Quagga cloged pipe on display through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

JACKSON, Wyo. — Last week, zebra mussels were discovered in a South Dakota reservoir just 27 miles from the Wyoming border. The closest this Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) were found to Wyoming all summer.

According to Wyoming and Game and Fish Department (WGFD), zebra mussels are the number one most unwanted AIS and have the potential to wreak havoc on the waters of Wyoming. These small mussels can remove nutrients from water, clog pipes and waterways, damage boats and out-compete native mussels. They are transported in water on boats as microscopic larvae or attached to the hull, motor, or other hard surfaces of a boat as juveniles or adults.

WGFD has developed a comprehensive list of rapid response plans throughout Wyoming to help contain these mussels and stop the spread if they are detected. For the full list of rapid response, plans click here.

YouTube video
Drain, clean, and dry! Video courtesy of WGFD.

To help detect and decrease the spread of AIS WGFD, any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1 through November 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector before launching in any state water. Any watercraft that has been in a water infested with zebra/quagga mussels within the last 30 days must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector before launching during ALL months of the year. Waters positive for AIS are often posted at boat ramps and launches.

Boaters and anglers should follow these steps every time there is contact with any body of water:

  1. Remove all visible mud, plants, fish, organisms, or debris from boats, trailers, and other equipment, including waders, boots, clothing, and nets. Clean and dry everything that comes in contact with water before entering a new body of water. It is best to use high-pressure, hot water to clean your boat, trailer, and gear in a location where wash water does not enter another waterway.
  2. Drain your boat hull and live well in a safe location (a flat paved, dirt, or gravel area) away from all surface waters or drains that lead to surface waters. Eliminate water from all equipment before transporting anywhere. Much of the recreational equipment used in water contains compartments or areas where water can collect and potentially harbor these aquatic hitchhikers. 
  3. Completely Dry Equipment for several days before entering new waters.

If you see attached mussels on your boat or equipment or in Wyoming waters, please report it to 1-877-WGFD-AIS or ReportAIS@wyo.gov.

Toby Koekkoek is a Community News Reporter, and a recent resident of Teton Valley. He enjoys writing about our region's community events and the movers and shakers that make up the culture of this unique mountain town. He enjoys deep powder, and deep thoughts, skateboarding, playing racquet sports, riding his bike, and nerding out on music. Toby also coaches freeride skiing for the Jackson Hole Ski Club and runs skateboard camps in the summer.