Quagga Mussel DNA Found at South Fork State Recreation Area, Boat Inspections Now Mandatory

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) announced today that the reservoir at South Fork State Recreation Area has tested positive for quagga mussel DNA. No adult quagga mussels or veligers (larval stage quagga) were found in that waterway. The reservoir is not considered infested at this time; however NDOW and the Nevada Division of State Parks (NDSP) are implementing immediate strategies to limit any potential of quagga mussels spreading from South Fork to other locations.

"Waterways are not deemed 'infested' until adult quagga mussels are found," said Jon Sjöberg, Fisheries Division Administrator at NDOW. "But we absolutely cannot wait for that potential before deploying strategies to keep any possible infestation from spreading."

Beginning immediately, all boats entering or exiting the South Fork State Recreation Area will be subject to a mandatory inspection. NDOW is telling all boaters leaving South Fork to remove their plug, drain all water and dry their boat for at least five days before using that boat on another waterway. Alternatively, these boats can undergo commercial decontamination.

Mandatory inspection will continue through the boating season until the end of October.

Learn more here: http://www.ndow.org/Quagga-Mussel-DNA-found-South-Fork-State-Recreation-Area/