Quagga Mussels Detected in Snake River

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has detected new quagga mussels in the Snake River near Twin Falls, specifically in the Shoshone Falls pool, Pillar Falls, and the Twin Falls Reservoir. This detection comes almost a year after the first sighting in September 2023, leading to a treatment using a copper-based chemical. Despite the detection, ISDA does not anticipate significant public impacts and continues to implement mandatory inspections for watercraft. Director Chanel Tewalt emphasized that pest eradication is a continuous effort, highlighting the importance of the upcoming treatment scheduled for mid-October, which will temporarily close sections of the river. The state has increased monitoring efforts, taking nearly 300 samples since the initial detection, and a $6.6 million budget has been allocated to combat invasive species. Idaho officials remain committed to eradicating the mussels to protect water resources and ecosystems.