Department of the Interior Grant: Protecting Flathead Indian Reservation from Aquatic Invasive Species

Supports Department of the Interior’s Safeguarding the West from Invasive Species – Invasive Mussels Initiative

The Tribes own and operate the Se’lis Ksanka Qlispe Hydropower Facility (formerly known as Kerr Dam). Inva­sive mussels would affect all submerged components and conduits of that facility, costing the Tribes millions of dollars. If the mussels were to become established here, they would quickly move downstream, invading the entire Columbia system, and the projected cost of controlling them at that point is $500 million annually. And once they become established in a system, they are difficult if not impossible to eradicate. Prevention is the least expensive, most effective course of action, which is why this project – developing a 24-hour AIS check station, prevention through public outreach and education and adding enforcement targeting recreational boaters and anglers – is their focus.

Mussel-infested boats are routinely intercepted at inspection stations on their way to the Flathead Basin. Currently we estimate that roughly 30% of watercraft are not stopping at inspection stations because they arrive after the inspection station is closed or because they purposely (and unlawfully) drive-by the station without stopping or are unaware of the legal requirement to stop. This project is needed because of the immediate and grave danger posed by these uninspected boats- it only takes one harboring invasive mussels to infest the entire Flathead Basin, and a single infestation in the Flathead threatens the entire Columbia. The purpose of this project is to help ensure that no mussel­ fouled watercraft arriving via the primary route into the Flathead Basin can launch into basin waters.