News Release

NPS Recognized for Efforts to Contain Invasive Quagga Mussels

Quagga mussel decontamination station at Wahweap in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

NPS

News Release Date: February 27, 2019

Since 2017, the NPS has redoubled its efforts to work with states in the West to contain quagga mussels through the Safeguarding the West from Invasive Mussels initiative. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and in early January 2019 the Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council sent a letter to the Department of the Interior recognizing specific NPS staff and parks for their tireless efforts to manage aquatic invasive species.

John Wullschleger, NPS Fish Program / AIS  Lead, is out front in the charge to contain aquatic invasive species (AIS), but he credits a large, dedicated team from Glen Canyon, Lake Mead, and Curecanti national recreation areas with the progress they’ve made so far. John secured additional funding to combat AIS, and he guided development of the servicewide strategic plan for invasive mussels as well as the servicewide communication plan for quagga mussels.

Superintendent Billy Shott, Colleen Allen, and other staff at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area have made huge strides to contain mussels from their waters, to keep them from spreading into other water bodies. More seasonal inspectors and additional lighting has expanded the capacity and streamlined the process to inspect watercraft. They’ve also coordinated messaging with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and staffing and scheduling with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

The Council also called out the staff at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, including Mark Sappington, for their work to contain AIS. With a focus on increasing decontaminations, Lake Mead has made an effort to strengthen partnerships with AZGFD and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). They’ve improved coordination with concessionaires and professional fishing tournaments to address mussel abatement. Staff at Lake Mead have also updated and increased outreach materials for visitors.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Bruce Noble, the Curecanti National Recreation Area has worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to protect Blue Mesa from AIS. For 10 years Curecanti and CPW have worked together on the boat ramps, and they’ve also coordinated on policy.

Thank you to all NPS staff—and all of our other local, state, federal and tribal partners—who have contributed to efforts to contain existing threats of AIS and to protect the uninfested waters of the western US. Successful efforts to contain invasive species require broad cooperation and collaboration.