SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will begin using mussel-sniffing dogs on weekends beginning this Friday to inspect boats to help protect New Melones Lake from invasive-aquatic species, such as quagga and zebra mussels. Staff will also provide boat inspection training to boat owners to reduce the invasion of aquatic species that are negatively impacting many recreational areas across the country.
Based on the inspection and history provided by boat owners, New Melones managers will not allow vessels to launch if they have been in a mussel-infested lake within the last 30 days or if it fails the vessel inspection.
Scientists and engineers call quagga and zebra mussels “biofoulers,” because they displace native species and coat and clog everything in their path, including boat motors and dam intake systems.
Boaters are encouraged to follow these guidelines when entering or leaving any waterway to expedite the inspection process:
- Inspect all exposed surfaces; small mussels feel like sandpaper to the touch.
- Wash the hull of each watercraft thoroughly.
- Remove all plant and animal material.
- Drain all water and dry all areas (including the lower outboard unit).
- Clean and dry all live-wells and dispose of any unused bait in the trash.
- Empty and dry any buckets and compartments.
Boaters are also asked to review California’s Division of Boating and Waterways Clean, Drain and Dry Boat Cleaning Procedures before transporting boats this summer.
Learn more on invasive mussels here: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Quagga-Mussels.
For additional information about New Melones Lake visit the website at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html.
# # #
The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation’s largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.