No Zebra or Quagga Mussels found in Wyoming yet
by Wyoming Game & Fish
January 4, 2010
CHEYENNE - Several of Wyoming's major reservoirs have tested negative for invasive zebra and Quagga mussels. These damaging organisms have not been found in Wyoming yet, but have been found in neighboring states of Colorado and Utah.
In Wyoming, sampling for larval zebra/quagga mussels has taken place in Glendo, Boysen, Buffalo Bill and Keyhole reservoirs and Bighorn Lake. Sampling by the Game and Fish has not turned up any adult or juvenile mussels. In addition a study of the Greater Yellowstone Area by Portland State University students did not find any zebra or quagga mussels in that region.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is continuing education efforts to make boaters and anglers aware of the potential impacts caused by the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, (AIS), primarily zebra and quagga mussels.
To help combat the introduction of these species into Wyoming, signs will be installed on 21 priority waters around the state before the boating season begins this year. In addition, an AIS summit is being planned in Cheyenne in February to inform affected users such as power companies, sportsman groups, municipalities and others of the AIS issue and potential impacts to the state.
The Travel Recreation and Wildlife Committee of the Wyoming State Legislature is lending their support and has agreed to sponsor an aquatic invasive species bill and a bill to increase the penalties for the illegal stocking of fish. The proposed AIS bill would allow for interdiction authority to establish mandatory inspection stations, the authority to establish a "user pay" system to help fund the AIS program and an appropriation of $2.5 million for the 2011-2012 biennium.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has organized an AIS committee that has developed an AIS management plan that will be presented to the Commission later this month.
More information on aquatic invasive species can be found on the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state.wy.us/fish/AIS/index.asp. The Game and Fish has also developed a brochure "Don't Move A Mussel" which is available on the website, at WGFD regional offices or by calling (307) 777-4600.
|
