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Glen Canyon Continues to Intercept Mussel-Infested Boats
Twice the number of boats infested with invasive species since this time last year

PAGE, Ariz. - Even though the summer season is only beginning, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) staff have already intercepted five vessels seeking to launch on Lake Powell that had adult mussels attached.

This is over twice the number from this time last year, according to the park's Aquatic Ecologist Mark Anderson.

"As the infestations in popular boating areas in the region continue to advance, we can expect to see more infested vessels coming to Lake Powell," Anderson said.

Visitors are reminded to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by always cleaning, draining, and drying their boats and equipment each time they are used. All vessels brought to Glen Canyon NRA must be screened and boaters must display a certificate provided by National Park Service staff in their windshield at major Lake Powell marinas. Inspection and decontamination services are provided free at marinas in order to get visitors on the water quickly, while ensuring that Lake Powell remains protected.

All boaters must comply with state and federal regulations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This includes new Arizona regulations requiring notification to the state and a desiccation period for vessels used on Lakes Mead, Mohave, Havasu or Pleasant when these boats are taken out of those bodies of water. Awareness of these preventive measures allows boaters to help play a major role in the efforts to keep western waters free of aquatic invasive species.

For information on the new Arizona regulations, go to www.azgfd.gov/h_f/documents/DirectorsOrder3_2011A.pdf. For more information on Glen Canyon NRA's mussel prevention program, visit www.nps.gov/glca.


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