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<br />Water Supply Reserve Account - Grant Application Form <br />Fonn Revised May 2007 <br /> <br />Task 2 - Survevs and Research <br />Description: <br />This task would further the information on the distribution and growth of zebra mussels in Lake Pueblo as well as <br />furthering knowledge about the appearance of zebra mussels in other State Park reservoirs. As data is collected from <br />sampling for adults and larvae in the lake our growth models will be adjusted and refined to reflect that data to provide <br />more information for how to tailor inspections as well as provide information on transmission oflarvae through water <br />diversions, as well as survey transmission potential and patterns via recreational water users. As we sample for adults <br />and planktonic larvae in other park reservoirs, we also will have need for genetic testing to positively identify larvae as <br />zebra or quagga mussel, and for divers to surveying and documenting distribution. Much of the costs for genetic <br />testing and divers will be matched by funding from Division of Wildlife and Bureau of Reclamation, but State Parks <br />will have need to be able to conduct these surveys very rapidly to contain infestations quickly. Any unused balance of <br />funds left near the end of the time period would be transferred into purchasing more sampling equipment or more <br />educational materials. <br /> <br />Methods: <br />There will be a need for regular sampling to identify locations of zebra mussels in the reservoir and to what extent <br />they have grown. The sampling is done by placing substrate objects, which are basically plastic pipes with holes <br />and plastic mesh netting, that are attached to ropes at critical places around the reservoir and then pulling the <br />objects up at regular intervals to see if any new mussel growth has occurred. Planktonic sampling is done with a <br />plankton tow net. The planktonic larvae are then sorted and preliminarily identified under a microscope and then <br />if they appear to be mollusk larvae they are then sent out for genetic testing (DNA PCR technique). Modeling is <br />being conducted via contract with academic scientists with an established career of modeling this species spread <br />and growth using the latest modeling techniques. These scientists are also coordinating with the USFWS on the <br />needs and protocols on transmission potential surveys. Professors from CSU with expertise are advising on the <br />processes being conducted by the scientists from the Great Lakes area. Diving protocols for mussel discovery <br />and documentation have been established by the Bureau of Reclamation and involve set safety and <br />decontamination procedures between waters and strategic dive plans to explore likely areas of colonization with <br />divers trained in mussel identification and biology. <br /> <br />Deliverables/produ cts: <br />Reports on the modeling and risk analysis as well as transmission surveys will be available during the grant time <br />period and results of the diving and genetic analyses will be made available after they are conducted. <br /> <br />19 <br />