Quaggas at Lake Powell

March 28, 2013

Attention Bearlakers! We want to make sure you have this official announcement from Lake Powell. "Fourteen widely dispersed adult quagga mussels were found attached to moored houseboats and dock structures. The mussels were alive, but too far apart to successfully reproduce."     With spring upon us and with ice still on Bear Lake, many of you are making plans to take advantage of the early warmth of Lake Powell or other points south. Please, please, please be cognizant of the risk that your water craft could be a carrier of these invaders (and for that matter - other unknown threats).   Make sure you not only clean the exterior of your boat, but be extra diligent of DRYING EVERYTHING that has been in contact with the water. Anchors and ropes have been found to be a common carrier. Plus, perhaps the more difficult place to unknowingly carry mussels, is in bilge and ballast water. Check with your boat manufacture to determine how you can in fact evacuate all water. The configuration of some boats don't completely pump out or drain all compartments.   We are very concerned with the Mussel Intervention Plans of both Utah and Idaho and are working to bring the states together for a single cooperative plan for Bear Lake. In our view, Bear Lake is not just another reservoir, it is a natural jewel that is highly treasured and should be as such. If you have ideas, suggestions or just comments on your experiences, please pass them on to us.   Claudia & David Cottle Executive Directors Bear Lake Watch, Inc. 2629 Hwy 89 Fish Haven, Idaho 83287 801-243-8980 - Claudia 208-530-0058 - David Working to keep Bear Lake "Clean, Deep and Blue"