PRESS RELEASE

To:         All Media

From:   Gooding County

Date:    October 4, 2023

Gooding County.  On Monday, October 2, 2023, the Gooding County Board of County Commissioners signed Resolution 2023-10-02, declaring an Invasive Quagga Mussel Emergency based on the Snake River.

  Public river access is closed until further notice from the Twin Falls Dam to Niagara Springs (South of Wendell) as ISDA conducts treatment to eradicate the invasive mussel.  This means no kayaking, boats, fishing, swimming, ect.  Gooding County would also request that you please keep your pets out of the water in that area.  As of right now there are no limitations to public access from Lower Salmon or the Bliss Dam.  Idaho Power is going to keep a close eye on things moving forward.  While Banbury is still renting their kayaks to the public, Banbury is not allowing the public to launch their personal watercraft from Banbury’s water access.  

Please use extreme caution and wash all watercraft thoroughly after every use at a hot wash station. Quagga Mussel Larva are microscopic and can not be seen with the naked eye.