Quagga Mussels found in Lake Granby
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Source: KOAA
A State and Federal initiative to gather more information on the presence of invasive mussels in Colorado confirmed the detection of quagga mussel larvae in Lake Granby in July. Quagga mussels are very similar to the zebra mussels that were found last fall in Pueblo Reservoir.
The larva were initially identified by a microscopic analysis of water samples and subsequently confirmed by DNA testing. An additional independent lab confirmed the presence of quagga mussel DNA in the samples.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District are cooperating on the development of an appropriate plan for each of the Colorado-Big Thompson reservoirs.
The DOW says that public awareness and participation is the best weapon in the containment of invasive species. Invasive mussels endanger water quality, and fisheries.
Quagga and zebra mussels spread from Eurasia to the Northeast and Great Lakes in contaminated ballast water of boats, on anchors and anchor lines. They quickly spread to the Mississippi River, its tributaries and inland lakes and have now established a presence in the Western States.
Quagga and zebra mussels smother aquatic organisms, such as crayfish and native clams and out compete for food and aquatic habitat. They damage equipment by attaching to boat motors or hard surfaces and clog water treatment facilities.
Boaters should be prepared to have their boats inspected prior to launching at some of the reservoirs they are visiting.
