#NewWork: It’s Up To Us: Idaho’s Community-Driven Battle Against Quagga Mussels

In the face of ecological adversity, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Drake Cooper, is taking a stand with its Clean. Drain. Dry. campaign launched ahead of the 2024 spring and summer seasons. This initiative marks a critical effort to halt the invasion of quagga mussels in our cherished waterways. The stakes are high; these invasive species pose a serious threat to our environment, economy, and the infrastructure of our local water systems.

Idaho’s strategy to combat this issue is as direct as it is inclusive, engaging all waterway users, from local residents to seasonal visitors, in a united front. The campaign’s message is clear: the responsibility to protect our natural resources does not lie with regulators alone but with each individual. This communal approach is embodied in the campaign’s urgent call to action—educate, engage, and enforce.

Education is a cornerstone of the Clean. Drain. Dry. initiative. Through statewide public service television and radio ads, we’re spreading the word about the risks posed by these mussels. Radio ads targeted to the Magic Valley explain the new mandatory inspection and decontamination process at the Mid-Snake River, where quagga larvae were discovered last year. The campaign also extends its reach online with a robust digital and social media presence, ensuring that the message of prevention and personal responsibility reaches as many ears and eyes as possible. Radio ads targeted to the Magic Valley explain the new mandatory inspection and decontamination process at the Mid-Snake River, where quagga larvae were discovered last year.

Outdoor advertising plays a crucial role as well, with billboards strategically placed along major highways. These are not just reminders; they are calls to action for every traveler headed towards Idaho’s waters, emphasizing the message that keeping our waterways clean and mussel-free is a duty we all share.

As we approach the peak of the water-use season, phase two of the campaign will kick off just before Memorial Day weekend. This phase aims to reinforce and build upon the groundwork laid by our initial efforts, ensuring that the message does not just resonate but sticks.

Through our united efforts, we can achieve a future where the beauty and vitality of Idaho’s waterways are safeguarded for generations to come. It’s up to us, all of us, to keep our waters pristine and free from the devastating impact of quagga mussels.