The costs associated with the prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pale in
comparison to the costs of AIS remediation. The State of Idaho recently completed a
socio‐economic study which showed that dealing with the introduction of invasive
mussels would cost $100 million annually. For those States already struggling with AIS
remediation, millions are spent annually to keep dams and water delivery systems
functioning.
The argument that AIS will arrive in the Flathead regardless of the management actions
taken, miss the point. For every year that we delay their arrival, millions of dollars will
be saved annually. Moreover, for those locales that take the threat of AIS seriously,
prevention efforts have been successful. Lake Tahoe, though surrounded by areas with
mussel infestations, still remains mussel free due to their pro‐active approach to AIS
prevention.
The economic and ecological viability of the Flathead region will be seriously
compromised if new AIS are introduced and existing AIS continue to spread. Therefore,
preventive management actions must be taken now to prevent the introduction of
zebra and quagga mussels; and remediation efforts must commence to confine the
spread of other AIS within or adjacent to the Flathead Basin, such as flowering rush,
whirling disease and Eurasian watermilfoil.
Agencies managing waters within the Flathead Basin are facing a significant challenge in
dealing with new AIS species given the shortage of personnel and funding for capital
costs. However, even if adequate AIS prevention and remediation funds are made
available, an AIS prevention program will only be successful with the cooperation and
support of those living in the Flathead and those visiting our beautiful waters. We urge
you to Inspect, Clean, Drain and Dry each time you enter/leave any new water body,
and urge to you become more familiar with the identification of AIS species.
