Description
The objective of this Agreement is to provide personnel, equipment, and supplies needed to continue and enhance containment operations for invasive quagga mussels at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE). Quagga mussels were first discovered in LAKE in 2007, and an initial response plan developed by the park focused on a two part strategy to prevent their spread: mandatory inspection and decontamination of high-risk slipped and moored vessels entering and leaving the park in partnership with marina concessioners and voluntary inspection and decontamination of low-risk day use vessels. Inspection and decontamination of both high and low risk vessels on the Nevada side of the park are currently provided as a free of charge service to the public in partnership with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). These successful partnerships have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of vessels with quagga mussels leaving LAKE and being intercepted at state inspection stations. In addition, NDOW staff provides extensive public information on park launch ramps about aquatic invasive species and prevention of their spread, which increases the public awareness, knowledge, and support of ongoing efforts to protect the nation¿s waterbodies. In order to continue the success of these programs, personnel, supplies, and replacement equipment are needed to support and augment field operations and improve safety. Funds from this project will be used to support NDOW contract staff to provide public education and inspection/decontamination services on park launch ramps. Funds from this project will also be used to purchase replacement equipment which is reaching end of life (vehicles, travel trailer, golf carts, radios), to purchase equipment to augment decontamination operations (boat jacks, boat stands, lights), and to purchase fuel and supplies for continued operation of wash stations. In support of the partnership with NDOW, the park maintains equipment and supplies needed for inspection and decontamination of vessels, including fixed and mobile wash stations along with support equipment needed for operation of these wash stations within the park. In addition, park personnel collaborate with NDOW staff on development of public information and messaging, and assist NDOW staff with delivery of messaging during events, such as fishing tournaments. This project address current management objectives related to containment of quagga mussels and prevention of their spread to uninfested waters found in the draft NPS Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan, which is currently in review, including: ¿ Goal 1 Prevent the introduction and establishment of Dreissenid mussels and other AIS in NPS waters. ¿ Objective 1.1 Reduce the risk of Dreissenid mussel / AIS introduction on recreational watercraft. ¿ Strategy 1.1.1 Containment: Maintain risk-based watercraft / inspection decontamination programs at NPS waters with established populations of quagga / zebra mussels in cooperation with federal, state and local partners.