Aquatic Invasive Species Laws

Eurasian watermilfoil and New Zealand mud snails are some of the invasive species of concern found in Idaho. Often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers, these non-native species can spread rapidly to the point that they can damage the environment and hurt the economy.

• Due to the increasing threat of invasive species, the Idaho legislature passed The Idaho Invasive Species Act of 2008, which outlined numerous regulations and penalties including the following.
  • Possession or transport of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is prohibited by law. This includes things such as weeds on a boat trailer, snails in bilge water, or zebra mussels on a boat motor.
  • Watercraft inspection stations have been established in locations throughout the state to ensure boats are free of AIS. All watercraft (including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards) are required to stop if an open station is encountered. Inspection is quick and easy if the watercraft is clean, drained, and dry.
  • Anyone who violates the regulations in the act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $3,000, imprisoned in county jail for up to 12 months, or both. A person may receive additional civil penalties of up to $10,000.
• If your boat has been in infested waters even briefly, it could be carrying fragments of an invasive species.