Invasive mussels intercepted

Increased vigilance for invasive mussels has already resulted in five thwarted attempts to cross the Wyoming border this summer. Two of the five infested watercraft traveled through the check station in Beulah.

Wyoming Game & Fish stepped up its efforts to stop zebra and quagga mussels from reaching waters in this state after an infestation of the invasive creatures was reported at Pactola Reservoir around this time last year, just 30 miles from the Wyoming border.

This was the closest location in which the species has yet been found, which the department concluded was a significant increase to the risk to the state's waters.

Mussels can spread easily, even in their microscopic state, from just a little water left standing on a boat.

Wyoming remains one of the only states to remain free of the destructive species.

In response, boaters were urged to exercise caution and additional watercraft inspection stations were opened in Newcastle and Manville and existing check stations in Beulah and Torrington saw increased staffing and hours.

"Intercepting watercraft containing mussels this early in the season is concerning, but it's not surprising," said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish AIS coordinator. "It just goes to show the increased threat of AIS we're facing on our eastern border."

At this time, more than 300 inspections have taken place at the new stations. Game & Fish reports that 19% of the Newcastle inspections and 31% in Manville have been high risk.

"Boaters are recognizing that watercraft inspections are key to keeping zebra and quagga mussels and other AIS from spreading – and that keeping mussels out is what's best for the resource," Leonard said.

"Inspections usually don't take long, but stations can get busy – especially around a holiday weekend. You can speed up your inspection by making sure there's no mud, plants or standing water in your boat." 

State law requires all boaters to stop when they come upon AIS inspection stations, even if you have stopped at one prior or don't intend to launch in Wyoming. This rule applies to all watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, rafts and paddleboards.

You are required to undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching on a Wyoming waterway between March 1 and November 30. Watercrafts that were used on a body of water suspected of or positive for invasive mussels within the last 30 days must be inspected year-round and may require decontamination.

According to a change in statute that went into effect this year, the owner of a watercraft entering Wyoming who fails to have it inspected prior to launching will have 48 hours to obtain one after being stopped by a qualified peace officer and may not launch in Wyoming water until the inspection is complete. Failure to comply is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5000 and possible prohibition from operating a watercraft in Wyoming water for up to three years.

Mussels continue to be a main focus for Game & Fish – especially as Wyoming is one of only six states in the continental U.S. without a known population of invasive mussels – the department also monitors for other aquatic invasive species, including curly pondweed, brook stickleback, Asian clams, New Zealand mudsnails and rusty crayfish.

Last year, a previously undiscovered population of Asian clams was found in Glendo Reservoir.

Game & Fish asks that all boaters follow "Clean, Drain, Dry" protocols and recommend that boaters traveling between waters but staying in Wyoming should allow their watercraft to dry for five days during the summer and remove all bilge and drain plugs at the boat ramp.