EDITORIAL: Fighting back against invasive species

Land managers and wildlife officials are on high alert after last week’s announcement that invasive mussels had been detected in a reservoir in Eastern Montana. 

Glacier National Park moved swiftly to shut down boating in all of the park’s waters — a restriction that could last well into next spring. The Blackfeet Nation also closed its waters to boats soon after the news broke, as did officials who oversee the Creston fish hatchery pond.

While quagga and zebra mussels have not been detected in the park or Northwest Montana, the reaction locally is telling. A proliferation of invasive mussels would not only pose serious threats to the region’s aquatic ecosystems, but would also risk potentially devastating economic and recreational impacts.

Mussels can affect hydro-electric operations, irrigation infrastructure and municipal water systems. Once established, the sharp mussel shells can blanket lakeshores, and the shells can wreak havoc on boat motors.

Reports suggest that damages associated with invasive species in the U.S. cost more than $120 billion annually. The potential consequences of mussels taking root locally are detailed in today’s front-page article.

With the state Legislature set to convene in two months, the recent mussel scare should serve as a warning shot for our local representatives. Now is the time to amplify the discussion about funding Montana’s aquatic invasive prevention program. A few dollars spent today could save millions, if not billions, in the future.