CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s Green River Regional Office said on Wednesday, Aug. 5 that “Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) technicians intercepted four watercraft transporting invasive mussels and one watercraft each transporting Asian clams and New Zealand mud snails.”
“Fortunately, all were dead, but it is concerning that a boat so encrusted with mussels made it into Wyoming,” the department said.
Game & Fish added that “the AIS crew also intercepted and decontaminated a Jet-Drive coming from Lake Powell that was encrusted with invasive mussels.”
An interactive map provided by Game & Fish shows where aquatic invasive species have been found in Wyoming.
The department also provides a list of “Wyoming’s 5 most UNWANTED Aquatic Invasive Species:”
Game and Fish say that additional species of concern include:
“There are several regulations in place to protect Wyoming’s resources,” Game & Fish say. “All boaters should be aware of these regulations. Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1 through November 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching.”
“Any watercraft that has been in a water infested with zebra/quagga mussels within the last 30 days, is required to undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching during ALL months of the year. All watercraft must stop at any open watercraft check station on their route of travel, even if not intending to launch in Wyoming.”
If people don’t encounter AIS check stations prior to launching in Wyoming waters, they can still launch so long as they have the proper AIS seal and receipt during transit. They can remove the seal when launching so long as they keep the seal and receipt on board while on the water.
“All visible vegetation must be removed from a watercraft/trailer once it leaves the water,” Game & Fish add. “Boaters must drain all water from watercraft, including all compartments, after leaving a water. All bilge/ballast/live well plugs must be removed from the watercraft while transported by land in the state.”
“Learn how you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Wyoming.” Game & Fish add.
