MILFORD FISH HATCHERY SUPPLY LAKE NEW WINTER HOURS IN PLACE NOW

Hatchery supply lake, known as the Gathering Pond, open to fishing only on weekends under winter

hours

JUNCTION CITY – The Milford Fish Hatchery Supply Lake, known locally as the Gathering Pond, located below the dam of Milford Reservoir will be open to fishing under reduced winter hours beginning immediately. The new winter hours will open the lake from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends only and will be in place through March 16, 2014.

Winter hours started Nov. 1 last year, but the decision was made to begin 2013 winter hours immediately after the recent government shutdown ended. On weekdays, the gate just beyond the River Walk Trail parking lot will be closed. Fishing is restricted to weekend days. Other activities such as wildlife viewing and hiking will be permitted by foot traffic during the weekdays.

The supply lake reopened in 2012 to restricted hours and controlled access after being closed when zebra mussels were discovered in Milford Reservoir in 2009. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism staff were concerned about the potential for zebra mussels being introduced into the supply lake and ultimately into the hatchery. During the closure, staff worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop procedures designed to prevent zebra mussel infestation. Following the two-year closure, the lake was reopened with controlled access, limited hours and restrictions prohibiting boats and live aquatic bait. A gate attendant informs the public and conducts surveys. All efforts have been made to minimize the impact to recreational users during this time period. Spring/summer restrictions and hours will begin on March 17, 2014.

Related articles

• Zebra Mussels Found in Lake Shawnee, Topeka (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Florida Bass Production Under Way at Oklahoma's Durant Hatchery (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

ZEBRA MUSSELS FOUND IN LAKE SHAWNEE, TOPEKA

Zebra mussel infestation on the walls of Arthur V. Ormond Lock on the Arkansas River near Morrilton, Arkansas, USA. The zebra mussels are an invasive species in North America and have caused significant damage to American waterways, locks, and power plants. Coordinates: 35°7′28.76″N 92°47′7.24″W  /  °S °W  / ; latd>90 (dms format) in latd latm lats longm longs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lake Shawnee the latest to be infested with invasive species

TOPEKA – Acting on a report from an alert angler, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Shawnee. Zebra mussels are bean-sized mollusks with striped, sharp-edged, two-part shells. They were found at multiple locations on rocks and on underwater portions of a dock ladder. The discovery brings the total of Kansas lakes infested with zebra mussels to 19 and highlights the need for anglers and boaters to know the dangers of moving water and bait fish between lakes.

“We were notified about the zebra mussels by a conscientious angler who found them on a piece of wood he pulled from the lake,” said Jessica Howell, KDWPT Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator. “This is a perfect example of how important it is for the public to be vigilant and report anything they suspect could be an aquatic nuisance species,” she added.

Lake Shawnee is a heavily-used 416-acre lake owned by Shawnee County. “The presence of zebra mussels in Lake Shawnee will not in any way change the mission of Shawnee County Parks and Recreation of providing quality parks, golf courses and recreation facilities and opportunities to meet the recreational needs and interests of rural and urban residents throughout Shawnee County. Lake Shawnee will continue to be a gem in the area for recreational pursuits to hundreds of thousands of people yearly,” said Terry Bertels, Parks Director, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation.

The lake will be added to the list of ANS-designated waters in Kansas, and notices will be posted at various locations around the lake. Other lakes in northeast Kansas with zebra mussel infestations include Perry, Milford and Melvern reservoirs. Like those lakes, Lake Shawnee is safe to use for a variety of recreational activities. Since the sharp-shelled zebra mussels attach to solid objects, visitors should be careful when handling mussel-encrusted objects and when grabbing an underwater object when they can’t see what their hands may be grasping. Visitors should protect their feet when walking on underwater or shoreline rocks, a helpful precaution any time they are outdoors.

There is no known method to rid a lake of zebra mussels. According to Howell, prevention is the best way to avoid spreading ANS. “All lake users should take precautions to prevent the movement of ANS from those waters," she said. “The zebra mussels probably were accidentally carried to the lake from another location in the water from boats or bait buckets.” Anglers and boaters should thoroughly clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment after using any body of water. Regulations require that they drain livewells and bilges and remove drain plugs from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway. Further, people should not take water away from the lake in bait buckets or for aquariums or any other use. Also, anglers cannot transport live fish from any ANS-designated water.

Zebra mussels can produce huge populations in a short time and do not require a host fish to reproduce. A large female zebra mussel can produce 1 million eggs, and then fertilized eggs develop into microscopic veligers invisible to the naked eye. Veligers drift in the water for up to two weeks before they settle out as young mussels which quickly grow to adult size and reproduce during their first summer of life.

After settling, zebra mussels develop byssal threads that attach their shells to submerged hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They also attach to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, propellers, and submerged parts of outboard motors. As populations increase, they can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment and electrical generating plants from drawing water. In 2012, two Kansas communities, Council Grove and Osage City, experienced temporary water shortages from zebra mussel infestations before water intake structures could be cleaned up. Removing large numbers of zebra mussels to ensure adequate water flow can be labor-intensive and costly.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas of western Asia and eastern Europe and were spread around the world in the ballast water of cargo ships. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in 1988 and quickly spread throughout the Great Lakes and other rivers including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas and Hudson. In 2003, they were discovered in Kansas in El Dorado Reservoir. Despite public education efforts to alert boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels and how to prevent spreading them, the species continues to show up in new lakes every year. Moving water in boats and bait buckets has been identified as a likely vector.

Zebra mussels are just one of the non-native aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. Boaters and anglers must remember to follow regulations and precautions that will prevent their spread:

• Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses
• Use wild-caught bait only in the lake or pool where it was caught
• Do not move live fish from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species
• Drain livewells and bilges and remove drain plugs from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway.

For more information about aquatic nuisance species in Kansas, report a possible ANS, or see a list of ANS-designated waters, visit ProtectKSWaters.org

ZEBRA MUSSELS CONFIRMED IN COFFEY COUNTY LAKE

Zebra Mussel

EMPORIA – Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Wolf Creek Generating Station announced Friday that zebra mussels have been found in Coffey County Lake. Officials knew it was a matter of time before zebra mussels appeared in the lake near Burlington because the aquatic nuisance species (ANS) had been detected in Marion Reservoir three years ago. The Cottonwood River flows from Marion Reservoir into the Neosho River, which then fills John Redmond Reservoir. Coffey County Lake, which is the cooling lake for Kansas’ only nuclear power plant, gets its water from John Redmond. The larval stage of zebra mussels, called veligers, are microscopic and free-floating in water. Transmission downstream from an established population is the only method of spreading zebra mussels that is inevitable.


Wolf Creek officials were prepared for this event and have implemented procedures and equipment to ensure that zebra mussels won’t interfere with the generating station’s operations.


Zebra mussels are small, bi-valve mollusks with striped shells. They are native to the Black and Caspian seas of Western Asia and Eastern Europe and have been spread across the world via shipping. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in 1988. Zebra mussels quickly spread through out the Great Lakes and to many inland rivers including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas and Hudson. They first appeared in Kansas in 2003 when they were discovered in El Dorado Reservoir. Public education programs were designed to inform boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels in our waters and ways to prevent spreading them. However, zebra mussels have been confirmed in more the a dozen Kansas lakes in the past nine years. Moving water in boats and bait buckets was identified as a likely vector and recently, KDWPT established stringent regulations regarding the use of wild-caught bait, as well as prohibiting the movement of live fish from lakes where zebra mussels have been found.


Although related, zebra mussels differ from our native mussels in several important categories. Perhaps the most important is their ability to produce very large populations in a short time. Unlike native mussels, zebra mussels do not require a host fish to reproduce. A large female zebra mussel is capable of producing 1 million eggs during the reproductive season. Once fertilized, eggs develop into microscopic veligers. These veligers cannot be seen by the naked eye and can be contained by the thousands in very small quantities of water. Veligers passively float within the water for up to two weeks before they settle out as young mussels. These young mussels quickly grow to adult size and reproduce during their first summer of life, thus adding to the problem of extremely dense populations.


After settling, zebra mussels develop byssal threads that allow the shells to attach to hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They also attach themselves to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, propellers, and lower units of out board motors. As populations continue to increase in these areas, they can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment plants and electrical generating plants from drawing water. In 2012, two Kansas communities, Council Grove and Osage City, experienced water shortages because of zebra mussel infestations before water intake structures could be cleaned up. Removing large quantities of zebra mussels to ensure adequate water supplies can be labor-intensive and costly.


Zebra mussels are just one of the non-native aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. Boaters and anglers are reminded to follow basic precautions to stop the spread:

• Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses

• Wild-caught bait may only be used in the lake or pool where it was caught

• Live fish may not be moved from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species

• Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway

STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN AIMS TO STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

People can help stop Asian carp, zebra mussels, other species that threaten Kansas’ waters
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) recently launched a statewide campaign, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers, to educate Kansans about the environmental and economic threats that aquatic nuisance species (ANS) such as zebra mussels and Asian carp pose to the state’s aquatic resources. Aquatic nuisance species are animals and plants not native to Kansas that can threaten lake and river ecology, harm native or desirable species, and interfere with the state’s economy. They often hitchhike with unsuspecting people, so an informed, watchful public can help protect Kansas waters.

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers features animated Asian carp hitching a ride in a boat and includes a new website, ProtectKSWaters.org; billboards; print advertisements; and TV and radio spots. It aims to alert the public to the threat of ANS and encourages people to visit ProtectKSWaters.org, where they can learn more and use what they learn to help prevent the spread of ANS.

“Some people may not realize that these non-native species can affect them even if they don’t fish or boat,” says Jason Goeckler, Kansas ANS program coordinator. “Zebra mussels will attach themselves to anything below the water line. In addition to damaging boating and fishing equipment, they’ll foul rocky shorelines with their sharp, dime-sized shells, making it hard to walk or wade along the shore. They can also clog water intakes and damage power-generating facilities. In early May, the city of Council Grove experienced a temporary water shortage due to a thick layer of zebra mussels coating the inside of the intake tank at Council Grove City Lake.

“Asian carp consume as much as 40 percent of their body weight each day, competing with native fish for food and threatening the diversity and quality of other aquatic life,” Goeckler continues. “When young, Asian carp resemble native minnows and shad, which is one reason we adjusted our bait fish regulations to limit the use of wild-caught bait fish. When grown, Asian carp can weigh as much as 100 pounds, and they are prone to leaping out of the water when disturbed, posing a real physical threat to boaters.”

In an attempt to stem the spread of ANS, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission passed new regulations effective Jan. 1 of this year. The new regulations prohibit the movement of wild-caught live bait fish between bodies of water or up streams. They also require that vessels being removed from all waters in the state have livewells and bilges drained and drain plugs removed before being transported on any public highway.

“We realize that the new regulations require anglers and boaters to modify the way they fish and boat today,” Goeckler says. “But if we don’t take these steps, the way that we enjoy our waterways in the future will drastically change.”

For more information about aquatic nuisance species, go online to ProtectKSWaters.org or contact Goeckler at 620-342-0658 or jason.goeckler@ksoutdoors.com.

2012 FISHING REGULATION SUMMARY NOW AVAILABLE

Image via Wikipedia

Latest rules; how, where, and what to fish for; new bait restrictions included
PRATT — Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary booklet are now available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office and license vendors, the agency has announced. Among other things, the publication lists new regulations that took effect Jan. 1. From new regulations regarding bait fish to new lakes and ice fishing regulations, the booklet has everything the angler needs to begin the New Year right.

The following information details Kansas fishing regulation changes for 2012:
ANS-designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing the prohibited species Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters.

Zebra mussels were found in Council Grove, Kanopolis, and Melvern reservoirs, as well as both Jeffery Energy Center lakes last year, bringing the total number of infested lakes to 15.

Bait

Wild-caught bait fish shall only be used on the body of water where taken. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught bait fish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

New regulations have been passed regarding what bait dealers may legally sell. Among the restrictions are that certain fish and crayfish and amphibians may no longer be sold for bait. For details, contact a local natural resource officer, fisheries biologist, or KDWPT?office.

New Lakes

Critzer Reservoir, near Mound City, was opened to fishing last spring. And ponds on the Grand Osage Wildlife Area, near Parsons, may be opened for fishing in 2012.

Transporting Fish/Bilges and Livewells

Stocking or releasing of wildlife on navigable publicly-owned rivers and federal reservoirs and department lands and waters is prohibited.

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport from any waters of the state on a public highway.

No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water.

Trout

Opening day of trout season for 2012 will be Nov. 1. Colby Villa High Lake has been added to the Type 1 list of waters stocked with trout.

Ice Fishing

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts, and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice.

The 2012 booklet also features state park and cabin information and detailed regulations for each body of water managed by KDWPT.

In addition, a full-color fish identification guide lists all the state's sportfish, complete with text descriptions and detailed illustrations by renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri. Look-alike species are grouped together with complementary text to help the angler distinguish the difference between such closely-related species as white bass and wipers; blue catfish and channel catfish; the state's three black basses; black and white crappie; and pallid, shovelnose, and lake sturgeon.

The booklet also provides the latest information about aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Kansas waters, including a complete listing of ANS waters by county. Three pages are dedicated to this subject, complete with detailed illustrations and tips on how to prevent the spread of ANS plants, mollusks, and fish.

Anglers who want to contact a district fisheries biologist will find a listing of names and phone numbers of the nearest biologist, as well as regional supervisors. A listing of natural resource officer contacts is also included.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT office, pick up a copy of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold. Copies may also be downloaded from the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Click the “Fishing” icon at the top of the page, then “Fishing Regulations” in the left-hand column.

Related articles

• Wisconsin: Ice fishing gains 110,000 anglers over the last decade (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Kdwpt Commission Big Game Permit Applications Due Jan. 1 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Most of Missouri remains zebra-mussel free (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

2012 FISHING REGULATIONS SUMMARY AVAILABLE IN JANUARY

Latest rules; how, where, and what to fish for; new bait fish rules included

PRATT — Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summarybooklet will be available in early January, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Among other things, the publication lists new regulations that take effect Jan. 1, 2012. From new regulations regarding bait fish to new lakes and ice fishing regulations, the booklet has everything the angler needs to begin the New Year right.

The following information details Kansas fishing regulation changes for 2012:

ANS-designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing the prohibited species Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters.

Bait

Wild-caught bait fish shall only be used on the body of water where taken. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught bait fish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

New Lakes

Critzer Reservoir, near Mound City, was opened to fishing last spring. And ponds on the Grand Osage Wildlife Area, near Parsons, may be opened for fishing in 2012.

Transporting Fish/Bilges and Livewells

Stocking or releasing of wildlife on navigable publicly-owned rivers and federal reservioirs and department lands and waters is prohibited.

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport on a public highway.

No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water.

Trout

Opening day of trout season for 2012 will be Nov. 1. Colby Villa High Lake has been added to the Type 1 list of waters stocked with trout.

Ice Fishing

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts, and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice.

The 2012 booklet also features state park and cabin information and detailed regulations for each body of water managed by KDWPT.

In addition, a full-color fish identification guide lists all the state's sportfish, complete with text descriptions and detailed illustrations by renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri. Look-alike species are grouped together with complementary text to help the angler discern the difference between such closely-related species as white bass and wipers; blue catfish and channel catfish; the state's three black basses; black and white crappie; and pallid, shovelnose, and lake sturgeon.

The booklet also provides the latest information about aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Kansas waters, including a listing of ANS-designated waters by county. Three pages are dedicated to this subject, complete with detailed illustrations and tips on how to prevent the spread of ANS plants, mollusks, and fish.

Anglers who want to contact a district fisheries biologist will find a listing of names and phone numbers of the nearest biologist, as well as regional supervisors. A listing of natural resource officer contacts is also included.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT office, pick up a copy of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold in early Jan. Copies may also be downloaded from the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, in early January. Click the “Fishing” icon at the top of the page, then “Fishing Regulations” in the left-hand column.

Related articles

• Wisconsin: Ice fishing gains 110,000 anglers over the last decade (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Winter Fishing the Missouri Trout Parks (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Most of Missouri remains zebra-mussel free (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• North Dakota-Agencies Prohibit Hunting over Bait (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• 9/29/2011 MDC Fishing Report (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MOVES TO PROTECT KANSAS WATERS

Image via Wikipedia

Wild-caught bait may only be used in waters where caught; other restrictions passed
TOPEKA – During a special public hearing Tuesday evening, Dec. 6, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners acted on regulations governing the use and movement of wild-caught live bait fish and the transport of fish from waters designated as having aquatic nuisance species (ANS) present.
The new regulations change the way Kansas anglers collect and use live bait fish and were approved to curtail the spread of invasive aquatic species — particularly Asian carp, zebra mussels, and white perch — in Kansas lakes and streams. These and other aquatic nuisance species are often spread accidently by people using the state’s lakes and rivers.
The Commission listened to public comments and considered various options before taking action. Commissioners voted on regulations that will take effect Jan. 1, 2012 and will 1) allow anglers to use wild-caught live bait fish only in the pool of a lake or impoundment where taken; 2) prohibit anglers from transporting wild-caught bait fish taken from a flowing stream or river across any dam or natural barrier; 3) prohibit anglers from transporting any live fish upon departure from any ANS-designated body of water; 4) prohibit releasing any fish in department waters (unless the fish was caught from the water into which it is being released), navigable publicly-owned rivers, and federal reservoirs; and 4) require that vessels being removed from all waters of the state have livewells and bilges drained and drain plugs removed before transport on any public highway.
Aquatic nuisance species are animals and plants not native to Kansas that can threaten lake and river ecology, harm native or desirable species, and interfere with the state’s economy. Negative impacts on Kansas waters include, but are not limited to, the following:

• diminished food supplies and degraded habitat for other species;
• reduced numbers and variety of desirable fish;
• reduced fishing and other recreational opportunities;
• lowered property values and decreased quality of municipal water sources;
• fouled water lines, clogged intakes, burned out pumps, damaged power generating facilities, and decreased water system efficiency; and
• increased risk of flooding due to overcrowded biomass and clogging of lake outlets.

Biologists have identified the movement of wild-caught bait fish and water as a significant factor in the spread of these dangerous species. With the passage of these regulations, anglers will be restricted to using wild-caught bait fish caught only from the waters where they are fishing or using live bait fish purchased from certified bait dealers.
Anglers will not be able to transport any live fish from waters listed in the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary(available wherever licenses are sold) as harboring ANS species. And finally, all boaters will be required to remove drain plugs and drain livewells and bilges before transporting vessels on public highways from waters of the state.
For details on aquatic nuisance species, including the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan, go online to www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/content/search?SearchText=ans .

Related articles

• Most of Missouri remains zebra-mussel free (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• 9/29/2011 MDC Fishing Report (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• MDC 9/22 Fishing Reports (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• 9/8/2011 MDC Fishing Report (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• 9/15 MDC Fishing Report (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

ZEBRA MUSSELS DISCOVERED AT KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR

Image via Wikipedia

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and other equipment before moving from one lake to another
MARQUETTE — During a periodic inspection and dewatering of the outlet works at Kanopolis Reservoir on Sept. 26, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered an adult zebra mussel in the stilling basin. Sampling of water in the lake revealed the presence of zebra mussel veligers, the larval form of the mussel. This population was detected at a very early stage, so it will be some time before the full impacts of the infestation will be seen. However, the discovery marks the 14th Kansas reservoir infested by this invasive species, which disappoints KDWPT aquatic nuisance species biologist Jason Goeckler because he knows the spread can be prevented.

“Some of the recent discoveries in eastern Kansas reservoirs were expected because zebra mussels naturally move downstream from infested lakes,” Goeckler explained. “Like the infestation at Melvern Reservoir earlier in the year, the introduction to Kanopolis could have been prevented. We can and must work together to prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species. Lake users need to take a few minutes to follow the basic clean, drain, and dry precautions.”

Boats that are moored in a zebra mussel lake and then moved without taking precautions pose the highest danger for spreading zebra mussels. Western lakes have not been at a very high risk because of their lack of proximity to zebra mussel waters, but now that these two regional lakes both have growing populations of the mussels, lake users should be on guard more than ever. Costs to public water users continue to go up as each lake becomes infested.

All un-infested Kansas waters are under continual zebra mussel surveillance by KDWPT staff. The veligers in Kanopolis and other lakes are too small to see with the naked eye and suspend for several weeks in the water before sinking to the bottom and attaching to a hard surface. While they are suspended in the larval stage, zebra mussels can be easily transported downstream in flowing water or with water in boats and bait buckets and through other recreational activities.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas in Europe. They are believed to have been transported to the Great Lakes in the ballasts of transoceanic ships. Since first being discovered in 1988, zebra mussels have spread quickly to other waters in the Midwest. Control is expensive, and there is no way to eradicate them once they become established.

While an adult zebra mussel is only about the size of a dime, the species poses a threat to native Kansas fish and aquatic animals. One adult female can produce as many as 1 million eggs per year, and zebra mussel colonies quickly become quite dense, attaching to any hard surface, including native mussels, crayfish, turtles, boats, docks, as well as water intake structures. They even attach to other zebra mussels, creating layered colonies up to 6 inches thick. Densities of more than 1 million zebra mussels per square meter have been documented in Lake Erie. In addition to the threat they pose to the environment, native species, and water recreation, zebra mussels cost water suppliers, power plants, and other water-related businesses $1 billion each year — costs everyone pays.

Adult zebra mussels are filter feeders, and an infestation can dramatically disrupt a lake’s food chain by removing plankton native fish rely on. KDWPT biologists have documented decreases in body condition and abundance in several game fish species after zebra mussel infestations. Zebra mussel feeding habits may also increase the potential for blue-green algae blooms, which can be toxic to humans and animals. Dense colonies of zebra mussels make wading and swimming along shorelines dangerous because of their sharp shells. When zebra mussels die, the odor and shell fragments that wash up make any shoreline activities unpleasant.

With this latest discovery, KDWPT will increase local outreach efforts through signage and information materials in an attempt to educate lake users about the dangers of spreading zebra mussels. All lake users are asked to help stop the spread of zebra mussels to another water body. Goeckler reminds all anglers and boaters to remember three simple rules: CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY. Inspect vessels for any zebra mussels before leaving the boat ramp area. (Zebra mussels are on the prohibited species list, which means they can’t be possessed alive. Having a live zebra mussel attached to your boat is a violation.). Drain all water from the boat’s livewell, baitwell, and sump area. Drain any bait buckets, as well — never pour live bait into the lake; dispose of it on land. Dry the boat and trailer for at least five days before putting them in another lake, or wash the boat and trailer with 140-degree water.

“It’s important that lake users take the threat of aquatic nuisance species seriously,” Goeckler added. “If their spread is allowed to continue, our water-based recreation opportunities may be changed forever.”

Zebra mussels are just one of several invasive species that threaten Kansas waters. Prevent their spread by following the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY procedures and never move water or fish from one body of water to another. For more information about aquatic nuisance species, go towww.kdpwt.state.ks.us and click on the “STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS” window on the lower right side of the homepage.

FISHING PLACES

ZEBRA MUSSELS DISCOVERED AT TWO MORE KANSAS RESERVOIRS

Image via Wikipedia

Boaters reminded of threat and prevention steps before holiday weekend

EMPORIA – On Wednesday, June 29, 2011, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that zebra mussels have been found in Council Grove Reservoir in Morris County and Melvern Reservoir in Osage County. Adding the twelfth and thirteenth Kansas reservoirs to the infested list disappoints KDWPT aquatic nuisance species biologist Jason Goeckler because he knows the spread can be prevented.

“We expected Council Grove Reservoir because zebra mussels naturally move downstream, and they were found in Council Grove City Lake last July,” Goeckler explained. “The Melvern infestation is a different story because it could have been prevented. I still think we can prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species if lake users will follow a few basic precautions.”

All un-infested Kansas waters are under continual zebra mussel surveillance by KDWPT staff. A day after biologists found zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, while sampling Council Grove Reservoir, a lake user found a rock with a single adult zebra mussel attached. Within days, both veligers and adult mussels were found at Melvern Reservoir. Veligers are too small to see with the naked eye and suspend for several weeks in the water before sinking to the bottom and attaching to a hard surface. While they are suspended in the larval stage, zebra mussels can be easily transported in flowing water or water in boats, bait buckets and through other recreational activities.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas in Europe. They are believed to have been transported to the Great Lakes in the ballasts of transoceanic ships. Since first being discovered in 1988, zebra mussels have spread quickly to other waters in the Midwest. Control is expensive and there is no way to eradicate them once they become established.

While an adult zebra mussel is only about the size of a dime, the species poses a threat to our native fish and aquatic animals. One adult female can produce up to 1 million eggs per year, and zebra mussel colonies quickly become quite dense, attaching to any hard surface, including native mussels, crayfish, turtles, boats, docks, as well as water intake structures. They even attach to other zebra mussels, creating layered colonies up to 6 inches thick. Densities of more than 1 million zebra mussels per square meter have been documented in Lake Erie. In addition to the threat they pose to our environment, native species and water recreation, zebra mussels will cost water suppliers, power plants and other water-related businesses $1 billion each year -- costs we all help pay.

Adult zebra mussels are filter feeders, and an infestation can dramatically disrupt a lake’s food chain by removing plankton native fish rely on. KDWPT biologists have documented decreases in body condition and abundance in several game fish species after zebra mussel infestations. Zebra mussel feeding habits may also increase the potential for blue-green algae blooms, which can be toxic to humans and animals. Dense colonies of zebra mussels make wading and swimming along shorelines dangerous because of their sharp shells. When zebra mussels die, the odor and shell fragments that wash up make any shoreline activities unpleasant.

With these latest discoveries, KDWPT will increase local outreach efforts through signage and information materials in an attempt to educate lake users about the dangers of spreading zebra mussels. All lake users are asked to help stop the spread of zebra mussels to another water body. Goeckler reminds all anglers and boaters to remember three simple rules: CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY. Inspect your vessel for any zebra mussels before you leave the boat ramp area. (Zebra mussels are on the prohibited species list, which means they can’t be possessed alive. Having a live zebra mussel attached to your boat is a violation.). Drain all water from the boat’s livewell, baitwell and sump area (Drain any bait buckets, as well – never pour live bait into the lake, dispose of it on land.) Dry the boat and trailer for at least five days before putting them in another lake, or wash the boat and trailer with 140-degree water.

“It’s important that lake users take the threat of aquatic nuisance species seriously,” Goeckler added. “If their spread is allowed to continue, our water-based recreation opportunities may be changed forever.”
Zebra mussels are just one of several invasive species that threaten our waters. Prevent their spread by following the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY procedures and never move water or fish from one body of water to another. For more information about aquatic nuisance species, go towww.kdpwt.state.ks.us and click on the “STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS” window on the lower left of the Homepage.

JEFFERY ENERGY CENTER LAKE LATEST ZEBRA MUSSEL VICTIM

Image via Wikipedia

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in the Jeffery Energy Center Make-Up Lake, 6 miles east of St. Marys. KDWP fisheries biologist Ely Sprenkle was checking his zebra mussel monitoring devices the week of May 23 when he discovered three small zebra mussels attached to the PVC sampler.

“The discovery of a newly infested lake is always a difficult thing,” said Jason Goeckler, aquatic nuisance specialist for KDWP, “but in this case, staff was prepared for the discovery. Upstream infestations at Milford and Wilson reservoirs guaranteed spread because Jeffery Energy Center make-up water comes directly from the Kansas River. This brings the total number of zebra mussel infested lakes in Kansas to 11. We anticipate three more lakes to be added to the list later this summer because they are downstream of known infestations.”

Three simple steps — clean, drain, and dry — can help prevent the spread of mussels. Anglers and boaters must take these precautions to avoid transporting mussels from infested lakes to other waters:

• never move fish or water from one body of water to another;
• empty bait buckets on dry land, not into lakes;
• inspect boats, trailers, skis, anchors, and all other equipment and remove any visible organisms and vegetation; and
• wash equipment and boat with hot (140-degree) water or dry for at least five days to remove or kill species that are not visible.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian Sea in Europe and were introduced to the Great Lakes from the ballasts of ships in the1980s. They have now been confirmed in seven Kansas waters, beginning with El Dorado in 2003. Others include Cheney, Winfield City Lake, Marion, Perry, and Lake Afton. Zebra mussels are a problem because they filter water, up to a liter a day, to eat plankton. Although this filtering action may clear up the water, clear water does NOT mean clean water and the clear water zebra mussels leave behind will often lead to algal blooms that are harmful to people. The clear water can also let UV rays damage fish eggs laid during the spawn. Larval fish and native mussels rely on this same plankton to survive. Zebra mussels also clog pipes by forming colonies inside of the pipes. Nationwide expenditures to control zebra mussels in electric generating plants are estimated at $145 million/year. In addition, zebra mussels also have sharp shells that cut the unprotected skin of people and pets.

If an individual is caught transporting live zebra mussels in Kansas, they may face up to six months in jail and fines up to $5,000. More information on zebra mussels and strategies to contain their spread, including an instructive video, is available at the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click "Fishing/Aquatic Nuisance Species" and then click on the picture of the zebra mussel.