© 2024 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Click here for information on transmitter status in the Treasure and Magic Valleys

Researchers work to protect Alpine Lake from invasive species

A lake in the middle of greenery.
elena2525
/
Flickr

Last September, Idaho found quagga mussels along the Snake River in Eastern Idaho, particularly around Shoshone Falls. The mussels pose a big threat to the entire Columbia River basin because of the damage they can do to infrastructure, including irrigation, hydropower and drinking water equipment — destruction that could cost Idaho hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

Idaho took quick action, killing thousands of fish after chemically treating more than six miles of the river and trying to get rid of the mussels.

Meanwhile, another invasive snail was recently discovered in the largest Alpine Lake in our region. The Mountain West News Bureau’s Kaleb Roedel tagged along with researchers working to monitor – and control – the spread.

Stay Connected
Our Purpose: Be at the civic, cultural and intellectual forefront of our community to create an informed, engaged public.

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.