercraft is considered any size or type of motorized or non-motorized boat such as a kayak, canoe, raft, or stand-up paddleboard.
Inspection station locations and operating hours:
- Ashland: I-5 at the Ashland Port of Entry. Open daily, year-round, during daylight hours.
- Ontario: I-84 at the Ontario Rest Area. Open daily, year-round, during daylight hours.
- Umatilla: Hwy 395 at the Umatilla Port of Entry. Open until Oct. 25, Thursday to Monday during daylight hours.
ODFW encourages everyone to take simple actions to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species such as quagga mussels, by following the Clean, Drain, Dry process.
Clean shoes, waders, life vests, boat hulls and engines, trailers, and other equipment by removing all visible plants, algae, and mud. Use a stiff-bristled brush to clean equipment.
Drain any accumulated water from boats or gear, including water used in cleaning, back into the lake, stream, or other waterbody from which it came.
Let boats or gear fully dry before using again.
If you find quagga mussels, please report them to the Oregon Invasive Species hotline by calling 1-866-INVADER or visiting https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org.
For more information about invasive species, visit: https://www.oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org/.
