AQUATIC NUISANCE

North Dakota confirmed adult Zebra Mussels

North Dakota confirmed adult zebra mussels in Smishek Lake:  https://gf.nd.gov/news/8644

This lake is only 60 miles from the Montana border and  20 miles from Saskatchewan.

FWP has offered support to North Dakota Game and Fish as they investigate treatment options to eradicate this population.

We do not see any records of Smishek Lake in our watercraft inspection database, so it appears the connection between this lake and Montana is limited.

Montana watercraft inspection stations operate through October to address Fall angler and hunter movement.

To date, mussels have not been detected downstream of Smishek Lake dam.  Smishek Lake is in the White Earth River drainage which eventually flows into the Missouri River system at Lake Sakakawea. 

Montana AIS Update: July 2025

Friends and Colleagues,

Summer is flying by.  It’s already August and our summer boating season will be wrapping up in the next couple of weeks.  Let’s be sure to stop by watercraft inspection stations to say “thank you” when you have a chance. These folks are our front line for talking to boaters about aquatic invasive species issues and promoting Clean Drain Dry. The season gets a little long this time of year and a kind word helps pull them through the end of the season.

AIS Update:  July 2025:

Prevention:

  • Over 70,000 watercraft have been inspected so far this season.
  • 29 mussel fouled watercraft have been intercepted to date and more than 380 have been intercepted transporting aquatic weeds.
  • 2025 Mussel Fouled Vessel Interceptions:

Early Detection:

  • The AIS Early Detection Laboratory has analyzed over 800 microscopy samples for mussel early detection with NO evidence of invasive mussels detected. 
  • Over 50 environmental DNA samples have been processed so far this season for invasive mussels with NO evidence of invasive mussel DNA detected. 
  • AIS early detection sampling and survey is ongoing state-wide. New AIS populations detected so far this season include:
    • Red rim-rimmed Melania snails in the tailwaters of Chico Hot Springs and in Nimrod warm springs off of I-90 near Bearmouth. Melania snails are a warm water aquarium snail that is found in other geothermally influenced locations in the state as the result of aquarium dumps.  https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=IMGASK0010
    • New Zealand mudsnails were also identified in the Nimrod warm springs and downstream in the Clark Fork River. NZMS are found upstream and downstream of this area.
  • Beaver Lake Eurasian Watermilfoil Eradication Project (Whitefish):  No EWM was found in the most recent survey of Beaver Lake. Follow up surveys will be conducted several more times this season to ensure EWM is eradicated from the headwaters of the Whitefish and Flathead watersheds.
  • Nilan Reservoir EWM Eradication Project (Augusta):  No evidence of EWM.  AIS staff are taking advantage of low water this year to conduct several thorough surveys to ensure the eradication of EWM, and to prevent downstream movement into reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure.
  • Report suspected AIS directly to FWP ( https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species/report-an-ais) or through i-Naturalist:  https://www.inaturalist.org/
  • If you are interested in hosting an AIS identification / early detection training / workshop in 2025, please reach out to Craig McLane for more information (cmclane@mt.gov) 

AIS Events:

In The News:

Thomas Woolf | Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau Chief

Fisheries Division

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Office: (406) 444-1230 | Cell: (406) 438-5305

ISDA reports 51% decrease in quagga mussel impacted area of Snake River

Boise, Idaho — The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced today a 51% reduction in the quagga mussel impacted area of the Snake River near Twin Falls. Extensive sampling shows the area impacted by quagga mussels is approximately 3.5 river miles, which is down from an impact area of 7.2 miles in 2024. The results show significant progress and demonstrate the effectiveness of ISDA’s ongoing treatment strategy. 

No quagga mussels have been detected upriver or downriver of the 2024 treatment zone. Of concern to irrigators in the Magic Valley, no mussels have been detected in nearby reservoirs.

“Quagga mussels pose a serious threat to Idaho’s water infrastructure, ecosystems and economy,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt. “Full eradication remains the goal, but even reaching a level of containment is uncommon in other U.S. systems. ISDA’s treatments are critical to prevent widespread impacts to agriculture, power generation and Idaho’s aquatic environments.”  

This year, ISDA has conducted over 450 samples in the infested area of the Snake River and more than 4,514 statewide. 

 Effectively treating the Snake River presents unique challenges due to the river’s complexity. Freshwater inputs in 2023 and 2024, along with varying river depths and flow rates have influenced how treatments dissipate to the target species. With an inventory of freshwater inputs and a detailed understanding of river dynamics, ISDA is developing a targeted treatment plan for 2025. 

 “The City of Twin Falls, Jerome County and Twin Falls County are proud to stand alongside the Idaho State Department of Agriculture in this critical fight against quagga mussels,” Twin Falls Mayor Ruth Pierce, Jerome County Chairman Ben Crouch and Twin Falls County Chairman Don Hall said in a joint statement. “Thanks to ISDA’s swift action and expertise, the infestation has been contained to a small stretch of the Snake River, and we are encouraged by this progress. Protecting our waterways from quagga mussels is essential to our farms, residents and the entire Magic Valley community, and this partnership is key to safeguarding the future of our region.” 

 ISDA is committed to a strategic, science-driven response to fully eradicate this invasive species and protect the state’s waterways. Similar to 2023 and 2024, ISDA will make its full treatment plan available to the public. The plan will be shaped by extensive ongoing sampling and careful evaluation of the Snake River’s complex flow patterns and site-specific dynamics. 

 For updates and closure information, visit idaho.gov/quagga [iuzo6zfbb.cc.rs6.net]. 

 Stakeholder Responses to the 2025 Detections

 Idaho Power supports state efforts to eradicate invasive quagga mussels that have been found in the Snake River. Quagga mussels can cause significant damage to hydroelectric power plants by clogging water intakes and piping, which can reduce energy production, leading to increased costs to customers. Quaggas also pose a threat to irrigation and recreation facilities and the river’s ecosystem. – Ryan Adelman, Idaho Power Vice President of Power Supply 

 Idaho’s water is the backbone of our communities, economies, and agricultural success. Quagga mussels threaten that lifeline by clogging critical infrastructure, including disrupting irrigation systems that farmers and water users depend on every day. The recent findings highlight the urgent need for continued, aggressive response. We have learned that this is not going to be a “one-and-done” effort – we must remain vigilant.  We fully support ISDA’s ongoing efforts. Their swift and science-based actions will prevent this threat from spreading further. Protecting our water now is essential to ensuring its availability for future generations. – Paul Arrington, Idaho Water Users Association  

 A 50% reduction in the quagga mussel impact area is a significant milestone and shows real progress in this fight. At the same time, we know how devastating quagga mussels can be for Idaho agriculture if they are not eradicated. We call on ISDA to do everything necessary to finish the job and reach eradication. – Bryan Searle, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation 

 The Twin Falls Canal Company (TFCC) fully supports the ISDA in its efforts to eradicate quagga mussels in Southern Idaho. Agriculture is the backbone of Idaho’s economy, and water is essential to its success. The presence of this invasive species threatens TFCC’s ability to deliver water to our shareholders. ISDA has a strong track record of working collaboratively with TFCC and other stakeholders to quickly deploy plans and equipment that protect our farms, families, and communities. TFCC remains confident in ISDA’s ability to keep Idaho’s water systems free from this harmful species. – Jason Brown, Twin Falls Canal Company 

 Quagga mussels could cripple the canal systems and on-farm irrigation systems that deliver water to crops across Southern Idaho, and be devastating for irrigators. Thanks to ISDA’s treatments in 2023 and 2024, producers have been spared another year of costly disruptions and uncertainty. We call on ISDA to continue taking aggressive action, because protecting agriculture depends on keeping these mussels out of our irrigation systems.  North Side Canal Company fully supports and applauds their continued response and efforts to control this invasive species. – Alan Hansten, North Side Canal Company 

 These detections are a reminder of how persistent and damaging quagga mussels can be. At the same time, it’s encouraging to see that the infestation appears to be shrinking, which suggests that the response is working. The Nature Conservancy is in full support of ISDA’s continued efforts and urges the agency to take responsible, science-based action to protect Idaho’s rivers and the ecosystems that depend on them. – Bas Hargrove, The Nature Conservancy 

 Quagga mussels pose a serious threat to Idaho’s commerce, agriculture, and energy infrastructure. Thanks to the leadership of ISDA and the coordinated efforts of state partners, Idaho has made meaningful progress in controlling the invasive mussels first detected in 2023. Now is the time to build on that momentum and advance another round of treatment. IACI and our members fully support ISDA’s continued work to eradicate quagga mussels from the Snake River and protect Idaho’s economy and natural resources. – Alex LaBeau, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry 

 Since quagga mussels were first detected in the Snake River in 2023, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council has supported Idaho’s eradication efforts.  These mussels are one of the gravest threats to the Northwest’s hydropower system, which supports our regional economy.  They’re a threat to fish and wildlife populations and water supplies in the Columbia Basin. Over the last decade, the Council has also strongly supported regionally coordinated efforts to proactively keep mussels out of the Basin, and to obtain federal funding necessary to bolster Idaho’s efforts. The Council urges the State of Idaho to continue doing everything possible to eradicate quagga mussels. – Ed Schriever and Jeff Allen, Northwest Power and Conservation Council 

 Idaho irrigators know what is at stake with a potential spread of quagga mussels. All along the Eastern Snake Plain farmers are concerned about this invasive pest spreading to canals, pumps, and more. Thanks to the hard work of ISDA, we are seeing progress towards eradicating quagga mussels. Now is not the time to let up and I applaud Director Tewalt and her decision to continue treatment on the remaining mussels. Idaho groundwater users stand with the State of Idaho in this effort. – Stephanie Mickelsen, Idaho Groundwater Appropriators 

 Reliable access to water is essential to Idaho’s dairy industry, from growing feed to supporting daily operations. Quagga mussels put that reliability at risk. The Idaho Dairymen’s Association commends ISDA for saving Idaho farmers another year from direct costs associated with these impacts and calls on ISDA to take action on the latest findings and proceed with additional treatment to protect our water infrastructure and the industries that depend on it.  – Rick Nearabout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association 

 We call on ISDA to act decisively based on the latest findings to eradicate quagga mussels. Idaho’s rivers and lakes support world-class fishing, hunting access, and year-round outdoor recreation that sportsmen and communities across the state depend on. Fighting this threat to our waterbodies now preserves the traditions that define our state. – Benn Brocksom, Idaho Sportsman Access 

The Idaho potato industry needs ISDA to take necessary action on the river to safeguard the future of our industry. Idaho potatoes depend on reliable irrigation systems, and quagga mussels put that lifeline at risk. An established quagga mussel population in Idaho would mean that the backbone of our state, our farmers, would face significant long-term costs for irrigation due to clogged canals and delivery systems.  – Daren Bitter, Idaho Potato Commission  

 Quagga mussels pose a serious threat to Idaho’s rivers, native species, and the fish and wildlife habitat that so many Idahoans cherish. Working to ensure the long-term health of our waterways is essential not only for recreation but for conserving the ecosystems that define our state. The Idaho Wildlife Federation strongly encourages ISDA to continue taking the appropriate actions to stop the spread of quagga mussels and safeguard the natural resources that are at the heart of Idaho’s outdoor heritage. — Nick Fasciano, Idaho Wildlife Federation 

 Over 400 sugarbeet growers in Idaho rely on the Snake River for irrigation, and quagga mussels put that lifeline at risk. Water is the lifeblood of our agricultural economy, and we must take necessary actions to protect it. We are encouraged by the progress made so far, but this work must continue. We strongly support ISDA moving forward with another round of treatment to protect our growers and the communities they sustain. – Samantha Parrott, Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association 

 ISDA must move forward with their strategic treatment to protect Idaho’s water systems. Our growers rely on dependable irrigation to produce high-quality grain, and our river systems are critical for transporting wheat to market. Any threat to that infrastructure puts our farms and supply chains at risk. – Amaya Aguirre-Landa, Idaho Grain Producers Association  

Montana Aquatic Invasive Species Update:  2024 Wrap Up

2024 Early Detection PDF

WIS Final Report 2024 PDF

Friends and Colleagues,

2024 was another busy year addressing AIS issues across Montana and throughout the region. The 2024 end-of-year reports are attached and will be available on the website soon.  Thank you to all the partners around the state who dedicate their time and effort to AIS prevention, early detection and outreach. We are looking forward to a great 2025.  A quick summary of 2024 info below: 

Prevention:

  • Over 135,000 watercraft were inspected in Montana during the 2024 season.
    • 47 mussel fouled watercraft were intercepted.  More than 800 were found transporting aquatic weeds.

  • The Boater Information Gathering (BIG) project interviewed over 1,800 boaters at boat ramps at Fort Peck and Flathead Lake. Less than 3% of the boaters interviewed had not met inspection before launch requirements.
  • Watercraft inspection operations in 2025 are anticipated to be similar to 2024. 
  • Inspection stations begin operation in early March to help address mussel transport on watercraft returning from the lower Colorado River area. Training for watercraft inspection staff begins in February.
  • If you are interested in participating in a watercraft inspection training contract Zach Crete: ZCrete@mt.gov

Early Detection:

  •  Over 3,500 invasive mussel early detection samples collected and processed in 2024 with No invasive mussel detections.

  • AIS early detection sampling and survey occurred at over 450 locations state-wide.
  • AIS Eradication projects continued at several locations including:

  • Eurasian watermilfoil in Beaver Lake near Whitefish:  The populations has been reduced from about an acre down to only 7 plants removed in 2024. Follow-up surveys will continue in 2025 to ensure this population is eradicated and does not move into downstream waters.
  • Eurasian watermilfoil in Nilan Reservoir near Augusta:  This population was reduced from over an acre down to 1 plant removed in 2024.  Follow-up surveys will continue in 2025 to ensure this population is eradicated and does not move into lakes and irrigation systems downstream.
  • Corbicula clams:  No corbiucal clams were found in Lake Elmo in Billings following eradication efforts several years ago. Follow up surveys will continue in 2025.

  • If you are interested in hosting an AIS identification / early detection workshop in 2025, please reach out to Craig McLane for more information (cmclane@mt.gov) 

AIS Annual Partner Meeting Summary: 

Over 60 people attended the Annual AIS Partner meeting on November 13th.  The group discussed current AIS issues and operations and strategized ideas for adapting and improving AIS prevention, early detection and outreach moving forward. Some discussion topics included:

  • Integrating community based social marketing into outreach campaigns to promote behavior change resulting in boaters and the public normalizing clean, drain and dry for their water-based activities.
  • Better utilize the Department of Tourism to target the clean, drain and dry message to boaters coming to Montana.
  • Promote the use of reporting apps to expand the involvement of the public in AIS early detection and reporting.
  • Recognizing and acknowledging on-the-ground staff for AIS related efforts.
  • Identify strategies to improve local enforcement participation at watercraft inspection stations.

In The News:

Thomas Woolf | Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau Chief

Fisheries Division

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Office: (406) 444-1230 | Cell: (406) 438-5305

What you can do to help

  • Ensure that you are not part of the problem
    • Drain all water from your watercraft before leaving the immediate area of the lake
    • Remove all weeds, mud or attached organisms from the boat and trailer
    • Always dispose unwanted bait in the trash, never bring live bait into Montana without authorization
    • Wash the exterior of your boat and trailer, hot-high pressure water is best
    • Rinse and clean live wells, use hot soapy water or a weak bleach solution
    • Allow boat to dry in between trips to different water bodies; ideally for 5 days
    • Never move live fish, aquatic invertebrates or plants from one body of water to another without Fish, Wildlife and Parks authorization.  It is unlawful to release any live aquarium or bait fish
  • Report any potential sightings of zebra or quagga mussels (see description below) immediately to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks ANS Coordinator (406-444-2449), if possible, collect a sample, place it in a jar or zip-loc bag and note specific location and date
  • Spread the word; tell your neighbors and friends about the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species
  • For further questions call the ANS Coordinator at 406-444-2449

How to identify Quagga or Zebra mussels

  • Quagga and zebra mussels are similar in appearance
  • Adults look like a small clam with a D-shaped shell
  • Usually have alternating dark and light stripes, but these may not be present
  • About the size of your fingernail, although can be up to 1-2 inches
  • Small juveniles, which have just recently attached to a surface, look like black pepper and feel like sandpaper.

Quagga mussel on left, Zebra mussel on right, photo from USGS.

For more information, click on the following link https://cleandraindry.mt.gov/Aquatic-Invasive-Species

                                                  

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