States Send Representatives for Lesson in Quagga Mussel Removal | Environment

Representatives from seven states will be at Lake Mead Tuesday and Wednesday to see how the park service is dealing with the invasive species known as the Quagga mussels.

The park service will be showing representatives from Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, North Dakota, California and Nevada how to inspect for the tiny creatures and how to remove them.

Quagga, or zebra mussels are not native and are blamed for millions of dollars in damage to boats and underwater infrastructure throughout the United States. The park service is working to stop the spread of the dime-sized mussels through boat inspections.

They also advice people to clean their boats and equipment after getting out of the water:

• Remove visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting boating equipment
• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting
• Clean, drain and dry anything that comes in contact with water, including boats, trailers, vehicles, equipment, clothing, pets.