Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature passed new legislation to provide funding for programs aimed at preventing the introduction of invasive aquatic species in Idaho. The new law requires boaters, both motorized vessels and non, to contribute to the Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF). Any boat that is registered in Idaho or another state, and any non-motorized vessel (canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat, etc.) will be required to purchase and display IISF stickers in order to legally launch and operate in Idaho. Inflatable, non-motorized vessels must be less than 10 feet in length to be exempted from this requirement. For most paddlers, this means that you must purchase a $5 sticker for each boat you intend to paddle in Idaho each year, and stop at a boat inspection station each time you enter the state.  The Idaho Department of Agriculture is responsible for management of the IISF program.

Boating on the waters of the State of Idaho without displaying the required Invasive Species Sticker will be a violation of Idaho Code Chapter 70, Title 67, Section 67-7008(A) , which has a fixed penalty of $57.00. A law enforcement officer could issue the operator/owner of the vessel a Uniform Citation for violation of this law.  You must stop each time you pass an inspection station. 

The fees generated from the sale of IISF stickers are intended to fund vessel inspections, washing stations and informational materials that will assist Idaho with preventing or delaying the introduction of aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels. Needless to say, significant funds will also go to fee collection and enforcement.  See the Invasive Species Fund FAQ for additional information. 

American Whitewater did not support this legislation, however we do support the goal of preventing the spread of invasive mussels.  Please wash and dry your boat if you are travelling from a waterbody known to have invasive mussels in it. 

IISF program-related questions should be directed to the Idaho Department of Agriculture.  Opposition or concerns with the program should be directed to your state or federal legislators, no matter what state you live in, and to the Governor of Idaho. 
 

• Prevent the Introduction of Invasive Species in Idaho 

• Procedures for Decontamination of Equipment (Department of Environmental Quality)
• Invasive Species Fund FAQ's
  
• Watch a Video about the program
• Inspection Locations