BOISE – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has announced the detection of a small number of quagga mussels in the Twin Falls area of the Snake River. This follows the initial identification of the invasive species in September 2023.
Working with a broad coalition of partners, ISDA implemented a comprehensive treatment plan and continues to conduct extensive monitoring. “We have a strong invasive species program in place to monitor our waterways for quagga mussels, and we are prepared to respond with a treatment plan with minimal impacts to the public,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt.
The agency initially treated the affected stretch of the river with a chelated copper product, marking the first time such a treatment had been used on this scale in North America. Sampling results indicated the treatment was effective, significantly reducing the mussel population…