TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A small number of quagga mussels have been detected in the Twin Falls area of the Snake River.
According to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), the department implemented a treatment plan, which includes an increased level of monitoring in the area.
ISDA said positive detection locations that were found recently include the Shoshone Falls pool, Pillar Falls and the Twin Falls Reservoir behind Twin Falls hydroelectric facility.
ISDA said quagga mussels were first found in the area in September 2023. ISDA implemented a treatment plan of the river with a chelated copper product, which was the first treatment of this type and scale ever in all of North America, according to ISDA.
Since 2023, ISDA said they have taken around 300 samples in the affected area and 3,000 samples statewide through the 2024 season.
ISDA said it does not expect any major impacts to the public, as access to the Snake River at Centennial Park will stay open with mandatory inspection and decontamination for all watercraft. Pillar Falls to the Twin Falls Dam is still closed, and an extra temporary closure from Pillar Falls to Auger Falls will happen in mid-October for around 15 days for treatment.
ISDA said it will let the public know when a treatment date is set and before treatment starts.
Idaho Governor Brad Little released the following statement on the recent detection:
“Idaho had the foresight years ago to start investing in the resources needed to detect and eradicate invasive species, and that investment is paying off. I want to thank my partners in the Idaho Legislature for making this happen. With an effective, robust invasive species program in place, we are far better off today than we were even a year ago when quagga mussels were first detected in the Snake River. One of our greatest success stories as a state has been the coordinated, rapid response to quagga mussels last fall, but we knew we would be on watch for a period of five years. I have great confidence in the team at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and their many, many partners to continue to tackle this problem with minimal disruption to the public.
Idaho’s water faces many threats. Managing our water well is one of our highest priorities because our water is simply too precious to hand over to anyone but our own. As farmers continue to progress toward a new deal, the news today highlights the importance of working together so WE determine our water destiny.
This news also highlights the importance of priorities. Idaho is one of the best run states in the nation because we manage government responsibly and make strategic investments where they matter – such as our invasive species program, water infrastructure, fire suppression, and other important areas. I will continue to work closely with my legislative partners to make sure we stay focused on the things that matter.”