Cotterel
Boat inspection Station
West Cassia Soil & Water Conservation District has taken on the responsibility to manage and run the Cotterel Invasive Species Boat Inspection Station on I-84 Northbound. Workers at the inspection station ensure all watercraft are clean, drained, dry, and free of invasive mussels, snails, clams, and weeds. The Cotterell Boat Inspection Station has been selected to test the need for 24 hour operation. This requires increased inspection station manpower and cooperation with the Idaho State Patrol and the Idaho Transportation Depart. Cotterell Port of Entry. West Cassia Supervisors feel that protecting Idaho’s water is a priority. They continue to find ways to conserve our natural resources.
Invasive Species Watercraft Inspection Station
The Invasive species watercraft inspection station at Cotterel Port of Entry is open and ready to provide inspections which help safeguard Idaho waters from invasive species. Watercraft leaving infested waters can easily spread the invasive species into other water bodies which can cause major problems for healthy habitat and water, as well as for farmers and irrigation systems.
Watercraft inspection stations are Idaho’s first line of defense against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. The 24 hour Cotterel inspection station is set up to inspect all watercraft traveling North into Idaho on the I-84 interstate. There is no charge or penalty to watercraft travelers who comply with the inspection. Workers will hot wash watercraft if needed.
The West Cassia Soil & Water Conservation District oversees the inspection station and provides grant reporting, project over-site, and administrative duties. Employees began work as the inspection station opened in March. Boat station manager Betty Carlson said, “We look forward to opening the station every year. We get to meet new people and get to hear the stories from past visitors – about how they have enjoyed our beautiful Idaho scenery and water ways.”
Quagga and Zebra Mussels
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is specifically targeting the invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels, and has set up roadside inspection stations to keep them, and other aquatic invasive species out. These mussels present a significant threat to the waters of Idaho and the region due to their environmental and economic impact. It is estimated that if introduced to Idaho, these mussels would cost more that $94 million annually in direct and indirect impacts to infrastructure, facilities, agriculture, and recreation.
Boat Checking Stations
There are 18 roadside inspection stations around Idaho’s borders and other critical areas aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of these and other invasive mussels into Idaho water systems. These Inspection Stations are Idaho’s first defense against these invasive species. All Watercraft are required to stop for inspection. Watercraft is not simply a ship or boat. There are numerous other watercraft such as jet skis, canoes, tubes, and all rafting boats are required to stop for inspection. These non-motorized watercraft have the highest rate for non-compliance
If an Invasive Species is found on the watercraft during inspection, it is hot-washed, and sent on its way. There is no penalty for a mussel-fouled boat at an inspection station, however, there are serious consequences when you fail to stop at an open inspection station.
By state law, no person shall proceed past or travel through an established inspection station during it's hours of operation while towing, carrying or transporting any conveyance without presenting such conveyance for inspection. The Idaho Invasive Species Act of 2008. 22-1908
Idaho Water is Worth Protecting!
Idaho has more than 3,500 miles of rivers famous for fishing and water sports. Idaho is an amazing place where water can be used and enjoyed. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a serious threat to Idaho's valuable water resources. AIS clog and disrupt water delivery, interfere with power generation and recreation, and damage fisheries. It is every citizen’s responsibility to protect and safeguard our water by making prevention a priority.
Some information for this page and the photo above taken from Idaho.maps.arcgis.comwebsite and /invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations/