A WARNING TO BOATING ENTHUSIASTS ABOUT THE THREAT OF QUAGGA AND ZEBRA MUSSELS IN LAKES. THE STATE GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT SAYS WE DON'T HAVE THEM RIGHT NOW, BUT THEY COULD BE BROUGHT IN FROM SURROUNDING STATES.
JAMES DOMINGUEZ WITH THE DEPARTMENT SAYS THE NON-NATIVE SPECIES CAN PROLIFERATE, PLUGGING BOAT MOTORS AND FOULING UP THE BEACHES. HE TELLS US THEY'RE ALSO BAD FOR AGRICULTURE BECAUSE THEY GET INTO IRRIGATION SYSTEMS USED TO KEEP FIELDS WATERED. HE SAYS IT'S EXPENSIVE TO REMOVE THEM.
THE CATCH PHRASE IS "CLEAN, DRAIN, AND DRY." SCRUB YOUR BOAT DOWN WHEN YOU TAKE IT OUT OF THE WATER. PULL THE PLUG TO DRAIN YOUR MOTOR … AND DRY YOUR BOAT OFF INSIDE AND OUT, AT THE LAKE AND AGAIN AT HOME.
