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• ' • <br />? . . <br />Water Supply Reserve Account - Grant Application Form <br />Form Revised May 2007 <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 <br />frotn sampling for adults and larvae in the lake our growth models will be adjusted and refined to reflect that data to <br />provide more information for how to tailor inspections as well as provide information on transmission of larvae <br />through water diversions, as well as survey transmission potential and patterns via recreational water users. As we <br />sample for adults and planktonic larvae in other park reservoirs, we also will have need for genetic testing to <br />positively idenCify larvae as zebra or quagga mussel, and for divers to surveying and documenting distribution. <br />Much of the costs for genetic testing and divers will be matched by funding from Division of Wildlife and Bureau <br />of Reclamation, but State Parks will have need to be able to conduct these surveys very rapidly to contain <br />infestations quickly. Any unused balance of funds left near the end of the time period would be transferred into <br />purchasing mare sampling equipment or more educational materials. <br />Methods: <br />There will be a need for regular sampling to identify locations of zebra mussels in the reservoir and to what <br />extent they have grown. The sampling is done by placing substrate objects, which are basically plastic pipes with <br />holes and plastic mesh netting, that are attached to ropes at critical places around the reservoir and then pulling <br />the objects up at regular intervals to see if any new mussel growth has occurred. Planktonic sampling is done <br />with a plankton tow net. The planktonic larvae are then sorted and preliminarily identified under a microscope <br />and then if they appear to be mollusk larvae they are then sent out for genetic testing (DNA PCR technique). <br />Modeling is being conducted via contract with academic scientists with an established career of modeling this <br />species spread and growth using the latest modeling techniques. These scientists are also coordinating with the <br />USFWS on the needs and protocols on transmission potential surveys. Professors from CSU with expertise are <br />advising on the processes being conducted by the scientists from the Great Lakes area. Diving protocols for <br />mussel discovery and documentation have been established by the Bureau of Reclamation and involve set safety <br />and decontamination procedures between waters and strategic dive plans to explore likely areas of colonization <br />with divers trained in mussel identification and biology. <br />Deliverables/products: <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 />4