PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (ID) Quagga Larvae detection

Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:33:16 EDT

Summary: Quagga mussel detection in the Snake River near Twin Falls causing closures on affected reaches and logistical challenges and fear of spread.

Location: Snake River near Twin Falls extending from Kanaka Falls near Buhl, ID to Twin Falls (feature, not city) on the Snake River. Wilson Reservoir and Murtaugh Lake are also included in this closure.

Information: Evidence of the presence of quagga larvae was detected at multiple locations during monitoring sampling efforts performed by the ISDA (Idaho State Department of Agriculture). As a result, the Governor of Idaho has created a task force of multiple state and federal agencies tasked to mitigate the issue. Plans are still being developed to accomplish this task.

Number of stream gages impacted: The closure reach includes 3 real-time streamgages 2 non-transmitting gages, and multiple project reaches needing discharge data through miscellaneous measurements and water quality sampling.

USGS response: USGS is following USDA invasive species cleaning and sanitizing protocol to prevent spread of the quagga mussel. The Boise Field Office is on standby to assist with mitigation efforts. Equipment and personnel gear used in the affected reach are being dedicated to that location in efforts to control the spread. The EDNA lab located on the IDWSC campus and operated by FRESC is ready to assist with further EDNA sampling/analysis if requested.

USGS Interaction: USGS/IDWSC is working with the task force through the Idaho Department of Water Resources to provide needed assistance to mitigate the issue. USBR and Idaho Power are also being contacted to coordinate cleaning and sanitizing of equipment.