WYOMING — Environmental officials are voicing their concerns after zebra mussels were discovered in a reservoir just 27 miles from the Wyoming border last week.
Pactola Reservoir, located 13 miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota, in the Black Hills, is a popular boating destination for Wyoming and South Dakota residents.
This is the first time zebra mussels have been found in a natural water body this close to Wyoming’s border. Wyoming Game and Fish Department says the discovery is especially concerning as many boaters frequent waters on both sides of the state line.
“Many boaters from South Dakota pop over to Wyoming for the day and vice-versa,” Leonard said. “The risk mussels could spread is the highest it’s ever been.”
The westward expansion of invasive mussels is significant as Wyoming remains one of the few states yet to have the destructive species. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is concerned about the potential impacts the nearby zebra mussels could have on Wyoming, especially the inadvertent movement of invasive mussels into the state.
“Game and Fish is increasing our diligence to inspect watercraft for mussels and other AIS in northeast Wyoming,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish AIS coordinator.
“We urge boaters to take extra time to practice good Clean, Drain, Dry protocols and stop at checkstations to keep Wyoming — and the waters they like to visit — safe.”
Game and Fish says it will be closely monitoring the impacts of zebra mussels in Pactola Reservoir and make adjustments to Wyoming’s boater requirements, if needed, to stave off mussels.
“The threat is real — and it is here. It’s our top priority to keep mussels out of Wyoming — for our natural resources, recreation and livelihoods,” Leonard said. “We need your help so please help us protect our state by stopping at our watercraft checkstations.”
