The focus is the prevention of quagga and zebra mussels (QZM). Quagga and zebra mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes in the 1980’s from ballast tanks on ships that came from the Caspian and Black Seas where the mussels are native. In the United States where the mussels are not native, they can alter ecosystems and deplete resources for native species. Quagga and zebra mussels are filter feeders and each mussel can filter one liter of water per day which leaves the waterbody devoid of nutrients and resources for fish and other native species. If QZM were to establish in Washington state it would cost more than $100 million each year to keep the state’s power and infrastructure, such as dams, running. This cost estimate does not include monitoring or containment procedures of infested waterbodies.

The National Park Service has the responsibility to prevent the introduction and establishment of AIS under Executive Order 12113 on Invasive Species, the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Control and Prevention Act (as amended), and the National Park Service Organic Act. The NPS participates in the Department of Interior’s initiative Safeguarding the West from Invasive Species and supports the Western Governors Association with respect to QZM and other AIS in the west.

Since 2002, when Washington state developed an Aquatic Invasive Program, WDFW has been working diligently to stop the spread of AIS into the state by enforcing mandatory AIS inspections on watercraft entering the state. Through Washington State Legislation and the support of WDFW and the Washington State Invasive Species Council, WDFW developed core missions for its AIS program, they are as follows: prevent AIS from entering Washington State, minimize expansion of established AIS population in Washington state, develop working relationships with stakeholder groups, promote public knowledge of AIS threats and laws, and enforce Washington state AIS laws.

Lake Roosevelt NRA and WDFW share the desire to keep Washington’s aquatic ecosystem healthy to continue providing water recreation to its residents and visitors. In 2018, WDFW and LRNRA entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for AIS enforcement where WDFW conveyed “Ex officio fish and wildlife officer” status to NPS commissioned law enforcement officers. This allows NPS officers to enforce Washington state AIS laws across jurisdictional boundaries to better protect the natural resources and citizens of Washington State.

In October 2019, agencies and stakeholders from across Washington state and Canada met at Lake Roosevelt for a rapid response exercise to prepare for QZM detection. Along with LRNRA and WDFW participation, there were representatives from the Spokane Tribes of Indians, Colville Confederated Tribes of Indians, as well as several other organizations. This exercise tested containment and mock treatments required for an infestation as well as inspecting and decontaminating boats, and monitoring performed by divers, dogs, and biologists.

In the summer of 2020, WDFW and LRNRA trained NPS personal in watercraft inspection and decontamination procedures. Lake Roosevelt NRA staffs AIS watercraft inspections at various boat launches across LRNRA throughout the summer when mussels are most likely to be spread and lake conditions are conducive to mussel reproduction and survival. This training ensures that the message to boaters and water recreationalists is consistent between agencies.

Lake Roosevelt biologists also monitor other nonnative species of aquatic plants such as flowering rush, Eurasian watermilfoil, and curlyleaf pondweed, and nonnative animals like the northern crayfish. These species already reside in Lake Roosevelt therefore the goal is preventing the spread of these species to other waterbodies. Other species that Lake Roosevelt biologists hope to prevent from establishing in the lake are hydrilla and New Zealand mudsnails which are found in other waterbodies in Washington state.

When recreating in Washington state waters remember to clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

News from the Stroud Water Research Center Newsletter

Looking for FREE digital learning tools for middle schoolers to adults? Visit Model My Watershed® (ModelMW) for a watershed-modeling web app that enables citizens, conservation practitioners, municipal decision-makers, educators, and students to analyze real land use and soil data in their neighborhoods and watersheds in the continental U.S. During this dynamic, videogame-like learning experience, you can map real geospatial data, model stormwater runoff in your local watershed, and compare real-world conservation or development scenarios!

New to ModelMW? Explore the ModelMW Help page, or check out the 45-minute online seminar below to learn from the experts!

Hungry for FREE digital learning tools for younger ages? Check out the Runoff Simulation, an animated version of the Site Storm Model package of ModelMW in which learners explore how land use and soil determine whether rainfall infiltrates, runs off, or is evaporated/transpired by plants! This digital learning tool can help young K-5 learners explore stormwater runoff, soil types, and the water cycle. It’s also a terrific tool among older ages as a precursor to ModelMW!

Do you need hands-on lessons that engage students in online tools while also providing opportunities for outdoor exploration and evaluation? We invite caregivers/parents, homeschoolers, teachers, and educators to explore these units from our WikiWatershed Toolkit Curricula page:

URL: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/2020/10/06/washington-weed-and-invasive-species-conference/

Write Out is a free two-week event, organized as a series of online activities where educators, students, and the public are invited to explore national parks and other public spaces to connect and learn through place-based writing and sharing.  More...