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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Idaho adds inspection stations to target invasive species

Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. – Idaho officials have added watercraft inspection stations and extended operating hours at some in anticipation of a busy season.

The Capital Press reported the Idaho stations that intercept invasive species have already found 22 watercrafts with harmful mussels this year. The stations found 31 last year.

The state Department of Agriculture has added three stations in the past two years, bringing the total to 20 in the state. Hours have been extended at three stations and a fourth is open around the clock.

Station crews target invasive species like non-native weeds and zebra mussels that can degrade water quality and fish and wildlife habitat as well as damage water systems.

Officials said the number of inspections is expected to increase this year from the more than 93,000 recorded last year.