Boat inspections off to shaky start
POST FALLS — Mandatory boat inspections to keep invasive species out of Idaho are under way, but the early compliance rate has something to be desired.
Workers at the inspection station at the eastbound Huetter rest stop on I-90 on Thursday said about one in five cars transporting vessels was stopping despite signs along the freeway.
Post Falls’ Larry Bergerson, among those who pulled over, said it wasn’t a big inconvenience.
“I didn’t mind at all,” he said. “I think it’s great that they’re doing it. We don’t want mussels here.”
Other North Idaho inspection stations are set up at Cabela’s, Farragut State Park, Cocolalla Lake and the Oldtown weigh station on Highway 2. All boaters, including those that are local and haven’t been out of state with their vessels, are required to stop. A “fast pass” system for the future for local traffic is being examined to limit inconvenience, but hasn’t been developed.
Those who stop are back on the road in about three minutes as long as there’s no wait. Four workers scan the boat for suspect material, ask the driver a few questions including if the vessel has been out of state and brief them about the program and new invasive species stickers that fund the inspections.
“Everyone who has stopped has been nice about it, but most people just aren’t stopping,” said Dale Wieck, who was working at the station.
Workers’ tally by early afternoon was 49 non-stops and 11 stops. However, it’s unclear how many of the travelers already pulled over at Cabela’s at the border.
Bergerson said he knew he had to stop because he read an article about the stations and had seen the sign the past few days from driving by. However, he still hasn’t purchased his sticker and was reminded by inspectors to do so.
Idaho State Department of Agriculture officials predicted there would be a learning curve to pull over at inspection stations since the program is new. They also realize there are gaps in the program, including late-night or non-summer boating traffic, but funding is limited. Education will be the early focus before calling on law enforcement to crack down on violators.
The program is intended to prevent invasive species, including quagga and zebra mussels, from entering the state. They destroy aquatic ecosystems, clog pipes and damage other infrastructure.
Inspection stations operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through mid-September and are on high traffic roads entering Idaho, as well as near some water bodies. In the coming weeks additional inspection stations will be set up throughout the state.