Plumasnews.com includes a sampling of stories that are featured in the weekly editions of Feather Publishing newspapers plus important breaking news as it happens. To get all the news that is important to Plumas County, subscribe to one of our weekly newspapers by calling 530-283-0800. |
Feather Publishing7/1/2010
Quagga and Zebra mussels may be the size of a human fingernail, but they pose a very large threat to Californias waterways.
In a letter to 117 business owners, the California Quagga/Zebra mussels taskforce, comprised of nearly a dozen state and federal agencies, has asked marina owners and watercraft refueling stations to stay vigilant over this Independence Day holiday weekend and encourage their patrons to practice healthy boating practices.
Californias first line of defense is prevention. Boater awareness and action are key to preventing spread of these mussels, which can become attached to boats and other equipment, said Susan Ellis, Department of Fish and Games statewide coordinator of invasive species. With their ability to harm waterways and water resources, Quagga and Zebra mussels are not to be taken lightly. They pose a substantial threat in California and it is critical to keep them from being moved to other state waterways.
Boaters are being asked to inspect all exposed surfaces, wash boat hulls thoroughly, remove all plants from the boat and trailer, clean and dry live-wells and bait buckets, dispose of baitfish in the trash and drain all water-including that in lower outboard units. Watercraft should be kept dry for at least five days in warm weather and up to 30 days in cool weather between launches in different bodies of fresh water. These measures are essential to safeguard boats and preserve waterways.
During the holiday weekend, boaters may be subject to boat inspections by a number of natural resources agencies. Boat owners who fail to follow the rules on inspections will be turned away. If the vessel carries the mussels, the owners could have their vessel quarantined.
Quagga and Zebra mussels wreak havoc on the environment by disrupting the natural food chain and releasing toxins that affect other aquatic species. The mussels frequently settle in massive colonies that can block water intake and threaten municipal water supply, agricultural irrigation and power plant operations.
The taskforce hopes to raise public awareness of the damages caused by the non-native aquatic mollusks. The letter called for assistance from businesses that service the recreational boating industry, saying their support was vital to prevent further spread. Free posters for the California Dont Move a Mussel campaign were included with the letter. In addition, the Invasive Mussel Guidebook provides strategies for local involvement in the Quagga and Zebra mussel response: www.resources.ca.gov/quagga/docs/QUAGGA_GUIDEBOOK.pdf.
The taskforce is comprised of California departments of Fish and Game, Water Resources, Parks and Recreation, Boating and Waterways, and Food and Agriculture. Federal partners include U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Quagga and Zebra mussels may be the size of a human fingernail, but they pose a very large threat to Californias waterways.
In a letter to 117 business owners, the California Quagga/Zebra mussels taskforce, comprised of nearly a dozen state and federal agencies, has asked marina owners and watercraft refueling stations to stay vigilant over this Independence Day holiday weekend and encourage their patrons to practice healthy boating practices.
Californias first line of defense is prevention. Boater awareness and action are key to preventing spread of these mussels, which can become attached to boats and other equipment, said Susan Ellis, Department of Fish and Games statewide coordinator of invasive species. With their ability to harm waterways and water resources, Quagga and Zebra mussels are not to be taken lightly. They pose a substantial threat in California and it is critical to keep them from being moved to other state waterways.
Boaters are being asked to inspect all exposed surfaces, wash boat hulls thoroughly, remove all plants from the boat and trailer, clean and dry live-wells and bait buckets, dispose of baitfish in the trash and drain all water-including that in lower outboard units. Watercraft should be kept dry for at least five days in warm weather and up to 30 days in cool weather between launches in different bodies of fresh water. These measures are essential to safeguard boats and preserve waterways.
During the holiday weekend, boaters may be subject to boat inspections by a number of natural resources agencies. Boat owners who fail to follow the rules on inspections will be turned away. If the vessel carries the mussels, the owners could have their vessel quarantined.
Quagga and Zebra mussels wreak havoc on the environment by disrupting the natural food chain and releasing toxins that affect other aquatic species. The mussels frequently settle in massive colonies that can block water intake and threaten municipal water supply, agricultural irrigation and power plant operations.
The taskforce hopes to raise public awareness of the damages caused by the non-native aquatic mollusks. The letter called for assistance from businesses that service the recreational boating industry, saying their support was vital to prevent further spread. Free posters for the California Dont Move a Mussel campaign were included with the letter. In addition, the Invasive Mussel Guidebook provides strategies for local involvement in the Quagga and Zebra mussel response: www.resources.ca.gov/quagga/docs/QUAGGA_GUIDEBOOK.pdf.
The taskforce is comprised of California departments of Fish and Game, Water Resources, Parks and Recreation, Boating and Waterways, and Food and Agriculture. Federal partners include U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Recently posted articles
- California Outdoors for the week of 3/6/2014
- Wife pleads guilty to 2011 murder of Susanville police officer
- Obituaries for the week of 3/7/2014
- Remember When for the week of 3/7/2014
- Business Scene for the week of 3/7/2014
- Chester girls lose final game of season
- Special turkey hunting opportunities offered in CDFW’s North Central Region
- Business trip to LA was worth the time; will pay rewards
- Customer told to leave meeting after confrontation
- Tourism, Recreation and Hospitality Council meet
Move
Sports Headlines
Top Headline
Chester girls lose final game of season
James Wilson
Sports Editor
3/7/2014
“Well, we didn’t really play that well the first half,” said Chester girls’ basketball coach John Potter on the Lady...
Tigers’ season ends with loss to Modoc
James Wilson
Sports Editor
3/7/2014
Portola, the No. 11 seed in the Division V basketball playoffs, traveled to sixth-seeded Modoc last Wednesday to compete in...
Special turkey hunting opportunities offered in CDFW’s North Central Region
Feather Publishing 3/7/2014 Hunters seeking opportunities during the upcoming spring turkey season can visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Upland...
Read More...
| Contact Us |
| Local Events |
| Yellow Page Directory |
| Visitors Guide |
 |
National Headlines
Auto Parts |
| Moving and Storage |
| LassenNews.com |
 |
| Advertise with us |
| Dining Guide |
 |