Have a Question? Contact Us:
(208) 255-0445
boatwash7b@gmail.com

                NOW HIRING WATERCRAFT INSPECTORS!

How to Apply NOW!

1. Click on the application link below. 

2. Fill it out either on your computer or print it out. You can also come into the office and get a physical copy.

3. You can email your application to boatwash7b@gmail.com or you can bring it in to the office at 1224 Washington Ave, Sandpoint ID.

Make you select which boat station area you are interested in or able to work at on your application.

 ​​In the News
 

What is the Idaho Boat Inspection Program?

The Idaho Boat Inspection Program is managed by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture(ISDA). The program began in 2009 to prevent aquatic invasive species such as quagga/zebra mussels from invading Idaho waterways. Bonner county stations are managed by Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District and are located at Albeni Falls Visitor Center, the old Samuels weigh station on Hwy 95 North, and along Hwy 200 in Clark Fork. In addition to inspecting and washing boats thoroughly, boat inspectors engage in education and boater survey information.

If you have questions regarding this program, would like to report a suspect boat, or need information on an aquatic invasive species, please contact ISDA @ (208) 608-3404.

Where to buy Invasive Species Stickers?

• Samuels old weigh station (Inspection Station)
• Albeni Falls (Inspection Station)
• Clark Fork (Inspection Station)
• Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District 
• Alpine Shop (Downtown Sandpoint)
• North 40 in Ponderay
• Big 5 Sporting Goods (only non-motorized
• Sandpoint Marine & Motorsports

Who needs an Invasive Species Sticker

• If your boat is registered in Idaho you do not need to purchase a sticker, it is included in your registration fee. 
• If you are from Idaho and have a non-motorized boat 10’ or longer, you will need a sticker.
• If you are from out of state, you will need to purchase an invasive species sticker for your motorized and non - motorized watercraft 10' or longer.
• Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, any vessel that floats in the water is required by state law to STOP at inspection stations.

Sticker Prices

•  Motorized boats - $30.00
•  Non-motorized - $7.00

What can you do?

Clean, drain, dry your watercraft and all your equipment.  Mussels and other aquatic invasive organisms need water to survive.  Please take the time to thoroughly clean and dry your gear.  Moving invasive plants and animals within Idaho waterways is also of serious concern.

Who needs to stop at the stations?

Anyone with a motorized or non-motorized watercraft 10’ or longer.

By state law, no person shall proceed past or travel through an established inspection station during it hours of operation while towing, carrying or transporting any conveyance without presenting such conveyance for inspection. The Idaho Invasive Species Act of 2008. 22-1908

Idaho Boat Inspection Stations Ramp up Operating Hours

Idaho is playing hard ball again this year in the fight against quagga/zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species who think they can hitch a ride by boat across the country and hang out in our waters. The Idaho legislature has authorized stations to be opened from dawn till dusk this season. Targeting early morning and late night travelers. Idaho has been successfully operating mandatory boat inspection stations since 2009, but every year there are some minor kinks to work out.  Expanding hours of operation is an important improvement this year and shows Idaho’s commitment to this effort.​

Stations in Southern Idaho began opening on March 10th and have inspected almost 2,800 boats since then. Eight mussel fouled boats have been discover so far, all from Lake Havasu. Boats are actively moving across the states with this beautiful spring weather.  Boats traveling from mussel infested waters such as Lake Mead, Lake Powell and Lake Havasu are common visitors to Idaho’s inspection stations. Invasive quagga/zebra mussels have been found in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California, and most recently in Montana waterways.

These mussels have yet to be discovered in any Idaho waterbody and have not appeared in the Columbia River System to date. But they are no doubt a very real threat that needs our full attention.  If mussels were introduced to our waters, it would cost Idaho approx. $100 million annually just to manage their impacts. Eradication would be very unlikely.  These bivalves attach themselves to hard and soft surfaces and don’t let go.  Then they multiply at an exponential rate. Quagga/zebra mussels are gluttonous filter feeders who eliminate phytoplankton, ultimately destroying the entire food web.  Our fishery here in North Idaho would suffer greatly and the quality of life we experience on our abundant lakes would change drastically.​

Here in Bonner County we have 3 Inspection Stations and are managed by Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District.

Clark Fork station will open April 11th and then Samuels and Albeni Falls Visitor Center stations will open April 25th and. The stations will be open till October 31st, from dawn to dusk, with hours starting at 5:30AM- 8:00PM, then changing to 5:30AM-9:00PM starting May 5th and then switching back to 5:30AM-8:00PM August 18th. 

For more information please visit our website at Bonnerswcd.org or call 208 263-5310.