July 22, 2022 |
The threat of zebra and quagga mussels to Wyoming’s waters is closer than ever before. Last week zebra mussels were discovered in Pactola Reservoir, 13 miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota, in the Black Hills. The reservoir is only 27 miles from the Wyoming border and is a popular boating destination for Wyoming and South Dakota residents.
The westward expansion of invasive mussels is significant and alarming. Wyoming remains one of the few states yet to be hit with the destructive species.
In spite of their small size (often no bigger than a penny) zebra mussels cause far-reaching damage. In huge numbers, they out-compete other filter feeders, starving them. They adhere to all hard surfaces, including the shells of native mussels, turtles, and crustaceans. In the Midwest they have destroyed boat engines, fouled beaches, and caused damage to boat ramps and docks. Zebra mussel fecal material may also contribute to taste and odor problems in drinking water sources.
States that have been impacted by mussels consider the ugly little species a scourge. Alan Osterlund, Chief of Fisheries at Wyoming game and Fish, said while the state has been successful so far in avoiding the threat, that could change.
File photo of Seminoe Reservoir. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
As such the department is stepping up watercraft inspections, especially in northeast Wyoming. Officials urge boaters to take the extra time to practice good Clean, Drain, Dry protocols and to stop at check stations. Mussels can spread easily, even in their microscopic state, from just a little water left standing on a boat.
The discovery of the invasive species in South Dakota is especially concerning as many boaters frequent waters on both sides of the state line.
