News Release

New Self-Certification Program to Combat AIS

Date: January 2, 2018
Contact: Denise Bausch, 509-754-7830

In an on-going effort to prevent aquatic invasive species, the National Park Service (NPS) at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is implementing a mussel-free self-certification program on January 2, 2018. The NPS is requesting operators certify their boat or personal watercraft free of aquatic invasive species, especially quagga/zebra mussels, prior to launching. Boats that have been in infested waters should be drained of all water, washed thoroughly with hot water and dried for at least 7 days before entering Lake Roosevelt. It is important to remove all dirt, plants and water from boats and trailers prior to launching every time. Self-certification forms are available at all Lake Roosevelt NRA launch ramps and on the park’s website https://www.nps.gov/laro/learn/nature/aquatic-invasive-species.htm).

Aquatic invasive species are easily transported between bodies of water by boats and trailers. Currently, the Columbia Basin in Washington, Oregon and Idaho is free of invasive mussels. Quagga and zebra mussels are exotic mussels native to Ukraine and Russia. Quagga/zebra mussels quickly cover most hard surfaces and can clog boat motor intake systems, water intake structures, agricultural irrigation systems and hydroelectric power plant operations. These small mussels can survive out of the water for up to two weeks and the microscopic larvae can be transported in bilges, ballast water, live wells or other equipment that holds water. Researchers within the Pacific Northwest Economic Region estimate that the economic impact of a mussel infestation would cost the Pacific Northwest $500 million annually.

For more information please contact Denise Bausch at 509-754-7830.