Idaho Fee to Fight Invasive Species

The State of Idaho has instituted a new law to help halt the introduction of invasive plant and animal species into the state’s waters. The new law requires both motorized and non-motorized boaters to contribute to the Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF).

All boats, including canoes, kayaks, rafts and drift boats must pay the annual fee and display the sticker in order to operate in any waters in the state. The only exception is for non-motorized inflatable craft, less than 10 feet in length.

The fee structure is:

• $10 for motorized and sail-powered vessels registered in the State of Idaho.
• $20 for any vessel registered elsewhere.
• $5 for non-motorized craft, again with the exception of inflatables less than 10 feet in length.

The way stickers can be purchased:

• By mail: Download the Idaho Invasive Species Fund Sticker Application Form. Mail the completed form, with a check payable to Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, to IDPR Registration Unit, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0065. Allow seven days for processing.

• Online: Go to Online Idaho Invasive Species Fund Sticker Purchase, then select the proper category. Note: the sticker still has to be mailed to you.

• At NRS: For the convenience of boaters who can stop by our Show Room, here in Moscow, Idaho, we have purchased a block of stickers for resale. Come by during Show Room hours and we can fix you up with an IISF sticker. Sorry, but we cannot ship stickers; you must pick them up here in person.

Obviously, when ordering by mail or online, there is a waiting period from the time you pay until you get your sticker. Plan ahead.  The law was implemented so quickly there was no time to set up vendors around the state.

If you don’t have time to get the sticker before your trip, use the online ordering process and print out a receipt for your payment. It is up to the discretion of local law enforcement on accepting this as evidence of payment, but hopefully it will be sufficient.

The fine for violation of the law is $57.

For more information on the program, please check out the IISF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). For example, it explains how to attach the sticker to inflatable boats.

Fees collected will be used to fund vessel inspections, washing stations and educational materials to help prevent the introduction of invasive species like zebra mussels. For information on the problem and what you can do about it, read our article on Preventing the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species.