By Brendan LaChance on February 11, 2021
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CASPER, Wyoming – The Wyoming Game and Fish Division announced Thursday, February 11th that it has concerns that invasive zebra and quagga clams “may enter the Flaming Gorge.”
The department is finalizing a plan to control invasive bivalve molluscs in the Flaming Gorge if they are discovered and soliciting public opinion on their approach.
Game and Fish said boaters could see immediate changes when invasive mussels are discovered. These changes can include:
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- Closing the reservoir for all landings and closing the boat ramps at Brinegar’s Ferry and Upper Marsh Creek
- Boating and trail restrictions on Firehole Canyon, Buckboard Crossing, and Anvil Draw ramps
- Establish exit control stations at or near each of the three open boat ramps
- Request inspections for all disembarking vessels and, if necessary, decontamination
- Start of construction at strategically placed motorway control stations
“Game and Fish asks everyone who goes boating, fishing, or enjoying the water in Flaming Gorge to take the time to review the draft Rapid Response Plan and provide input on implementation through a short feedback form,” the department said . “Everyone can submit feedback until March 1st.”
“A full list of impacts for all user groups, including a timeline of potential changes and a monitoring plan, can be found in the plan.”
The draft plan was developed in collaboration with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Ashley National Forest, and the Bureau of Reclamation, and has included input from various stakeholders in the community.
Game and Fish said they will present the Flaming Gorge Rapid Reaction Plan to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission during their April meeting. The commission decides on the approval of the plan. The department is also preparing to submit plans for 22 additional “high-priority waters for public participation in Wyoming” in the coming months.
“Wyoming has been working hard for over a decade to keep invasive water species out of Wyoming,” said fisheries chief Alan Osterland. “We succeeded with the help of the public who stopped at checkpoints and made sure they were cleaned, drained and dried.”
“We want your help in finalizing these contingency plans and want you to be aware of the changes that can occur if clams are found. Changes could be important to boaters and others. Keeping our state free of AIS like zebras and quagga clams is a top priority for Game and Fish. If discovered in Wyoming’s waters, they could have catastrophic effects on water, area biodiversity, recreation, and even communities. A mussel infestation will also be very expensive for Wyoming and our residents. “
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