New Invasive Mussel Prevention
Requirements on Lake Powell
In response to the continued and growing threat of the introduction of
quagga and zebra mussels at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, new
requirements for Lake Powell boaters will be in effect during the main
boating season of 2010.WINTER
2009-2010: Effective MARCH 1, 2010, self-certification of
watercraft will no longer be an option at Wahweap Main and Bullfrog launch
ramps and screening for the
invasive mussels by trained personnel will be
mandatory for all vessels. Trained personnel will be available
daily for screening from 6:00am until 5:00pm
(8pm on Friday nights) at Wahweap and Bullfrog.
Launching will be prohibited outside of these hours. Violators face a
mandatory court appearance, up to 6 months in jail, and a $5000 fine.
Antelope Point and Stateline ramp will be closed until spring.
Lone Rock will be closed to launching indefinitely. All boaters
must launch at Wahweap.
The monitoring of boats arriving at Lake Powell will be a collaborative and
on-going effort among the partner agencies (NPS has
the lead) and restrictions may be modified
as the threat of infestation is monitored. Keeping Lake Powell mussel-free
is essential to maintaining the economic and ecological vitality of the
resource and surrounding communities and region.
Boaters are encouraged to continue to help stop the spread of invasive
mussels by making sure their vessels and boating equipment are
cleaned,
drained, and completely dry before moving to a new body of water, make sure
that any boats being moved from infested waters to non-infested waters are
properly decontaminated prior to launching. We ask for your
assistance in this effort by calling
(928) 608-6301, or 1-800-582-4531 if you see anyone launching
outside the designated hours listed above.
Spring 2010 -
Upon arrival at an entrance both at GCNRA these questions will be
asked to those towing boats.
1. "When was the watercraft last in a waterbody outside of Glen Canyon
NRA?"
-If more than 30 days ago, then screening is complete -
You will be given a Green Mussel Free Certificate
and boat may launch.
-If less than 30 days ago, continue to the second question.
2. "In which state did you last use your watercraft?"
If none of the following states, then screening is complete - boat may
launch.
East of 100th Meridian or
Arizona - Nevada - California - Colorado
3. If recently launched in one of the above states,
boat requires inspection and/or
decontamination.
Boater given a decontamination packet at entrance station and sent to
decontamination wash station. Orange coupon is presented to the inspector
upon arrival. DO NOT proceed to launch
without stopping for inspection and obtaining Certification from the Wash
Station.
Inspection will determine if boat must be decontaminated or allowed to
launch.
There is no cost for decontamination wash.
Boats arriving with live mussels will be
quarantined for at least 18 days following a mandatory decontamination wash at owner's
expense.
To avoid inconvenience and expense please
wash and dry your boat before arrival. If you dry the boat 7 days in summer
(30 days in winter)
then you will be issued a mussel free certificate.
Ramps are closed from 5 PM to 6 AM.
Booths are now closed. You must find a ramp technician to
issue a green certificate prior to launching. Look for a tech at the tops of
ramps and/or most often at the decontamination station at Bullfrog and
Wahweap. Hours are more restrictive at Halls Crossing and Antelope
Point ramps. Find an employee of the Marina to get the required green
certificate. Do not launch without it. |
