Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Grant for Watercraft Inspection Stations – Prevention of AIS

Quagga/zebra mussel veliger (larvae) have been detected at Tiber and Canyon Ferry reservoirs in Eastern Montana. This detection puts these species closer to the Columbia River Basic’s hydroelectric dam and irrigation systems. Additionally, invasive mussels are established in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California within a few miles of Oregon’s Southern and Eastern border.

The potential introduction of invasive mussels from out-of-state infestations threatens Washington State’s water facilities and resources – mitigation of which at dams and irrigation systems which could cost millions per year.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will build two (2) inspection stations in Eastern and Southeastern Washington to identify and prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS) from entering local waterways.  The stations will be located near the cities of Spokane and Plymouth.  These locations have been strategically selected as they are the main travel routes into the central Columbia River Basin.  In addition to the inspection stations, WDFW will have roving check stations at high volume/high priority watercraft launch ramps within the Central Columbia River Basin area.  These roving stations will supplement highway check station operations and will operate in conjunction with the static highway check stations.    

This project directly supports the Quagga Zebra Action Plan (QZAP) and the Department of Interior Safeguarding the West from Invasive Species commitments.