Idaho Invasive Species Prevention Program
Boaters Now Required to Purchase IISF Stickers Prior to Launching
May 20, 2009
The Idaho Legislature has passed a new law requiring boaters to purchase an Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) sticker prior to launching their vessel this season. Funds generated by sticker sales are going to support a statewide initiative to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into Idaho. Neighboring states have spent millions of dollars to mitigate the effects of animals like Zebra and Quagga mussels.
Elements of the Idaho Invasive Species Prevention Program
This effort will support increased vessel inspections, construction of washdown stations and distribution of informational materials to boaters across Idaho. The invasive species prevention law took effect in April of 2009 and most boats will be required to purchase one of the annual stickers. There is an exemption for inflatable, non-motorized boats that are under ten feet in length. Commercial outfitters that operate multiple craft like kayaks can qualify for a volume discount on the fees.
The IISF stickers will be available through a number of outlets. These include all Idaho State Parks and Regional Service Centers, any Idaho State Park, online and by mail. Credit cards can be used for payment for the $10 fee that applies to resident boaters. Non-resident boats are charged $20 and the fee for non-motorized vessels is $5.
In a press release announcing the sticker purchase program, Idaho Parks and Recreation Communications Manager Jennifer Wernex says, “Memorial weekend is a popular one for outdoor recreation. We realize boaters will want to be out on the water so we’re trying to make it as easy as possible for families to obtain the now mandatory invasive species sticker(s) at their favorite places to play."
Idaho Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
Guidance for this prevention effort comes from the multi-agency member Idaho Invasive Species Council. The Council is focused on preventing the introduction of harmful invasive species throughout Idaho. This effort includes boat non-indigenous plants and animals. More information can be found at the Idaho Invasive Species Council or by calling toll free at 1-877-336-8676.
Boaters can assist in the effort to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species by thoroughly cleaning their boat hulls, allowing hulls to dry completely for five days before traveling to a different lake or river, and by cooperating with resource managers during vessel inspections.
Other measures that can be taken include:
- Remove any mud or dirt on your boat, boat trailer or gear. Larval animal forms that can't be seen are able to live and survive in the mud and dirt
- Ensure no plants or animals are visible on your equipment. Even a plant fragment could pose a problem. Examine boats, trailers, buckets, boots, bait wells, live wells and clothing
- Eliminate and drain all water from your boat and gear. Water can be trapped by motors, jet drives, boat hulls, seaplane floats and fishing gear
- Don't release plants, bait or other animals into a body of water, unless they came from that water body. This may even be illegal in some areas
- Smaller items or hard to clean items can be treated in a bath of 100% vinegar to kill harmful organisms. Soaking items in an 1% salt solution for 24 hours can be used in place of the vinegar
Nationally, the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Taskforce is working to monitor the spread of harmful plants and animals. The effort is support jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.
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