watercraft inspections

Watercraft Inspection Stations are Idaho’s first-line of defense against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Overland travel of contaminated watercraft and equipment is believed to be the single largest vector for AIS movement from one water system to the next. 

Inspection Stations

Idaho’s inspection stations are placed on major highways at or near the Idaho state line. This strategy is taken to maximize contact with boats that are traveling into the state from other impacted states.

High-Risk Watercraft Inspections

High-risk inspections are intense and include a thorough inspection of the exterior and interior parts of the boat. The inspection includes a thorough and complete visual and tactile inspection of all portions of the boat, including compartments, bilge, trailer and any equipment, gear, ropes or anchors.

If any biological material is found on the boat or equipment, the inspectors conduct a roadside “hotwash” of the watercraft. This is done to prevent the spread of other invasive species such as New Zealand mudsnail, Eurasian watermilfoil, and hydrilla.

More than 400,000 inspections have been conducted in Idaho under this program since 2009. Through these inspections, 165 mussel-fouled boats have been intercepted in Idaho since July of 2009.

Boats Considered “High-risk” to the state of Idaho

  • Boats that have been in mussel-infested states recently (within the last 30 days).
  • Watercraft coming from another state (especially commercially hauled boats).
  • Boats that show a lot of dirt, grime, or slime below the waterline.
  • Boats that have standing water on board.
Removed on April 25th, 2016.  Mussels where attached to a used, recently-purchased vessel which was sold at auction in Las Vegas. 

Removed on April 25th, 2016.  Mussels where attached to a used, recently-purchased vessel which was sold at auction in Las Vegas. 

2017 Inspection Station Information

The 2017 boating season has started, and inspection stations are now opening throughout the state. Below is a list of the stations for 2017 with some basic information that will be collected during the season.

In addition to the listed inspection station locations, watercraft are inspected during the boating season at roving roadside inspection stations spread throughout the state. These additional inspections help ISDA better understand the boating public, and potential vectors of introduction into Idaho. Click on the tab below to view additional information collected at the inspection stations, and other projects by ISDA.

Inspection Station # Inspections Fouled Boats Closing Date
Albeni Falls 8,585 0 Closed
Bruneau 2,661 0 Closed
Cedars 9,814 12 10/31/2017
Clark Fork 5,734 0 Closed
Cotterell 2,669 4 10/1/2017
Dubois 917 0 Closed
Franklin 4,106 0 10/1/2017
Huetter 13,926 0 Closed
Hwy 20 5,841 0 10/1/2017
Hwy 53 5,646 1 Closed
Hwy 87 6,098 0 10/1/2017
Hwy 93 1,776 5 10/1/2017
Malad 4,121 5 10/1/2017
Marsing 1,849 0 Closed
Redfish Lake 1,729 0 Closed
Rose Lake 3,226 0 Closed
Samuels 6,780 0 Closed
Roving Crew 1 1,336 0 Closed
Roving Crew 2 1,071 0 Closed
Roving Crew 3 819 0 Closed
Henrys Lake 2,075 0 10/1/2017
Season Totals 90,780 30*
* 3 Fouled boats found by ISDA field staff

Fouled Boat Information for 2017 

Fouled Boat # Location Found Origin Destination State Date Found
1 ISDA Staff Lake Havasu, AZ Idaho 2/15/2017
2 ISDA Staff Lake Havasu, AZ Idaho 2/22/2017
3 Hwy 93 Lake Havasu, AZ Alberta 3/20/2017
4 Hwy 93 Lake Havasu, AZ Idaho 3/26/2017
5 Malad Lake Havasu, AZ Montana 4/1/2017
6 Malad Lake Havasu, AZ Montana 4/6/2017
7 Malad Lake Havasu, AZ Montana 4/16/2017
8 Malad Lake Havasu, AZ Alberta 4/16/2017
9 Cedars Lake Michigan, MI Washington 5/1/2017
10 Cedars Lake Erie, OH Washington 5/23/2017
11 Cotterell Lake Erie, OH Oregon 5/25/2017
12 Hwy 93 Lake Havasu, AZ Washington 6/8/2017
13 Hwy 93 Lake Mohave, AZ Oregon 6/17/2017
14 Cedars Pepin Lake, MN Washington 6/18/2017
15 Cotterell Keystone Lake, OK Washington 6/24/2017
16 Cedars Lake Michigan, IL British Columbia 6/24/2017
17 Cedars Fox Lake, IL Oregon 6/27/2017
18 Cedars Minnesota Waters Idaho 7/8/2017
19 Cedars Lake Superior, MI Washington 7/9/2017
20 Cedars Ohio Waters Washington 7/9/2017
21 Cedars Lake Champlain, NY Washington 7/25/2017
22 ISDA Staff Canyon Lake, AZ Idaho 7/31/2017
23 Hwy 53 Lewisville, TX Idaho 8/1/2017
24 Cotterell Lake Michigan, MI Oregon 8/2/2017
25 Cedars Lake Mighigan, WI Washington 8/9/2017
26 Malad Lake Havasu, AZ Montana 8/10/2017
27 Hwy 93 Lake Havasu, AZ Idaho 8/10/2017
28 Cedars Lake Michigan, MI Washington 9/1/2017
29 Cedars Lake Huron, MI British Columbia 9/12/2017
30 Cotterell Lake Michigan, MI Washington 9/18/2017

Banner and Photos: Idaho State Department of Agriculture.