Zebra mussel (Wyoming Game and Fish Department) (right) and infestation on a boat propeller (Shutterstock)
CASPER, Wyo. – The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved a Rapid Response Plan for the Flaming Gorge Reservoir during their April meeting. The plan would be implemented if invasive zebra or quagga clams were discovered “and is designed to prevent clams from spreading to additional Wyoming waters,” Game and Fish said Thursday.
“To date, no mussels have been identified in the state’s natural waters,” the ministry added. “The commission is being asked to approve additional plans on July 22 to address reservoirs, lakes and rivers as the top priority in Wyoming.”
If the invasive species were discovered in the Flaming Gorge, the plan for a quick response would include:
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- Closing the reservoir for all land take-offs
- Close to Brinegar’s Ferry and Upper Marsh Creek boat ramps
- Limitation of launching and trailering of boats to the Firehole Canyon, Buckboard Crossing, and Anvil Draw ramps
- Establish exit control stations near the three open boat ramps
- Inspection of all emerging watercraft and, if necessary, decontamination of these ships
Game and fish would also start building “strategically placed motorway checkpoints”.
The department would work on reopening closed ramps and launching ashore after the highway checkpoints went live.
Game and fish provided more information about the invasive mussels and the rapid response plan as follows:
What are zebra and quagga mussels?
Zebra and quagga mussels are aquatic invasive species native to Eurasia that have spread to most of the lower 48 states.
Why are we so concerned about zebra and quagga mussels?
Zebra and quagga mussels have caused fishing collapse, damage to boats and engines, threats to swimmers and waders, poor water quality, and significant damage to water treatment plants, hydropower generators, and irrigation systems. Since Wyoming is a headwaters state, these impacts would drain the Columbia, Colorado, and Missouri river drainages if they were established here.
Are zebra and quagga mussels found in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming is one of six contiguous US states where they were not found.
What is Wyoming doing to keep zebra and quagga mussels out of the state?
For over 10 years, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Aquatic Invasive Species program has worked to keep invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels out of the state. Vessel inspections are an important line of defense and focus on identifying AIS before it gets into Wyoming.
What would happen if zebra or quagga mussels were discovered in Wyoming?
If zebra or quagga mussels were discovered in a Lake Wyoming, efforts would shift to prevent them from spreading to other bodies of water. Rapid Response Plans describing how this would happen have been developed for 23 lakes and reservoirs in Wyoming. All boats leaving the lake would need to be inspected to make sure they are free of zebra or quagga mussels. In the Wyoming portion of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, containment costs are estimated to be ~ $ 2 million annually for the first year and ~ $ 1 million annually thereafter.
How would detecting zebra or quagga mussels affect the boating experience?
Waiting times can be an issue as all boats would require inspection (and possibly decontamination) before exiting any zebra or quagga shell water. In addition, launching boats may be restricted to fewer ramps and launching on land may be prohibited. Closures and restrictions are avoided when possible, but some may be required. Local boater programs can be run to allow boats only used on that particular water to expedite the exit inspection process.
If zebra or quagga mussels are spotted, are they there to stay?
Detection of zebra or quagga mussels does not mean that they are establishing themselves. In many bodies of water (especially in the western US), initial discoveries did not result in an infestation. As soon as mussels are discovered, surveillance and containment efforts begin. If mussels are not recognized for several years, the water is classified as negative. However, if clams establish themselves, they will likely stay there as there are currently no tools available to eradicate them.
Thank you for your interest in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir Rapid Response Plan. We’d love to hear your feedback. Please take a few minutes to respond to our survey.
For questions or more information, please contact: Josh Leonard, WGFD AIS Coordinator, [email protected], 307-721-1374 Robb Keith, WGFD Green River Regional Fisheries Supv., [email protected] , 307- 875-3225 ext. 8620
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