STOP AQUATIC
HITCHHIKERS!

Help Us Keep Zebra and Quagga Mussels
out of Ruth Lake
Originally from the Black and Caspian Sea drainages in Eurasia, these invasive, freshwater mollusks (clams) attach to any hard surface, usually attaching in clusters. They commonly have alternating light and dark stripes, hence their common name, "zebra" mussels.

Ranging in size from microscopic to two inches long, their razor-sharp shells readily cut hands and feet.

zebra mussels

A single adult female can release over a million eggs
in one season...

before and afterThese mussels are a nuisance for fishermen and boaters, ruining boat motors, equipment, clogging cooling systems, fouling hulls and jamming sailboats' centerboard wells. They quickly clog power plant and public water intakes and pipes as well, making routine, expensive treatment necessary.

Zebra and Quagga mussels easily spread to new habitats on boats trailered by both the public and commercial haulers. They also attach themselves to bait buckets, lures, fishing poles and other aquatic recreational equipment. You might unintentionally transport their microscopic larvae in water held in your boat's well or bilge.

If your boat has been in infested waters, it could be carrying these invasive mussels.
mussel encrusted fishing rod

Inspect Your Boat, Equipment, Dogs and Clothing

Please take precautions to help us reduce the risk that these mussels will spread into our beautiful lake - and reduce the risk that you will be taking these tiny mussels home with you where they will infiltrate YOUR water system. Before launching your boat - and before leaving - inspect everything!

boat showing where to inspect

Follow these simple steps:

  • Inspect all exposed surfaces - mussels feel like sandpaper.
  • Wash the hull thoroughly, removing all visible mud, plants and animal material.
  • Drain all water from your boat and equipment, and dry all areas.
  • Wash and dry everything that came in contact with water including shoes, clothing, dogs, equipment, ramps, boats, trailers, etc.
  • Dispose of bait in the trash.
  • Wait 5 days - keep watercraft dry between launches into different fresh water areas.


Stickers, Bands and Card Keys:
What You Need to Launch Your Boat During 2009
Because of Quagga Mussels in Ruth Lake



Please report seeing zebra or quagga mussels
to the Ruth Lake Community Service District:
(707) 574-6332


Call 1-866-440-9530 for more information
or click here to read more about zebra and quagga mussels.
Additional info at ProtectYourWaters.net or 100thMeridian.org.

In western states
you may also report zebra / quagga mussel sightings
to Bonneville Power Administration's Crime Witness Hotline:
1-800-437-2744



Home

Maps of
Ruth Lake Area

 Calendar
Last Updated 4/21/09

Image and Photo Credits: Zebra mussels encrusting fishing rod and lure by Marc Murrell, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Zebra mussels, zebra mussels on a beer can, bait bucket, quagga mussels, Inspect Everything (boat) artwork
by David Britton, US Fish & Wildlife Service ’ΔΆ Zebra mussels encrusting a boat motor by Steve Krynock.

This information has been taken from materials produced in part by the California Department of Fish & Game
and from an informational brochure produced by the 100th Meridian Initiative.
Quagga /zebra mussels ruin boats and destroy waters, and could result in an environmental and economic disaster. They can cause a shift in native species, and disrupt the ecological balance of entire bodies of water.