07/02/09

WEISER, Idaho (AP) _ Eight of 18 planned boat inspection sites
in Idaho are up and running in an attempt to prevent the invasive
quagga and zebra mussels from entering the state.

The invasive mussels reproduce and spread rapidly, clogging
machinery and water pipes and destroying aquatic ecosystems.

Lloyd Knight of the Idaho Department of Agriculture says
inspection sites are focusing on boats coming into Idaho from other
states.

The inspection program is being paid for by a special invasive
species sticker that must be placed on boats and that costs from $5
to $20.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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