The pristine waters of Malheur County, including the popular Beulah, Bully Creek, and Owyhee Reservoirs, are vital to our local environment, economy, and way of life. While these reservoirs are currently free from invasive Quagga, Zebra & Golden Mussels, they face an imminent and serious threat.

In late 2023, Quagga Mussels were detected in the Snake River in Idaho, a short distance from the Oregon border (Source: Idaho Invasive Species Program). The Owyhee River, which feeds the Owyhee Reservoir, is a tributary of the Snake River, placing this cherished local water body at extremely high risk. The Owyhee Irrigation District has warned that the river system provides a "conducive habitat" for a potential invasion (Source: Owyhee Irrigation District). An infestation in any one of our local reservoirs would be catastrophic and likely spread to others.

Why We Must Act: The Devastating Impacts of an Infestation

The introduction of Quagga, Zebra & Golden Mussels would irrevocably harm Malheur County's natural resources and economy.

  • Ecological Damage: These mussels are aggressive filter feeders, with a single adult clearing over a quart of water per day. They strip phytoplankton—the foundation of the aquatic food web—from the water. This starves the fish populations that make Beulah, Bully Creek, and Owyhee Reservoirs popular angling destinations, including bass, crappie, and perch (Sources: ODFW, Malheur County Parks Department).

  • Economic Devastation: The mussels form dense, concrete-like colonies that clog essential infrastructure. This poses a direct threat to:

    • Irrigation: The Vale Oregon Irrigation District and the Owyhee Project, which are crucial for local agriculture, would face clogged pipes and pumps, leading to massive maintenance costs and potential water shortages.

    • Hydropower: Facilities like the Owyhee Dam would be at risk, with estimates for mitigation at similar Columbia River Basin projects running into the tens of millions of dollars (Source: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission).

  • Recreational and Safety Threats: An infestation would ruin recreational experiences. Mussels encrust boat hulls, damage engines and steering components, and cover shorelines, docks, and buoys with razor-sharp shells that can easily cut swimmers and beachgoers (Source: UC Riverside).

Your Role in Prevention: How Every Boater Can Help

Preventing an introduction is our only option, as eradication is nearly impossible once mussels are established. Every person who uses our waterways has a critical role to play.

1. Clean, Drain, Dry — Every Time. This is the most effective way to stop aquatic hitchhikers.

  • CLEAN: Before leaving any water body, thoroughly clean all mud, plants, and debris from your boat, trailer, and gear.

  • DRAIN: Completely drain every part of your boat, including the bilge, livewell, and engine cooling system. You must pull your drain plug before leaving the water body.

  • DRY: Allow your boat and gear to dry completely for at least five days before entering another body of water.

2. Stop at All Watercraft Inspection Stations. It is mandatory for all vehicles carrying any type of watercraft (motorboats, kayaks, rafts, paddleboards, etc.) to stop at all open boat inspection stations. A key station is located on I-84 at the Ontario Rest Area. ODFW staff provide free inspections and decontamination if needed. These stations are our frontline defense (Source: ODFW).

3. Carry the Correct Permit. Permit fees directly fund the inspection stations and prevention efforts that protect our waters.

  • Non-Motorized Boats (10 feet and longer): A Waterway Access Permit is required for both Oregon residents and out-of-state visitors. This includes kayaks, canoes, rafts, and paddleboards.

  • Out-of-State Motorboats: An Out-of-State Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Permit is required.

  • Oregon-Registered Motorboats: The AIS permit fee is automatically included in your Oregon boat registration. Your current registration decals are your proof of payment.

Permits can be purchased online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's licensing system.

Report an Invasive Species

If you see what you believe to be a Quagga, Zebra, & Golden Mussel, report it immediately to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-INVADER.

By working together, we can protect Beulah, Bully Creek, and Owyhee Reservoirs and ensure they remain healthy and accessible for future generations.

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