Resolution addresses pending invasive species

SCR 109: Here come the mussels: Adopted by both houses.
This resolution addresses the pending emergency confronting Idaho in the form of Zebra and Quagga mussels. Further, the Resolution declares that such an emergency exists and that deficiency warrants, as authorized by the Idaho Invasive Species Act of 2008, be used proactively by the Department of Agriculture. The resolution outlines limitations and scope in the use of emergency deficiency warrants.


The State of Idaho is on the verge of experiencing significant impacts across a wide spectrum of its natural and economic resources as a result of the accidental introduction of various aquatic nuisance species, primarily quagga and zebra mussels. The impacts across the state will be extreme, affecting the economic, social and recreational pursuits of all Idahoans who are influenced by hydro power and other dams, drinking water, agricultural diversions for irrigation, recreational pursuits such as boating, fishing, golf courses, hatcheries, and the aquaculture industry. The ecological impacts of introduction of these and other invasives are immeasurable and irreversible. There are approximately 90,000 registered motorized vessels in Idaho, plus an estimated 9,000 nonresident motorized vessels that recreate on our public waterways each year. Non-motorized boaters are estimated at between 90,000 and 120,000.

The resolution assesses the following fees to fund measures to fend off invasive aquatic species:
For motorized vessels:
Ten dollars ($10.00) per vessel registered in the state of Idaho prior to launch
into the public waters of the state;
Twenty dollars ($20.00) per vessel registered outside the state of Idaho prior
to launch into the public waters of the state.
For non-motorized vessels:
Five dollars ($5.00) per vessel prior to launch into the public
waters of the state.

Commercial outfitters with non-motorized fleets exceeding five (5) vessels shall be
afforded a prorated group rate of thirty dollars ($30.00) for six (6) to ten (10) vessels;
fiftyfive dollars ($55.00) for eleven (11) to twenty (20) vessels; and one hundred dollars
($100) for twenty one (21) or more vessels.