Our Lakes, Our Legacy: Protect Idaho’s Waters from Chemical Pollution
Editor's Note: Responding to citizen concerns, the ISDA has suspended herbicide plans for Payete Lake. Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers has announced new plans to apply herbicides on Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River. Diquat dibromide (Reward) and diquat dibromide + endothall (Aquastrike) will be applied to up to 60 acres of submerged flowering rush at Riley Creek, Morton Slough, Oden Bay North, and the Pack River Delta, from August 4-8th. Please add Taylor Johnson at the Corps to your letters expressing concern (contact info below). Idaho lakes are not just bodies of water, they’re lifelines for wildlife, cherished family swimming spots, and vital sources of clean drinking water. Whether it’s Lake Pend Oreille, Hayden Lake, or Payette Lake, these treasured places deserve protection that prioritizes both human health and ecological integrity.
The Problem: Chemical Herbicide Use
For the first time, Payette Lake is targeted for chemical herbicide application to kill eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic invasive weed. While labled as a “test” this could set a lasting precedent, as seen in Lake Pend Oreille, where herbicide use began in 2009. Hayden Lake is also targeted.Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) will conduct weed surveys in Lake Pend Oreille primarily during the week of July 21st, with treatment plans to follow. Once the plans are developed, residents with formal water rights will receive a 14-day notice, others may get just a 24-hour dockside notice, leaving many unaware. You can stay updated on 2025 weed surveys, chemical application and diver pulling plans throughout Idaho, on this map provided by ISDA.Chemical use raises serious concerns, in addition to human exposure. When these weeds decompose in large quantities, they release nutrients that fuel the next generation of weeds, increase the risk of toxic algae outbreaks, and deplete oxygen that fish need to survive. Even more concerning: the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality hasn’t updated its Pesticide General Permit, leaving a critical loophole that allows herbicide discharges on areas up to 80 acres with no coordination or meaningful regulation. As a result, multiple overlapping herbicide applications could occur by ISDA, HOAs, and individuals in the same area.
The Better Solution: Safe, Targeted, Non-Toxic Control
We all want to reduce the spread of invasive aquatic weeds, but chemical herbicides should be a last resort, not the first line of defense.The most effective, environmentally safe methods for controlling invasive weeds in the areas where they are truly a nuisance - like boat launches and swimming areas - are diver hand-pulling and bottom barriers. These techniques work, and they don't contaminate water, increase nutrient pollution, or harm fish. Even ISDA has acknowledged the effectiveness of these methods, they've been using them for years at Lake Pend Oreille's City Beach and Sand Creek in North Idaho.
Take Action!
Join us in sending a strong message this week before treatment plans are finalized, and please forward your message to us! We’d love to hear from you and grow our understanding of your concerns. Whether you are concerned about Lake Pend Oreille, Hayden Lake, or Payette, please write or call ISDA. Urge them to reduce or cancel herbicide applications and focus on safer, proven alternatives.Chanel Tewalt – Director, Idaho State Department of Agriculture chanel.tewalt@isda.idaho.gov(208) 332-8503Jeremy Varley – Chief Treatment Engineer & Noxious Weeds Section Manager jeremey.varley@isda.idaho.gov(208) 332‑8667Taylor Johnson - Chief, Natural Resources, U.S Army Corps of Engineers Taylor.M.Johnson@usace.army.mil(208) 437-3133 x 7225Share your own story, and include some of these key talking points:
- Avoid chemical applications near drinking water intakes by a wider safety margin
- Minimize the acreage of herbicide application
- Prioritize non-toxic, effective methods — diver pulling and bottom barriers
- Ensure robust public notification — including all waterfront homeowners, not just water rights holders
Please share this message with your neighbors, HOAs, and lake associations.We only have one Lake Pend Oreille. One Payette. One Hayden. One Idaho. Let’s protect them, not poison them!