Invasive Species of Fish Found in Redwood Park Pond

Redwood Park Pond in Boise has been shut down as Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers work to rid the pond of an invasive species of fish. Rosy Red Shiner, a type of minnow from the Midwest were illegally added to the pond.

The department plans to treat the pond with rotenone, a naturally-occurring substance that cuts of oxygen flow in fish. All the dead fish will then be removed from the water and taken to a landfill.

Redwood Park Pond will be closed to public use for two weeks after the treatment. Officials say the rotenone in the pond will break down in the sunlight and will be gone in a few weeks at most. The pond will be restocked with bluegill and largemouth bass next spring.

Officials released a statement explaining that it's both expensive and time consuming, but necessary. They also want to remind aquarium fish owners to be responsible and never dispose of aquarium fish in local waters.