Casper Resident Prevents Mussel Outbreak in Alcova Reservoir

MAY 16, 2025 |

Photo – Example of Zebra Mussels – Courtesy WY G & F website

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is thanking an unnamed Casper resident for keeping invasive zebra mussels out of Alcova Reservoir. On Thursday, May 8^th, a local Casper boat dock owner called the state agency to report a potential problem.

Game and Fish Casper Region Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Eric Hansen told Bigfoot99 that he received the telephone call after arriving at work that day.

The Casper man’s newly acquired boat lift contained zebra mussels. Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Hansen explained that zebra mussels, along with their close relatives, quagga mussels, are classified as harmful species in the United States. The invasive bivalves present a danger to any body of water they enter, clogging pipes, outcompeting native species, and disrupting ecosystems.

The Casper resident spotted the adult zebra mussels on his boat lift, which is a hydraulic docking and launching device. The resident called Game and Fish and notified the agency of the discovery. Hansen urged boaters to thoroughly clean and dry their watercraft before launching, as juvenile zebra mussels are very difficult to detect without sophisticated equipment.

The Wyoming waterways already serve as homes to several invasive species, including curly leaf pondweed and Asian clams. However, Hansen said Wyoming is one of the few states to have successfully prevented zebra mussels from taking hold.

Game and Fish Casper Region Public Information Specialist Janet Milek added, following an infestation, some communities see zebra mussels as beneficial because they notice clearer water. However, the particles being filtered out by the mussels are essential to the natural ecosystem.

Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Eric Hansen explained Alcova Reservoir is unique due to its relatively consistent water levels, fluctuating by only about 10 feet every season.

If invasive zebra mussels become established in the reservoir, they may cause extensive and far-reaching damage to the popular waterway.

All out-of-state watercraft must be inspected by Wyoming Game and Fish for invasive species before being launched, especially if they’ve been on any body of water known to be infested with zebra or quagga mussels within the last 30 days. Hansen said most invasive species can be removed quickly.

The Casper resident’s boat lift has a higher than usual level of zebra mussel contamination. As of the reporting of this story, Game and Fish technicians are still working to remove the invasive bivalves.

Hansen said the state agency currently provides decontamination services for free. However, if zebra mussels establish themselves in Wyoming’s waterways, the state will be unable to remove them quickly enough, prompting the need to employ costly outside contractors.

Casper Region Public Information Specialist Janet Milek thanked the unnamed Casper resident for calling the state agency. Had he simply placed the boat lift into Alcova Reservoir, the environmental impact could have been devastating.

All watercraft inspection site locations can be found on the Wyoming Game and Fish website. Point of entry border check stations will open beginning on Memorial Day weekend.

For more information about aquatic invasive species inspections, call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 777-4600.