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Opening Day was incredible….lots of happy customers, lots of
sunshine, no wind, and gobs of gorgeous fish! Fishing season has begun…. You may notice a few changes in our procedures this season. These changes are necessary in the prevention of the spread of a nasty creature known as the “Quagga Mussel.” We may experience some hiccups in implementing our new procedures. We recognize that change is difficult and we ask for your patience and cooperation as we implement these mandatory changes. The following message about the destructive nature of the Quagga Mussel is provided by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and Crowley Lake Fish Camp: You may be aware that some lakes have closed to outside boats, such as Lake Casitas, to guard against the introduction of the invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels. Zebra and Quagga mussels are causing significant economic and ecological impacts throughout their expanding range. We know that thousands of people enjoy Crowley Lake Reservoir each year for its excellent fishing and other boating-related activities, and we understand how important Crowley is to the local Eastern Sierra economy. Allowing these mussels to establish themselves in the Eastern Sierra will destroy the fishery. Therefore, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Crowley Lake Fish Camp will have mandatory inspections on all boats, kayaks, and canoes for invasive mussels that plan on entering Crowley Lake in order to protect the lake’s ecology. Early in 2007 these invasive mussels were found in the Colorado River system. They have since spread through the Metropolitan Water District’s Colorado River Aqueduct to reservoirs in Southern California. Currently eleven reservoirs in San Diego and Riverside Counties, as well as a small reservoir in San Benito County have been infested by these aquatic invaders. Boats traveling from infested waterways are believed to be the most common way these invasive mussels spread. If you have recently launched your boat in an infested water body please follow the instructions below and wait at least two weeks before coming to Crowley Lake. There is currently no way to eradicate these invasive mussels, so preventing them from becoming established is key. Colonies of Zebra and Quagga mussels clog filters, pipes, pumps, and power plant cooling systems. Invasive mussels are significantly impacting aquatic ecosystems, altering nutrient flow, destroying native aquatic communities, and concentrating environmental contaminants. These mussels remove planktonic organisms that serve as a base of the food chain fish and other organisms. Consequently, introduction of these invasive mussels could cause a drastic decline of the fishery at Crowley Lake and throughout the Eastern Sierra. Boat inspections will be mandatory for the protection of the world-class fishery and the native aquatic community at Crowley Lake. All boats planning to launch at Crowley Lake must enter through the main gate at the South Landing and must be inspected. No boat access will be available at any other area of Crowley Lake. Boats showing signs of contamination with invasive mussels, or found to contain any water or debris that could harbor invasive mussels will not be allowed to launch into Crowley Lake. Frequent users of Crowley Lake can arrange with Crowley Lake Fish Camp to store their boat on-site. Boat owners may have their boat inspected and receive an Inspection Certification at Crowley Lake Fish Camp. Inspections will be conducted during the hours of 7am to 6pm daily. If you are planning on launching a boat into Lake Crowley please keep the following in mind: All boat owners are required to fill out a written questionnaire concerning the boat’s past use All boats will be thoroughly inspected All boats and trailers must be CLEAN and DRY or they will be denied access All DRAIN PLUGS must be pulled or opened prior to boat transport that day All vehicles towing boats will be required to have a visible Inspection Certification during boat launching at Crowley Lake Boat owners can take the following actions to help prevent the further spread of invasive mussels whenever moving a boat to a new water body: Inspect boats and trailers thoroughly, and remove any trash, mussels or aquatic weeds before leaving any water body. Mussels and other items removed from the boat should be properly disposed of in a trash container. Drain water from the motor, live-well, bilge and transom wells, and any other water from the boat and equipment before leaving any water body. Wash boats, trailers and equipment thoroughly with a pressurized power sprayer and hot water. Rinse live-wells, bilge and cooling systems with 140°F hot water or a 6% chlorine bleach solution Dry boats, motors, trailers and equipment thoroughly in the hot sun for at least two weeks before using them again. Boat owners should be aware there may be an extended wait in order to enter Crowley Lake Reservoir due to these important protective measures. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Crowley Lake Fish Camp employees appreciate the cooperation of boat owners and will work to expedite the inspection and certification process. For more information contact LADWP at (760) 873?0409 or www.LADWP.com/mussels or Crowley Lake Fish Camp at (760) 935-4043. |
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