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The people of Sandpoint and Bonner County owe Sen. Shawn Keough a significant “thank you” for her work in the Idaho Legislature this year. As co-chair of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, Sen. Keough was a key player in renewing funding for our state’s effort to stop the spread of invasive, non-native species to our waterways. Of particular concern is the potential introduction of Quagga and Zebra mussels, and slowing the spread of aquatic noxious weeds on boats being moved between waterways.

Stopping the two alien mussel species is particularly important to us here in Bonner County. Once established, these invaders could dramatically reduce the numbers of game fish in our lakes, including Lake Pend Oreille. This has already happened in the Great Lakes and the lower Colorado River system. The mussels are prolific breeders with individual females producing up to a million eggs per year. Their huge numbers consume most of the tiny plants and animals that are the basis of the food chains that ultimately support the large game fish species. They are also known to create toxic algae blooms and fowl beaches with sharp, smelly shells.

Sen. Keough’s leadership was important in passing legislation that provides the state police with an extra patrol position and increases the State Department of Agriculture’s boat inspection budget by 40 percent.

All of us should appreciate Sen. Keough’s good work and can tell her so at her website: shawnkeough.com/ContactUs.htm

KEN THACKER

Sagle