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<br />What are Zebra Mussels?
<br />Zebra mussels and quagga mussels are a type of Aquatic
<br />Invasive Species (AIS) or Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) that
<br />are native to the Black and Caspian seas. They were discovered
<br />in the Great Lakes in 1988 and have since spread to 26 states in
<br />the United States. They are small bi-valve (two-shelled)
<br />mollusks, similar to a clam, but they have the unique ability to
<br />attach to hard substances under the water.
<br />Why are Zebra Musseis a Concern?
<br />They grow and reproduce quickly! An individual female
<br />mussel can release millions of eggs per year that are fertilized in
<br />the water column resulting in microscopic larvae which can grow
<br />to adult densities of hundreds of thousands per square yard.
<br />They c/og water facilities. They attach to most underwater
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<br />structures and can form dense clusters that impair facilities and
<br />impede the flow of water. The maintenance costs in water treatment plants, power plant intakes and dams have been in
<br />the billions of dollars in the Great Lakes area. They also affect the taste and smell of drinking water and alter densities
<br />and types of algae in the water.
<br />They have significant ecological impacts. They are highly efficient filter feeders, filtering up to 1liter of water per day,
<br />and removing much of the planktonic food sources for fish and aquatic organisms. They are also known to attach to
<br />native benthic organisms and smother them removing yet another source from the food chain. In the Great Lakes many
<br />fish populations were negatively impacted after the invasion by zebra mussels. These mussels also bio-accumulate heavy
<br />metals and have been linked to impacts higher up the food chain.
<br />They also spread quickly to other water bodies. They can spread to other bodies of water by attaching to boat hulls
<br />and anchors, etc. Their larvae can be transported in bilge water, ballast water or live bait wells. Their larvae also
<br />disperse naturally downstream, and although they don't establish large populations in rivers, they can be carried to other
<br />lakes or reservoirs downstream or through water diversions.
<br />They are very difficult to kill. Only one water body in the U.S. was able to eradicate zebra mussels and that was an
<br />isolated 12-acre quarry in Virginia where a large volume of chemical treatment was used. Eradicating or treating them in
<br />a large body of water is difficult, so prevention is very important. They can be killed on boats if they are washed off or
<br />dried out. Draining all water from boats and then washing the boats with hot water (140°F) or scrubbing with a 6%
<br />chlorine or bleach solution can destroy the mussels. When moving your boat between water bodies, keep your boat dry
<br />for more than a week in mid-summer or 3-4 weeks in spring or fall to ensure zebra mussels dry out (it depends on
<br />temperature and humidity - see a time calculator at www.100thMeridian.org). ~,,,~„~,,,;~r, ., _. .,,~, ,m;;,R,. :,~ , . ,. , ,•~~,
<br />Response to Confirmation of Zebra Mussels in Lake Pueblo
<br />State Parks responded to this problem quickly and is basing its actions on the
<br />best management practices available from other states and other countries that
<br />have dealt with the same problem.
<br />^ Boating Policies at Lake Pueblo (effective in March 2008)
<br />o Vessel Launchinq restricted to two boat ramps
<br />o Draininq of all water before leaving the reservoir
<br />o Time Stamq vessels so that inspections can be focused on high
<br />risk vessels that have been on the water longer
<br />o Inspections of all high risk vessels
<br />o Marina - inspections on all boats leaving
<br />o"Drain, Clean, and Drv" - public education
<br />^ Planning to implement Inspections and Draining at other key parks
<br />o Varying levels of inspections at other parks based on priority
<br />^ Public education at all reservoir Parks (May, 2008)
<br />o Signs, brochures, public contact
<br />^ Sampling at all reservoir Parks (Summer, 2008)
<br />o Substrate sampling implemented by Park staff in coordination
<br />with Colorado Division of Wildlife.
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