Making sure the “word” gets spread on this, again:
Game and Parks urges boaters to Clean, Drain and Dry to stop invasive species
LINCOLN, Neb. – While many Nebraska boaters are eager to enjoy a summer day on the lake, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges them to be wary of a nasty hitchhiker: the zebra mussel.
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Game and Parks watercraft inspectors found two boats with zebra mussels attached attempting to launch. Each boat was inspected and not allowed to launch with viable zebra mussels. Watercraft inspectors are present throughout the state this summer at various water bodies to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Zebra mussels can live up to two weeks out of water and young zebra mussels – or veligers – are invisible to the naked eye and can be spread through any water left undrained. Boaters should clean all visible plants, mud, or animals, drain all water within the boat, including the motor, and dry their boat for five days before going to another water body.
Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters and boaters conduct clean, drain and dry procedures before leaving a water body; they also are not allowed to arrive at a new one with any water from another water body.
“Frankly, we need the public’s help this summer,” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks aquatic invasive species program manager. “Once established, zebra mussels can be devastating to a water body and prevention is the best tool we have. Surrounding states have been greatly impacted by zebra mussel invasions, and we want to keep Nebraska waters invasive-free, now and for future generations.”
A zebra mussel is a highly invasive aquatic species that looks like a D-shaped clam, with alternating light and dark bands. Most zebra mussels are less than an inch long. They form dense colonies and filter 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.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected observation of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 402-471-7602 or at ngpc.ais@nebraska.gov.
Now, let me add some comments and photos. . . .
As the news release said, an adult zebra mussel was found attached to a boat that was launching. Can you see it?
Look closer, a lot closer:
Need some perspective? How about this:
The boat from which those pictures were taken had been in the water for some time on another waterbody. That is why there was an ADULT zebra mussel attached. Remember, transporting water in your boat is even more risky! In most cases you are NOT going to see adult zebra mussels attached to your boat. In most cases the risk is from microscopic LARVAE in the water. You are not going to see them! Assume they are present and make sure to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY, every time, every waterbody!
I have been reminded recently that I am far from being any kind of tech wizard. But, I might have to learn how to do this: Hey, I think I know that spot! Some anglers will go to great links to...
Have not posted a state record update for a long time. There has been a good reason for that–nothing to update. Actually, I have had one new state record application since this spring. I waited...
Nebraska’s diverse landscapes provide habitat for a wide array of moth species, each uniquely adapted to its environment By Brianna Nugent As the sun sets over Nebraska’s expansive plains and...
The hunt test world can give you a deeper understanding of your dog By Todd Mills The first real gun dog I’d ever owned cost me $50. A buddy of mine knew I’d been looking and knew of a litter with...
Last week I wanted to spread the word on projects that will impact access to a couple of our waterbodies this summer (Some Access Notes). I am going to mention a more again today. I know you may...
I always get rather impatient this time of year. Is it because of the weather being erratic, if not so hot, humid and hazy at times? No. is it that sweet corn picking season is almost here. No. Is...
Beavers exemplify the intricate relationship between wildlife and human communities By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Dwelling in the waterways and wetlands of Nebraska, beavers...
I love fish pictures. Seriously, show me your fish pictures, any of them, I will look. I look at fish pictures all the time, every day. Oh sure, there are lots of nice fish, but just that, nice...
A couple of weeks ago, on my way out the door for the Independence Day holiday, I promised I would spend at least a little time on the water. We always thoroughly enjoy our time with family over...
Lincoln hunter on a mission to reach underserved minorities in hunting and fishing Story and photos by Eric Fowler Some people live their entire lives searching for some place, any place, where...
Marbleseed thrives in very dry, gravelly or rocky hilltop prairies where only the tough survive By Gerry Steinauer, Botanist When appearing as a guest on podcasts or radio shows, I am often asked,...
I have news releases about projects that will affect access to a couple of our waterbodies. If you fish these waters, you will want to know: Tree removal begins July 16 at Hershey WMA A...
Flattered … Humbled … Thrilled … These are just a few words that describe how I felt with an unexpected, major award I recently received. Called “Spirit of the Shack,” this unique conservation...
I cannot think of a single angler who does not get excited by big fish. Big fish of one species or another, if not several, really “turn our crank”! Some of us continue the pursuit of big fish...
Take the time to appreciate wetlands even when they aren’t wet Story and photos by Ethan Freese If you’ve visited one of Nebraska’s many wetlands in the past year, there’s a good chance that you...
Aquatic Vegetation Treatment at North Platte Interstate Lake
Just got this news release and I want to spread it around. Again, I know this is not a huge fishery and this will not affect a lot of anglers. On the other hand, if this is one of your fishing...
When it comes to beating the heat, animals have their own quirky playbook. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Imagine being a furry creature in Nebraska during the peak of summer —...
Lots of dirt being moved at the mouth of Methodist Cove at Harlan County Reservoir right now. Found this update on the project: Partners Working Hard to Deliver Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration We...
Summer is here. It’s hot. It’s humid. Tomatoes are ripening. Early ears of sweet corn are being harvested. Boating, swimming, tubing and fishing are being widely enjoyed now. But, wait a second....
Manufactured bump boards tend to be too short. Here’s how to make your own to measure fish. By Justin Haag Measuring fish is important. For one, a measurement is often needed to abide by...