Community Solar Grand Opening

Our community solar project is nearing completion. We invite members to our ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, July 24, at 6 p.m. at our Sagle headquarters, 421 Chevy St., Sagle, Idaho. Enjoy complimentary hot dogs, root beer floats, goodies and much more while you view and learn about the project!

Solar units will be available for purchase. For more information, call (208) 255-7197.

Stop the spread of invasive mussels

Summer is finally here! It is that time of year to get out on the lake to fish, water ski or just enjoy a leisurely boat ride in the sun.

If you take your boat out of the state, be careful before returning. The invasive quagga and zebra mussels are looking to hitchhike to our pristine Idaho and Montana waterways.

These invasive mussels wreak havoc wherever they call home. They deplete the nutrients in the water and upset the ecosystem. They also colonize on hulls of boats, recreational equipment, irrigation equipment and hydroelectric power plant equipment. Once they move in, they are pretty much a permanent houseguest.

How do you go about keeping those pesky creatures from moving in? Clean.  Drain.  Dry. Clean any visible mud, plants or animals from your boat. Drain all water from the motor, bilge, livewell and other water-containing devices. Dry all areas of your boat and equipment.

To protect our waterways, the state has set up a watercraft inspection station program focused on inspecting boats from affected states as they come across the state line. Inspections are free, but the cost of mussels is not.

According to a 2015 report by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, the estimated cost to the region would be $500 million annually if attempts fail to prevent an infestation.

I hope you are enjoying your summer in the beautiful inland Northwest! And remember: Clean. Drain. Dry.

Annie Terracciano
General Manager