News Release Archive

Reclamation Begins Self-Inspection and Certification for Mussels at New Melones Lake

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: July 13, 2012

SONORA, Calif. – To help stop the spread of invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels, Bureau of Reclamation staff at New Melones Lake have begun distributing self-inspection and certification handouts to all boaters and watercraft users entering the lake at the Glory Hole and Tuttletown entrance stations. Education, public outreach and self-certification inspections will continue throughout the 2012 recreation season to help prevent the spread of these invasive species.

Reclamation and multiple federal, state and local agencies are urging boaters and watercraft users to help stop the spread of these mussels. The greatest threat to further spreading the invasive mussels to lakes, rivers and other waters is the unintentional introduction by recreational boaters. Transferring a boat from infested water to uninfested water could spread the mussels.

The mussels have already infested some Nevada and California waters. Recently, Zebra mussels were found in San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County, about 40 miles southeast of San Jose; this is the first population of this destructive invasive species to be found in Northern California.

For additional information on the self-inspection process, please contact Sandra Suchodolski at 209-536-9094, extension 220, or email ssuchodolski@usbr.gov. To learn more about these invasive species, please visit the California Department of Fish and Game website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel.

Boaters can assist in “Not Moving a Mussel” by downloading a self-inspection form, available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/planning_visit.html#boat_launching, and inspecting their own equipment.

For information on New Melones Lake, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html.

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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:

California Department of Fish and Game

self-inspection form