When our community comes together to protect Bear Lake, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. 

Until now, Bear Lake has never had an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check station on the Idaho side – no inspections, no decontamination, no line of defense. 

This fall, that changes.

Bear Lake Watch, in partnership with Pacificorp, Idaho State Parks, and Idaho Department of Agriculture, is launching a privately funded plan to protect the lake — no new state dollars, laws, or regulations needed. This innovative, community-driven action delivers real results and is led by the people who care most about Bear Lake’s future.

Here’s how:

• • We’re purchasing and deploying a full AIS decontamination unit for Idaho’s side of Bear Lake — a $65,000+ investment in protection.
  • It will operate along North Beach Road, inspecting every boat before it enters Idaho waters.
  • Through a permit and concession partnership with Idaho State Parks, we’ll sell pre-packaged concessions on busy weekends which will sustain the station’s operations — starting at North and East Beaches, and expanding as the program grows.

This privately funded, non-profit solution is practical, fast, and built by locals who love Bear Lake. But it’s more than just a fix — it’s a unifying breakthrough, bringing farmers, ranchers, irrigators, anglers, wildlife advocates, residents, and visitors together to protect the lake’s health and economy.

Our plan has already earned widespread support from leaders who understand what is at stake. Senator Mark Harris, the Idaho Department of Lands, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Idaho State Parks, and PacifiCorp all endorse this approach and know it works.

Why it matters — and why it’s urgent

These invasive species are already in Idaho waterways – and if they reach Bear Lake, the consequences would be devastating; a multi-million dollar task to control.

• • Quagga mussels: Detected in the Snake River (Twin Falls reach) in 2023; containment is ongoing.
  • Zebra mussels: Intercepted in Idaho via aquarium plants and imports.
  • Hydrilla: A fast-spreading aquatic weed, already listed as a noxious species in Idaho.
  • New Zealand mudsnails & Asian clams: Present in Idaho waterways, with nothing stopping them from entering the north side of Bear Lake without active inspection or decontamination.

Once these invasive species reach Bear Lake, they can’t be undone – affecting water quality, clogging irrigation systems, devastating fisheries, and destroying the ecosystem we depend on. This is our chance to stop it.

Real Action–No Red Tape

This isn’t a typical government project – It’s neighbors protecting neighbors: farmers, anglers, ranchers, and families working together to defend the heart of our valley. Using private funds, community ingenuity, and common sense, we’re taking action to protect Bear Lake and everything it sustains.

We need to raise $65,000+ by January 1st, 2026 – enough to purchase the decontamination unit and begin operations before next season. If 130 friends give $500, or 650 give $100, we’ll reach our goal together.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to keeping Bear Lake Clean, Deep, and Blue — for generations to come.

Let’s be the generation that didn’t wait – the one that made a lasting difference for Bear Lake.

With gratitude and resolve,

Brady Long
Executive Director, Bear Lake Watch