| Summer is here, and as more boaters take to the water to fish or simply cool off South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) staff are reminding to practice Clean, Drain, Dry every time enjoying the water.
“This is the time of year that zebra mussels can be microscopic and most easily transported from waterbody to waterbody,” said Tanner Davis, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator. “It is important for all boaters and water users to remember to Clean, Drain, Dry every time they leave the water.” GFP fisheries staff recently confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Bitter Lake, which is located in Day County in northeast South Dakota. “After a suspect report came in from a fishing guide on Bitter Lake, fisheries staff from Webster followed up and were able to find zebra mussels on the flooded trees south of the inlet on the northwest side of Bitter Lake,” continued Davis. “With South Rush being positive for several years and due to direct water connectivity, additional detections were anticipated over time.” Bitter Lake, along with other connected waters such as Goose Lake and Solomon Slough, are now considered positive for zebra mussels. “This was a great example of a boater reporting a suspect mussel and staff confirming presence,” concluded Davis. “If you find something you suspect is a zebra mussel or other AIS species, please submit a suspect report on the Citizen Monitoring page, contact your local or regional GFP office, or contact me directly at Tanner.Davis@state.sd.us.” |
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