Idaho is a leader in the US for its amazing coordination and strong stance against terrestrial weeds. However, other invasive species are becoming increasingly problematic as well- invaders of our waters. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are non-native aquatic and terrestrial organisms that have harmful impacts on aquatic natural resources. Idaho already has many Aquatic Nuisance Species present in our waters, and many more are lurking at our borders.

Some of you are likely already familiar with Eurasian watermilfoil, a plant that has overtaken many of our western and northern lakes (see photo at right). Many of you are also familiar with New Zealand mudsnails and Asian clams already infesting several of our once-pristine waterways. But the threats do not stop there. In January of 2007, quagga mussels were found to be infesting Lake Mead in southern Nevada. These organisms, similar to zebra mussels, are infamous for the extensive and expensive damage they’ve caused to the Great Lakes region and elsewhere (see photo of encrusted boat propeller below left). The Columbia River Basin (including Idaho) is one of the last major water basins to remain free from quagga and zebra mussel invasions in the continental US. Perhaps most disturbing is the fact that many boats with Idaho registrations have recently been observed in Lake Mead and other infested water bodies. Without proper early detection and outreach efforts, these problematic species may soon devastate our Idaho waters and our Idaho economy as well. Effective prevention and detection will require agency cooperation and outreach so all Idahoans may become aware of the harmful impacts of ANS.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture and Idaho Fish and Game have been working together to lay the groundwork for ANS cooperation in Idaho. from land users and land managers in order to build a database so that all may have access to current information. Another purpose of the survey is to establish a strong communication network between all agencies impacted by ANS issues. Through this communication network, future information and outreach efforts can be channeled. Please take a few minutes of your time to answer the questions found through the following link. If you know of any other folks in your agency who are potentially impacted by ANS, please forward this link to them so they may take the survey as well. It is only with everyone’s help and cooperation that Idaho can take a firm stand against the invasions of ANS to protect our waterways and way of life.