Watercraft inspection stations open

Kootenai Shoshone Soil and Water Conservation District is opening watercraft inspection stations for the 2025 season. 

These inspection stations are at Interstate 90 (Fourth of July Pass), Highway 53 (Hauser Lake), Rose Lake and Huetter. 

Per the Idaho Invasive Species Act of 2008, all watercraft must stop at watercraft inspection stations, according to a press release.

What is the inspection looking for?

Watercraft inspections are initiated to protect Idaho waterways from aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, especially quagga and zebra mussels being transported from one body of water to another.

What to expect during the inspection

Inspectors will greet you and ask for your residence zip code as well as what water body you are traveling to and from. These items are used to manage and limit the spread of both plant and aquatic invasive species.

During the inspection, the exterior and interior of the watercraft and trailer will be inspected as well as ensuring that all water is drained from the boat.

Idaho law requires all out-of-state watercraft to be inspected and decontaminated at a watercraft inspection station prior to launch.

Before transporting any watercraft, Idaho law requires operators to remove the drain plug and drain all water, including from internal compartments such as ballasts, bilges, live wells and motors. All bilge and ballast plugs and other barriers that prevent water drainage must be removed and remain open while a watercraft is transported by land within the state.

Watercraft owners can help prevent the spread of invasive species by following three steps:

• Clean equipment before leaving any waterbody, removing visible plants and animals.

• Drain water from compartments, including motors, live wells and boats. Pull the boat’s bilge plug and allow water to drain.

• Dry equipment thoroughly before using the watercraft in a different waterbody.

Watercraft inspection stations are Idaho’s first line of defense against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels, the release said.

"Established quagga mussel infestations have major impacts on fish populations, wildlife habitat, and infrastructure, costing hundreds of millions of dollars in actual and indirect costs," according to the release.

Info: invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations