During the Fourth of July weekend, Utah Department of Natural Resources officers, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources technicians, and other agency staff conducted inspections and decontaminations of watercraft. The primary goal of these efforts was to prevent quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, from spreading from Lake Powell and infested reservoirs outside the state to other Utah waterbodies.
Statewide, technicians from the DWR, Utah State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the National Park Service, alongside DNR officers, inspected 9,847 boats and performed 386 decontaminations between Friday and Monday. Within these totals, 985 boat inspections and 100 decontaminations occurred at inspection stations in the Lake Powell area.
DNR officers detected several violations of Utah laws intended to prevent invasive mussel spread. The majority of weekend violations involved watercraft users failing to complete the mandatory mussel-aware boater program course, boaters failing to pay the aquatic invasive species fee for motorized boats, and boaters failing to remove drain plugs while transporting watercraft.
Lt. Bruce Johnson of the Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Aquatic Invasive Species Statewide Operations stated that officials appreciate those who visit Utah's waterbodies and are thankful for individuals who prepare before hitting the water, noting that preventing the spread of invasive species requires collective effort.
There are currently over 40 inspection stations located around Utah at boat launch ramps and along highways. Five dip tanks are presently operating in Utah, with two more scheduled to open this year. Active dip tank locations include:
Lake Powell Stateline Launch Ramp at Wahweap Marina
Utah Lake State Park
Sand Hollow State Park
Lake Powell Bullfrog Marina
Willard Bay State Park
The presence of invasive species poses significant risks. Quagga mussels can plug water lines, damage boat engines, and remove plankton from the water, which harms fish species. Eurasian watermilfoil is also detrimental as it forms thick mats that block sunlight, outcompetes native plants, and can clog irrigation pipes or tangle in boat propellers.
Boaters can visit the STD of the Sea website for a list of decontamination stations throughout the state and more information regarding requirements for motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.
