Protecting Nevada's Waterways
Boaters Urged To Stop Spread of Invasive Mussels
On January 6, 2007, live quagga mussels
were discovered in Lake Mead at the Las Vegas
Boat Harbor. Since that initial discovery, other
infestations have been confirmed at Lake Mead Marina,
Callville Bay Marina, Kingman Wash, and at the Lake Mead
Hatchery in the Boulder Basin. Outside of Lake Mead,
additional colonies of quagga mussels have been identified
at Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave and in locations on
Lake Havasu.
Though this species is spread easily when boats are moved
from one water to another, there are steps boaters can follow
to help contain these unwelcome mussels. Be part of the
solution:
- Remove visible mud, plants, fish, or animals before transporting
equipment.
- Eliminate all water before transporting.
- Clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment.
- Never release plants, fish, or animals into a body of water.
Quagga mussels are biofoulers that obstruct pipes in
municipal and industrial raw-water systems, requiring untold
millions of dollars annually to treat. Each and every body
of water that becomes infected with these creatures raises
financial costs and has serious impacts on native wildlife and
the local ecosystem.
Outboard Emissions
New federal emission standards for marine engines are being phased in gradually. Many manufacturers are meeting these requirements now with clean-burning engines already available. The new technology provides easier starting, faster acceleration, quicker throttle response, improved fuel economy, and reduction of fumes and noise.
|
