The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is ramping up its efforts to protect the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams from aquatic invasive species. Seasonal boat inspection stations are now open, and roving crews will be out this year at boat ramps offering watercraft inspections and decontamination.

Even though Oregon agencies have not detected the presence of invasive freshwater mussels in our waterways, the risk is now higher than ever before. In addition to the longstanding concern over quagga and zebra mussels, golden mussels were found in California last year.

“Golden mussels were detected for the first time in North America last year which means the threat to Oregon is very serious,” said Keith DeHart, ODFW Invasive Species Coordinator. “Golden mussels are similar to zebra or quagga mussels, but they can establish in a much wider range of temperatures and water salinity,” added DeHart.

Combined with quagga mussel detections in Idaho in the Snake River last year and in 2023, the risk of aquatic invasive species spreading to Oregon waterways has been steadily increasing.

Invasive freshwater mussels can damage water infrastructure, such as irrigation and hydropower systems. Invasive freshwater mussels can also degrade water quality and limit recreational activities such as fishing and boating.

ODFW and the Oregon State Marine Board manage the state’s watercraft inspection stations at five entry points around the state. Anyone transporting any type of watercraft—motorized or non-motorized—must stop at open boat inspection stations. This includes kayaks, canoes, rafts, and stand-up paddleboards.

DeHart recommended that boaters can make the process of boat inspections quick and easy by cleaning and draining watercraft before leaving a waterbody. He noted that all boaters must pull their watercraft’s drain plug before leaving Oregon’s waterbodies.

“Clean, drain, and dry is the most effective way to prevent the spread of invasive species,” said DeHart. “And having a clean and dry boat is also the fastest way to get through an inspection station.”

How to know a boat inspection station is open:

Open stations are clearly marked with large, orange Boat Inspection Ahead signs, followed by Inspection Required for All Watercraft.

Inspection station hours vary by day and season. Inspections and any necessary decontamination are free of charge, funded by Oregon’s Waterway Access Permit program.

Inspection Station Locations:

Ashland – I-5 at the Ashland Port of Entry
Brookings – Hwy. 101 at the Brookings weigh station
Klamath Falls (new location 2025) – US-97 at the Midland Rest Area
Ontario – I-84 at the Ontario Rest Area
Umatilla – Hwy. 730 at the Umatilla Port of Entry
Roving Stations – Crews may set up temporary inspection sites at various boat ramps across the state.

For more information on protecting Oregon’s waterways and to buy a Waterway Access Permit, visit ODFW's aquatic invasive species page.

To learn more about invasive species, Key Conservation Issues affecting Oregon, and the State Wildlife Action Plan, visit: https://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/key-conservation-issue/invasive-species/

Source: ODFW

Michael Berry