It's the Law: On the Water
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and New Zealand mud snails are the leading "invader" species in Idaho. Often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers, these non-native species can spread rapidly to the point that they can damage boat engines, smother native plant and fish populations, and plug up public water intakes.
 Eurasian Watermilfoil
This noxious weed forms very dense mats of vegetation on the water's surface. It has feather-like leaves arranged in whorls of four around the stem, which may reach lengths of 10 feet of more. A pink-flowering spike appears above the water from June to August. |
Zebra Mussel
 This tiny D-shaped mollusk that can clog water intakes, pipes, damage vessel engines, and alter native species populations. Zebra mussels are transported on vessel hulls, engines, and other equipment. |
Help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
- Inspect your vessel and trailer, and remove any plants and animals you see before leaving the area.
- Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the area.
- Empty your bait bucket on land. Never release live bait into a body of water or release aquatic animals from one body of water into another.
- Rinse your vessel, propeller, trailer, and equipment.
- Air-dry your vessel and equipment.
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