Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
37
P r o t e c t i n g o u r w a t e r s f r o m i nv a s i v e s p e c i e s
Nebraska Game and Parks is proactively battling any introduction or spread of aquatic invasive species to
prevent the harmful environmental impacts they would have on our water bodies.
These species include the zebra mussel, a highly invasive species that forms dense colonies and filters
large quantities of plankton from water, decreasing the food supply for native species. In addition, these
mussels pollute swimming areas with sharp shells and clog water intake pipes. The Missouri River has an
existing zebra mussel population along its entire length downstream of Gavins Point Dam. Lewis and Clark
Lake, Lake Yankton and the Offutt Base Lake are the only other confirmed Nebraska waters that have
established zebra mussel populations.
As part of our prevention plan, in 2022, the agency inspected a record 6,627 watercraft, more than 4,000
more than the previous year. This rapid increase in efficiency comes only the second year into the Aquatic
Invasive Species Program being fully staffed. This efficiency will remain important to our fight against
aquatic invasive species threats that continue to surround the state.
We sampled more than 40 water bodies monthly in 2022 for zebra mussel larvae, and we surveyed 39
water bodies across the state for invasive aquatic plants, resulting in seven new detections of Eurasian
Watermilfoil and one new detection of Brittle Naiad.
A new outreach campaign, "Protect our Waters," is helping build awareness of aquatic invasive species.
The goal is to inform boaters of their role in preventing AIS through thoroughly cleaning, draining and
drying their watercraft before leaving a water body.
Weigand Marina at
Lewis and Clark Lake SRA
