Caution Advised in Southern Idaho Water as Quagga Mussel Treatment Begins

For the fourth year in a row, Quagga Mussels have been found in the Snake River near Twin Falls and will need to be eradicated with a special chemical treatment.

During the treatment, boat ramps will be closed, and caution is advised for anyone who enters the water.

Caution Advised in Southern Idaho Water as Quagga Mussel Treatment Begins This Week

The recent round of Quagga Mussels was discovered a few weeks ago, and the treatment plan and schedule were announced this morning. River access will still be open during the treatment, which won’t cover as much area as previous years, but boat ramps will be closed at the Twin Falls Power Plant and the Shoshone Falls. The Centennial Park boat ramp is already closed due to a crack in the dock.

The power plant ramp will be closed from August 27th through September 5th, and the Shoshone Falls ramp will be closed from September 6th through September 13th. Though restrictions aren’t required during the treatment, state officials advise caution to those who still plan to enter the water, kayak, or paddleboard during the dates listed above.

Snake River Quagga Mussel Eradication Treatment Begins This Week, Again

There is solid evidence that the treatments have been working, as the area where the mussels are being found has been smaller each year. Idaho officials say they have seen a 77 percent reduction in the Snake River and there is only a ‘tiny number’ of them remaining. A news report from Idaho News 6 detailed the plan and shared an interview with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture director.

READ ALSO: The Return of the Twin Falls Quagga Mussel Conspiracy Theories

The mussel eradication will be concentrated in certain areas, but the dissipation of the copper treatment will stretch from the Hansen Bridge to the Highway 46 Bridge.

Photo by Andy Castille on Unsplash

If you do plan to head to any of Idaho’s waterways, make sure you take appropriate precautions and don’t ignore the posted safety and rule signs.