Quagga D's AIS News

New insights into Zebra mussel attachment fibers offer potential solutions to combat invasive species A recent study from researchers in Canada and Germany has revealed that an unlikely event, occurring over 12 million years ago, played an important role in shaping one of Canada's most damaging invasive species.

Merry Christmas 🎄 Jim 🥹

Wildlife officials warn of large, invasive blue crab species moving into Georgia Wildlife officials warn of invasive crabs moving into Georgia

Did you know you can get information about the BLM via the radio?

The BLM Grand Junction Field Office co-hosts a monthly radio show on KAFM Grand Valley Community Radio (88.1) with the Colorado State Forest Service and the U.S. Forest Service on the last Tuesday of each month at noon.

Each segment is full of useful information about Public Lands and upcoming events!

Tune in or listen via your internet browser here! https://www.kafmradio.org/

You can also listen to past shows here! https://kafmradio.libsyn.com/website #

Happy Listening!

We are excited to announce that Jennifer Grenz will deliver the keynote message at January's FREE International Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference. Her talk is entitled, "Taking Teachings from our Targets: how storytelling will help shape invasion biology in a changing climate".

Jennifer Grenz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia. She has a BSc in Agroecology and a PhD in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (both from UBC). Jennifer’s research focuses on applying an Indigenous worldview (she is Nlaka'pamux of mixed ancestry) to invasion biology and ecology and challenges us to think differently about our role in ecosystem management as we face a rapidly changing climate. She is passionate about bridging the practitioner-researcher divide as she worked for nearly two decades providing consulting services and on-the-ground management of invasive species for all levels of government prior to her academic appointment. Her lab, The Indigenous Ecology Lab, is currently working on understanding the impacts of invasive plants on soil microbial ecology and the role of these impacts on post-eradication restoration activities.

Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center

https://agri.idaho.gov/main/plants/snake-river-quagga-mussel-veligers/

Snake River Quagga Mussel - Idaho State Department of Agriculture Snake River Quagga Mussel September 2023 - The ISDA confirmed the presence of quagga mussel in the Mid-Snake River. These findings marked the first time a rapid response plan had been put into action for quagga mussels in Idaho. Closures are in place in and along the Snake River until further notice...

“It’s an invasive species that came in through the Great Lakes system some time ago. There’s been a lot of work in trying to make sure that we contain and not have them go into our states, but it’s really inevitable that they’re going to spread across the country,” according to Deb Soholt, who is on the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Lakes and Streams Association.

State water groups initiate zebra mussel economic impact study The South Dakota Lakes and Streams Association is spearheading a $107,000 study on the economic impact of Zebra Mussels.

Several years ago, one of our roving watercraft inspectors working at a remote lake in central Idaho inspected a wakeboarding boat that had a ballast tank completely full of water from a mussel-infested lake. The owner had towed a boat from two states away, unaware that they were hauling an extra 1,000+ lbs of water onboard.

Some modern wakeboarding boats can exceed 400 gallons in maximum ballast water capacity. That's eight 50-gallon barrels' worth, or up to 3,300 lbs--a lot of water weight to have to tow cross-country. It's also a lot of water to potentially hold invasive mussel veligers. So do your favorite waterbodies and your gas tank a favor by emptying your ballast tanks and bags after leaving the lake.

NISAW Webinar: The Invasive Species Language Workshop - NAISMA Communicating about invasive species can get complicated! On February 27-28, in partnership with NAISMA for National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), Sea Grant is proud to present The Invasive Species Language Workshop, bringing together invasive species researchers and science communication...

https://www.dailytrib.com/2023/12/13/zebra-mussels-on-a-break-but-theyll-be-back-expert-warns/

Zebra mussels on a break but they’ll be back, expert warns - DailyTrib.com The good news is that, for the moment, zebra mussels appear to have disappeared from...

https://bismarcktribune.com/outdoors/zebra-mussels-lake-oahe/article_6126cde0-99e0-11ee-8ae6-cf3fd73c3c10.html

Zebra mussels found in Lake Oahe in South Dakota; prevention stepped up in North Dakota North Dakota's Game and Fish Department will be stepping up education, prevention and monitoring on the North Dakota portion of Lake Oahe after the discovery of invasive zebra mussels in

Looking thru old photos

A Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Aquatic invasive species

can scientific data on invasive species protect endangered species Invasive species are a threat to ecosystems. Comprehensive scientific data on invasive species can help protect biodiversity

Ho ho hold up - don't let it loose | Columbia Valley, Cranbrook, East Kootenay, Elk Valley, Kimberley, Ktunaxa Nation Submitted by East Kootenay Invasive Species Council While an adorable animal nestled under the Christmas tree or tied with a bow may tug at the...

Congrats to EB for taking WIT over‼️
I believe she will take it to the next level and beyond 🌟

Level 2 - Inspection and Decon Training | westernais Registration is required. Please click on the dates of the class you wish to attend to register. Once registered, more information will be sent to you via email. There is no cost to attend.  

'Tis the season!

What do chronic wasting disease, the American bullfrog, and feral swine all have in common?
They are all amongst the topics on the agenda for next week's quarterly meeting of the Washington Invasive Species Council!! The meeting is in exactly one week, December 7, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. We have many additional exciting agenda topics, and we hope you can join us! You can join in-person (Olympia) or online. Free and open to anyone! Visit the link below for the agenda, which includes the different options for participating.https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Agenda-December2023.pdf

Remember how much your local economy benefits from boating recreation….

The recreational boating sector not only serves as a beloved pastime but also contributes significantly to the national economy. Looking for more recreational boating stats? Visit https://bit.ly/3GfGsSE

Some of you might have heard about my decision to retire from WIT training- I don’t know what’s coming next, but it’s coming soon 🔜

Have been doing this for 1️⃣5️⃣ years and have loved being a part of the AIS work force and the dedication of professionals-

Class schedule should be coming soon- https://www.westernais.org/level-2

As much as we wish we could, invasive species professionals cannot be everywhere all the time. That's why we rely so heavily on YOU to help us spot and report invasive species. An easy way to do this is through our mobile app, WA Invasives. We have a new video on our webpage that walks you through the steps! Check it out and download the app, so you are ready to report and help make a difference. https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/

Meme created by the council's program specialist, Jessica La Belle!

We are excited to share that after completing an environmental assessment, Lake Mead NRA issued a finding of No Significant Impact on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Sustainable Low Water Access Plan.
This plan will guide how we manage water-based recreation access in the coming years.

More information can be found on our website at

https://www.nps.gov/lake/learn/news/lake-mead-nra-issues-finding-on-sustainable-low-water-access-plan.htm

Photo Credit: NPS, A. Cattoir

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) summer seasonal positions for Glen Canyon NRA (aka Lake Powell), Grand Tetons NP, Glacier NP and Curecanti NRA are out on USAJOBS as of this morning! Each of these National Park Units has a handful of positions and locations being announced. These seasonal positions are at the GS-05 level and work centers around the inspection, decontamination, documentation and data collection of watercraft on the launch ramps in both prevention and containment programs (specific at each location). They will also have a heavy dose of outreach to the boating user groups as well as the general public and collaboration with our state partners at Glen Canyon NRA. Please feel free to share far and wide, as you feel appropriate and especially with any folks you know from the local areas.

Park Ranger (Aquatic Nuisance Species) These positions may be filled for a six month seasonal period, but can vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: March-July 2024. For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below:

And we thought we had AIS 🐍 in the west - 17 feet‼️

A Burmese Python weighing 198 lbs and measuring over 17 ft long was just caught at Big Cypress in Florida, 2nd largest in state history. Credit: Mike Elfenbein

Now we’re talking alien species 🤯

Firewood Month - Don't Move Firewood October is Firewood Month! Moving firewood long distances can spread invasive forest pests hidden in or on the wood. Your firewood choices matter, and you

Over 60 animals were turned in at an exotic pet surrender event in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, on Saturday. Included in the surrenders were turtles, guinea pigs, birds, and frogs.

The Exotic Pet Surrender Event was held on November 5th between 12 PM and 3 PM at Carpenter Nature Center: Wisconsin Campus, located at 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016. Area organizations were on hand accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants -- no questions asked.

In some areas, there are no rehoming options for exotic animals such as fish, birds, and reptiles. Some pet owners that are unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal is the right thing to do, however, releasing a pet is harmful for the animal and the environment.

This event brought together a collection of area rehoming partners that provide responsible alternatives to release for exotic pet owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) hosted the event with help from several other area organizations including staff from University of Wisconsin River Falls, Carpenter Nature Center, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes.

This program is possible due to their sponsors, Animart and Festival Foods.

Questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender Event or about future surrenders or events can be directed to John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. He can be reached at [email protected]

There were 18 Exotic Pet Surrender Events planned across the state this year with the next one on December 3rd between 12 PM and 3 PM at Ledgeview Nature Center, located at W2348 Short Rd, Chilton, WI 53014.

For more information on this event, please see: https://fb.me/e/37y6D07K5

https://www.upr.org/show/wild-about-utah/2023-11-08/wild-about-utah-invasive-quagga-mussels-help-needed

Wild About Utah: Invasive quagga mussels-help needed Nature lovers need to be concerned about invasive aquatic species, especially the devastating potential of quagga mussels and their close relatives zebra mussels.

Army Corps of Engineers: Better Data and Planning Needed to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species Quagga and zebra mussels are invasive species in the U.S. that threaten ecosystems and infrastructure. They can spread by clinging to watercraft that...

https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/abc10-originals/invasive-snails-threaten-lake-tahoes-ecosystem/103-6cfe92df-e014-4af4-a708-c17fa969cb00

Invasive snails threaten Lake Tahoe ecosystem They may be tiny but these invaders from New Zealand could cause huge problems for Lake Tahoe.

People who travel with firewood often aren't alone...
Don't give hitchhiker pests a ride to new areas, buy your firewood where you'll burn it!

What’s even spookier than monsters? Aquatic invaders! MT boat inspectors inspected over 1 million boats this season, 53 mussel fouled boats and 450 transporting aquatic w**ds intercepted. Thanks to our very own Monster Hunters!

Register for our newest course, Biocontrol 101! This asynchronous course covers the science, application, & regulation of classical w**d biological control. It features six presentations by professionals with real-world experience managing invasive plants.

Registration is free thanks to funding from the USDA Forest Service: https://naisma.org/programs/professional-development/biological-control-101/