!! ATTENTION BOATERS !!

In the next two years tens of thousands of recreational boaters are expected to commemorate the 200^th Anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, much of which was on water. One unintended, but potentially harmful, side effect of the Bicentennial could be the introduction of the zebra mussel into the lakes and rivers of the Western United States. Because of the large number of boaters expected to come west for the Bicentennial next year, the chances for a zebra mussel infestation are significantly higher than in other years.

Currently found in 20 states, the zebra mussel is an exotic nuisance species native to the Caspian region of western Russia. It was first sighted in the United States in 1988, has few natural predators in the U.S., and reproduces very quickly. Zebra mussels most often move from one waterway to another by hitching a ride on recreational boats and trailers. They stick to any solid object, such as a boat hull, a motor, or a pipe, and can live outside of the water for up to 10 days.

Once introduced, the zebra mussel can clog power plant and public water intakes and pipes, damage boat engines, blanket shorelines with their sharp shells and foul smell, and consume available food for native species and smother native mussels. Once zebra mussels have taken hold in a waterway, they are almost impossible to get rid of, can threaten water-based recreational activities and cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

Here are some facts and suggestions that will help prevent the spread of zebra mussels during the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial:

Description

• A zebra mussel looks like a small clam with a D-shaped shell. Usually it has alternating dark and light stripes.
• Usually the size of a fingernail.
• Usually found attached to hard surfaces in clusters.
• Young zebra mussels look like black pepper and feel like sandpaper when attached to a boat surface

How to prevent zebra mussels from hitching a ride.

• Inspect your boat and trailer.
• Remove any plants and animals.
• Drain lake or river water from your motor, live well, and bilge while on land.
• Dispose unwanted live bait on land or in a trash receptacle.
• Rinse your boat, trailer, and equipment with high-pressure or hot water.
• Dry your boat and equipment for as long as possible (five days is optimal).

What to do if you see a boat that appears to be carrying zebra mussels on the Lewis and Clark trail or in the Western U.S.

• If possible, alert a nearby park warden, fish and game representative.
• Call 1-800-437-2744 and report the sighting.
• Call your local state fish and game representative and report the sighting. Often times, an agency representative will come to the scene.
• Talk to the boat owner and encourage him/her to remove the zebra mussels before placing the boat in any water body.

For more information on zebra mussels, visit www.protectyourwaters.com

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bonneville Power Administration