CSG West joined the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and other key Pacific Northwest entities and policymakers to solicit sustained and increased federal investments to address the growing threat of invasive freshwater mussels in Washington and the broader Columbia River Basin. The letter, which was submitted to Washington’s congressional delegation, was signed by Utah Senator Todd Weiler in his capacity as Chair of CSG West.
CSG West has long been engaged in efforts to combat the growing threat posed by invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels, which endanger water infrastructure, hydropower facilities, ecosystems, and recreational activities across western North America. In 2024, the CSG West Executive Committee adopted the Resolution on Harmonizing State and Provincial Approaches to Invasive Species Management in response to these escalating concerns. Moreover, this issue has been consistently discussed by CSG West’s Legislative Council on River Governance, which convenes policymakers from Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho to address issues of common interest along the Columbia and Snake River Basin.
The importance of coordinated regional and federal action continues to grow. Recently, Oregon intercepted a watercraft contaminated with invasive golden mussels at the Ashland Watercraft Inspection Station on Interstate 5. In response to the emerging threat, Washington has now classified golden mussels as a Prohibited Level 1 invasive species statewide due to the significant risks they pose to waterways, infrastructure, economies, and communities. Like quagga and zebra mussels, golden mussels can spread rapidly through contaminated watercraft and equipment, colonize raw water systems, clog pipes and intake structures, reduce operational efficiency, and generate substantial long-term maintenance and mitigation costs.
The letter underscores the importance of advancing invasive mussel prevention efforts and the need for federal investment proportional to the scale of risk facing the Pacific Northwest.
Read the WDFW Joint Letter of Support below: