Wyoming still free of invasive mussels as Aquatic Invasive Species prevention program catches three boats carrying the invaders
If they ever take hold in Wyoming’s waters they will harm native species, municipal water supplies and agricultural activities. The Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program established in 2010 by the State Legislature is aimed at preventing new species from invading Wyoming’s waters.
The main tactic is to intercept and inspect watercraft entering the state. In 2015, Wyoming’s crews of inspectors checked on 45,967 boats, nearly 4,000 were considered high risk boats, having been in areas known to contain invasive species. Three boats were found with zebra or quagga mussels attached. Those boats were thoroughly decontaminated and released.
“The most concerning aquatic invasive species right now are these zebra and quagga mussels,” said AIS program coordinator Beth Bear. “Those mussels seem to be getting very close to Wyoming. They are in Utah, South Dakota and Colorado. In 2015 we checked over a thousand boats that had last been used in waters with aquatic invasive species. So, we want to thank everyone who drained, cleaned and dried their boat after using it and everyone who helped keep Wyoming’s waters safe.”
Annual monitoring of waters was conducted from June through October and included sampling of 65 waters for a variety of invasive species. No evidence of zebra/quagga mussels have been confirmed in any Wyoming waters. New populations of curly pondweed were found in the Shoshone River during sampling. That is not overly concerning, but is a good reminder to drain, clean and dry boats and fishing gear after each use to prevent the further spread of invasive plant species too.
Watercraft last used in a mussel suspect or positive water, the majority were used at Lake Powell, UT (488 inspections); Deer Creek Reservoir, UT (488); Pueblo Reservoir, CO (197); Lake Mead, NV (56); Lake Havasu, NV/CA (54); Angostura Reservoir, SD (53); and Lake Michigan (37). A total of 1,254 decontaminations were conducted for suspect AIS or standing water.
For more information go to our website: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/
The main tactic is to intercept and inspect watercraft entering the state. In 2015, Wyoming’s crews of inspectors checked on 45,967 boats, nearly 4,000 were considered high risk boats, having been in areas known to contain invasive species. Three boats were found with zebra or quagga mussels attached. Those boats were thoroughly decontaminated and released.
“The most concerning aquatic invasive species right now are these zebra and quagga mussels,” said AIS program coordinator Beth Bear. “Those mussels seem to be getting very close to Wyoming. They are in Utah, South Dakota and Colorado. In 2015 we checked over a thousand boats that had last been used in waters with aquatic invasive species. So, we want to thank everyone who drained, cleaned and dried their boat after using it and everyone who helped keep Wyoming’s waters safe.”
Annual monitoring of waters was conducted from June through October and included sampling of 65 waters for a variety of invasive species. No evidence of zebra/quagga mussels have been confirmed in any Wyoming waters. New populations of curly pondweed were found in the Shoshone River during sampling. That is not overly concerning, but is a good reminder to drain, clean and dry boats and fishing gear after each use to prevent the further spread of invasive plant species too.
Watercraft last used in a mussel suspect or positive water, the majority were used at Lake Powell, UT (488 inspections); Deer Creek Reservoir, UT (488); Pueblo Reservoir, CO (197); Lake Mead, NV (56); Lake Havasu, NV/CA (54); Angostura Reservoir, SD (53); and Lake Michigan (37). A total of 1,254 decontaminations were conducted for suspect AIS or standing water.
For more information go to our website: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/
