Meetings to explain mussel-combatting programs

New Idaho programs to combat quagga and zebra mussels will be explained at two public meetings Wednesday in North Idaho. State Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, and representatives of the Idaho Department of Agriculture will explain the problem and proposed solutions. Those include invasive species stickers all boat owners must purchase, and mandatory roadside boat inspections. In Coeur d’Alene, the meeting will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Coeur d’Alene Library Community Room, 702 E. Front St. Attendees may bring their lunches; coffee will be provided. Sponsors include the Idaho Conservation League, Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Kootenai-Shoshone Soil and Conservation District. In Sandpoint, the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 First Ave. This gathering, sponsored by the Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force, also will include information on milfoil eradication efforts.