Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and technicians inspected 11,864 boats and performed 327 decontaminations during the Pioneer Day holiday weekend to prevent the spread of invasive species like quagga mussels. The coordinated effort involving multiple agencies aimed to protect Utah's waterbodies from infestations of quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.
Holiday Weekend Inspection Efforts
The intensive inspection effort took place from Friday to Monday, involving personnel from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah State Parks, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the National Park Service. According to a press release from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the primary objective of the weekend operations was to prevent invasive species from spreading to Utah waterbodies that do not currently have infestations.
Lake Powell remains the only Utah waterbody currently infested with quagga mussels. Data from the holiday weekend shows that 1,650 boat inspections and 88 decontaminations occurred specifically at inspection stations located in the Lake Powell area. While the focus remains on preventing new infestations, the presence of quagga mussels in Lake Powell underscores the necessity of the state's monitoring programs.
Regulatory Violations Detected
During the weekend operations, DNR officers detected 33 violations of Utah laws established to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. Officials identified the most common violations as failures to comply with mandatory regulations for watercraft users.
According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the majority of these violations involved three specific issues: watercraft users failing to complete the mandatory mussel-aware boater program course, boaters failing to pay the required aquatic invasive species fee for motorized boats, and boaters failing to remove drain plugs while transporting their watercraft.
Lt. Bruce Johnson, the Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Aquatic Invasive Species Statewide Operations lead, noted that while the department appreciates citizens enjoying the state's waterbodies, preparedness is essential. "We are thankful for those who take the time to be aware and prepared before hitting the water, because it takes all of us to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Utah," Johnson said, according to both the division and St. George News.
Threats From Quagga Mussels
Quagga mussels, sometimes referred to by the nickname "STD of the Sea"—standing for skiff-transmitted disease—pose a multifaceted threat to Utah's infrastructure and ecosystems. These invasive mollusks can plug water lines, including those with large diameters. If they enter water delivery systems, the cost to remove them and maintain clear pipes can reach millions of dollars annually, potentially leading to higher utility bills for residents.
Beyond infrastructure damage, the mussels disrupt local food webs by removing plankton from the water, which negatively impacts various fish species. They also pose a risk to watercraft by entering engine cooling systems and fouling them, which can cause significant engine damage. Additionally, when large numbers of mussels die, they produce a foul odor and their sharp shells can cut the feet of people walking along beaches.
Risks of Eurasian Watermilfoil
The inspection efforts also addressed the threat of Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive plant that can be just as damaging to aquatic ecosystems. This plant is known for spreading quickly and forming thick, dense mats that block sunlight, which outcompetes native plants and impacts native aquatic species.
Similar to the risks posed by mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil can clog irrigation pipes and tangle around boat propellers, causing mechanical damage. Experts warn that transporting even a single piece of the plant to a new waterbody can initiate a new population. The cost of removing milfoil once it has established itself in a waterbody is described as extremely expensive.
Statewide Mitigation Resources
To combat these threats, Utah maintains a network of over 40 inspection stations located at various boat launch ramps and along highways. Additionally, the state operates five dip tanks, with two more scheduled to open later this year. These tanks are located at the following sites: the Stateline Launch Ramp at Wahweah Marina in Lake Powell, Utah Lake State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, the Bullfrog Marina in Lake Powell, and Willard Bay State Park.
For more information regarding decontamination stations or requirements for nonmotorized watercraft, the state directs users to the STD of the Sea website.
