Quagga Mussels Prompt Restrictions At Lake Powell

Invasive quagga mussels have slowly been moving from water to water in the U.S., causing concern and damage wherever the appear.

Utah has had an aggressive campaign to keep the invaders out of lakes and reservoirs, and it has worked for the most part. But Lake Powell is the exception - the critters have become firmly established in the big reservoir. It is now imperative that boats leaving Lake Powell be cleaned and decontaminated to keep from spreading the mussels to other waters.

Decontamination stations have been set up at marinas on the lake and they will continue to be used. If you boat at Powell, expect to have an inspection and/or decontamination as you enter and leave the national recreation area. Inspections are quick and cause only a slight delay.

DeseretNews.com has this article about the mussels. Below are excerpts.

Boaters have long been required to decontaminate their boats by cleaning, draining and keeping them dry for at least five days before entering the vicinity of another body of water.

"Park staff, partners and the public have worked hard to keep Lake Powell mussel-free for the last 10 years," Glen Canyon Superintendent Todd Brindle said. "It's very disappointing that mussels are in the lake, but most visitors will not notice them. The important thing now is to keep them from being transported to other lakes and rivers."

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is now working to develop a Quagga-Zebra Mussel Management Plan and public input is encouraged. See details here.