Idaho Invasive Species Fund

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Story Published: Aug 2, 2009 at 4:44 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 3, 2009 at 9:53 AM MDT

By Jennifer McGraw

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JEFFERSON COUNTY - Idaho waters are clear from many invasive species that can attack natural habitat and cause a lot of problems in lakes and rivers.

"There are a lot of aquatic invaders, species that are coming in that we're having to look out for and if we can prevent them from getting started in our area, in our water ways, we'll be a lot further ahead," says Mitch Whitmill, Jefferson County Weed Superintendent.

The Idaho Legislature has passed a new law requiring boaters to purchase an Idaho Invasive Species sticker. The hope is to generate enough funds to monitor and prevent these invaders from our lakes and rivers.

"If they get in the water, they can plug up all water intakes. They'll get on your motors, on hydro electric plants that are really valuable to Idaho," says Jeffrey Pettingill, Bonneville County Weed Superintendent.

Millions of dollars are spent in neighboring states to keep these aquatic attackers from destroying natural habitat and taking away from our recreation.

"They'll get on the prop of a boat and totally destroy the prop," says Pettingill.

These destroyers are called Quagga Mussels.

"And it spreads from boat to boat," he adds.

That's where you can help prevent the spread.

"It's always best to wash your boat when you get out. Dry it off so you get that off and removing it from your boat and you're not going to get it anywhere else," he says.

All boats longer than 10-feet must have an Idaho Invasive Species sticker and those funds generated from them will go towards prevention and keep our waters clean.

You can purchase this sticker at Parks and Rec and at all state parks. It's $5-dollars for non motorized, $10-dollars for motorized, and $20-dollars for out of state.

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