News Release Archive

Reclamation launches podcasts and RSS feeds

Region shares latest information regarding water management

Media Contact: Michael R. Odle, (406) 247-7609, modle@usbr.gov

For Release: March 16, 2009

They arrive unexpectedly, eat up all the food, leave a huge mess and are nearly impossible to get rid of - they're not your relatives, but invasive mussels. Quagga and zebra mussels are tiny shellfish usually no larger than your fingernail, but these invertebrates represent an insidious threat to our waterways and other vital national infrastructure.

The Bureau of Reclamation's Great Plains Region is instrumental in the effort to fight the spread of these aquatic invaders. In an effort to provide the public with the most current information on the topic, Regional Director Mike Ryan recently launched the Great Plains Region's first podcast, entitled "mussel beach." This audio program explores the subject of invasive species, which are responsible for millions of dollars in damage each year to water systems, infrastructure and boats.

"I am pleased to provide podcasting to the increasing numbers of the public who use personal computers and portable audio players to stay up-to-date on the latest issues affecting water management," said Ryan. "I hope by providing relevant and timely information through our monthly podcasts, more people will gain a better understanding of how we manage America's water in the West."

Among Reclamation's top priorities is partnering with local, state and federal entities to promote outreach and education, research, monitoring and prevention, as well as control and mitigation at sites where mussels are present.

"Podcasts, RSS, and other interactive content delivered via the internet has quickly become a medium of choice for more and more of our audience," said Great Plains Regional Public Affairs Officer Michael Odle. "These emerging technologies have grown into another valuable resource, which allows us to more effectively deliver information to the public on important issues in the West, such as the invasive mussel threat."

The Great Plains Region will offer monthly podcasts with a unique mix of information and interviews about water management. Users can subscribe to the content and be automatically notified when new podcast episodes are published. Podcast technology enables users of personal computers and audio players to receive these broadcasts through an internet download or feed. The Great Plains Region uses this same RSS technology to allow users to receive notifications on new projects and activities within the region.

To listen or subscribe to Reclamation's podcasts visit http://www.usbr.gov/gp/. For a complete list of podcasts and RSS feeds hosted by Reclamation's Great Plains Region, please visit www.usbr.gov/gp/podcast/.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Great Plains Region Home Page