Invasive Mussel News

***Updated Submission Date Deadline***

The Bureau of Reclamation is pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for the Fiscal Year 2027 Mussels and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Spend Plan. Please reach out to your BOR Regional Coordinator (see below) for the actual Spend Plan Proposal informational and guidance document.

This funding opportunity supports projects that address the prevention, containment, control, and management of aquatic nuisance species, with a primary focus on invasive mussels. Proposals targeting other AIS threats—such as crayfish and invasive aquatic vegetation—are also welcome.

Key Details

• Proposal Deadline: October 21, 2026
• Submission format: Completed proposal with requested information
• Funding range: No minimum or maximum threshold; proposals will be evaluated based on merit and alignment with program goals
• Please work with your regional coordinators to ensure projects align with state goals and coverage

How to Submit

Please submit your proposal to your Regional Coordinator

• California-Great Basin Region: Melanie Lowe - mlowe@usbr.gov
• Columbia Pacific Northwest Region: Cory Sandow - csandow@usbr.gov
• Lower Colorado River Basin: Trish Delrose - pdelrose@usbr.gov
• Missouri Basin / Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas Gulf Region: Jason Gibbons - jgibbons@usbr.gov
• Upper Colorado River Basin: Bryce Mihalevich - bmihalevich@usbr.gov

Evaluation Process

All proposals will be reviewed by a bureau-wide evaluation committee. Funding decisions are expected to be announced in January 2027. Final determination of funding is contingent on appropriations.

Thank you

We appreciate your continued partnership in protecting our water infrastructure and ecosystems from invasive species. Your contributions are vital to the success of this program. 

The Bureau of Reclamation is pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for the Fiscal Year 2027 Mussels and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Spend Plan. Please reach out to your BOR Regional Coordinator (see below) for the actual Spend Plan Proposal informational and guidance document.

This funding opportunity supports projects that address the prevention, containment, control, and management of aquatic nuisance species, with a primary focus on invasive mussels. Proposals targeting other AIS threats—such as crayfish and invasive aquatic vegetation—are also welcome.  

Key Details

• Proposal Deadline: October 16, 2026
• Submission format: Completed proposal with requested information
• Funding range: No minimum or maximum threshold; proposals will be evaluated based on merit and alignment with program goals
• Please work with your state coordinators to ensure projects align with state goals and coverage

How to Submit

Please submit your proposal to your Regional Coordinator

• California-Great Basin Region: Melanie Lowe - mlowe@usbr.gov
• Columbia Pacific Northwest Region: Cory Sandow - csandow@usbr.gov
• Lower Colorado River Basin: Trish Delrose - pdelrose@usbr.gov
• Missouri Basin / Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas Gulf Region: Jason Gibbons - jgibbons@usbr.gov
• Upper Colorado River Basin: Bryce Mihalevich - bmihalevich@usbr.gov

Evaluation Process

All proposals will be reviewed by a bureau-wide evaluation committee. Funding decisions are expected to be announced in January 2027. Final determination of funding is contingent on appropriations.

Thank you

We appreciate your continued partnership in protecting our water infrastructure and ecosystems from invasive species. Your contributions are vital to the success of this program. 

Please share the following announcement with others who may be interested:

Are you interested in working in a fast-paced, public-facing role to protect California's natural resources, recreation, and water supply from golden mussel? The Department is currently expanding its dynamic, interdisciplinary field, laboratory, outreach/education, and administrative team to prevent the further spread of golden mussel and minimize their impacts to the environment, economy, infrastructure, and human health.

Open Advertisements:

• Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) JC-530728
  $10,854.00 - $13,493.00 per Month
  New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
  ***Final Filing Date: 9/11/2026***
• Research Scientist JC-531426
  $6,942.00 - $9,799.00 per Month
  New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
  ***Final Filing Date: 9/23/2026***

Upcoming Advertisements:

The following jobs will be posted in the coming days/weeks on calcareers.ca.gov. Check the website regularly and subscribe for automated notifications. Visit CalHR for more information on the classification descriptions.

• Environmental Scientist - Under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent will lead statewide watercraft inspection and decontamination training supporting implementation of the California Boater Inspection and Banding Program. This position interacts daily with staff from state, federal, and local agencies, private businesses, and the general public.
• Environmental Scientist - Under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), the incumbent supports implementation of the California Boater Inspection and Banding Program. This position interacts daily with staff from state, federal, and local agencies, private businesses, and the general public.
• Research Scientist - Under the supervision of the Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory), the incumbent plans, organizes, and implements independent and collaborative research on golden mussel and other species of non-native invasive invertebrates to inform management actions to prevent their spread, contain and control populations, and predict and assess their environmental impacts. The efforts will be collaborative with interdisciplinary researchers and managers within and outside of state government, apply scientific rigor, sound judgement, and make scientifically defensible conclusions and management recommendations. The work performed in this position is critical to informing department and partner efforts, and work products are of national significance.
• Research Scientist - Under the supervision of the Research Scientist Supervisor in the Genetics Research Laboratory the incumbent will develop and implement molecular techniques for golden mussel and other species of non-native invasive species to inform management efforts.
• Marketing Specialist - Under the general direction of the Assistant Deputy Director for Communication, Education and Outreach, the Marketing Specialist serves within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Office of Communication, Education and Outreach (OCEO) and supports statewide marketing and public engagement efforts. The incumbent provides marketing expertise and works collaboratively with CDFW programs and external partners to plan, develop and implement coordinated marketing strategies, campaigns and communication products that advance departmental priorities and encourage public awareness, engagement and action. Major areas of responsibility include marketing and outreach related to invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species prevention and management.
• Analyst II - Under direction, incumbents are assigned to work on a broad range of governmental and managerial issues that may be interdisciplinary in nature. Incumbents may conduct and/or review analytical studies and surveys; formulate procedures, policies, and program alternatives; perform program evaluation, planning and assessment; make recommendations on administrative and program-related problems; analyze, identify potential impact, and make recommendations on proposed regulations and legislation; perform analytical duties relating to budgeting or personnel management; perform policy analysis and other administrative analysis; plan, implement, and conduct training; act as field representatives in complex and controversial intergovernmental negotiations and community relations; act as a team lead or coordinate projects involving various governmental agencies; and provide consultative services and recommendations to management and others.

Martha Volkoff
Environmental Program Manager
Invasive Species Program
Fisheries Branch
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
PO Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244
Martha.Volkoff@wildlife.ca.gov
(916) 203-2255
 

This information is being forwarded on behalf of the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee (CISAC)

Join leaders from across California for two days of collaboration, planning, and action to address one of the state's fastest-growing environmental and economic challenges.

The California Invasive Species Summit will bring together state and federal agencies, tribal governments, county agricultural commissioners, researchers, water agencies, growers, conservation organizations, and other partners to strengthen California's coordinated response to invasive species.

This year's summit will focus on:

• Building a shared understanding of California's highest-priority invasive species threats across California’s diverse ecosystems.
• Examining how climate change is increasing and redirecting invasive species spread.
• Expanding collective action within California’s early-detection and rapid-response to create a coordinated approach among partners.
• Increasing awareness of existing and emerging opportunities to strengthen the California Pest Prevention systems and programs, including field-ready tools, new science, technology, stewardship practices, and approaches.
• Identifying key implementation considerations, including funding gaps, capacity, information needs, roles, and accountability, to support the highest-impact prevention and eradication projects.
• Utilizing the Summit outcomes to empower the CISAC in updating the Strategic Framework for Protecting California from Invasive Species.

Who Should Attend?

• State and federal agencies
• Tribal governments 
• County agricultural commissioners 
• Weed Management Areas
• Researchers
• Resource Conservation Districts 
• Water agencies 
• Ports
• Growers and ranchers
• Conservation organizations
• Industry partners
• Citizen science networks

When: Thursday, October 1, 8:30 a.m. - Friday, October 2, 5:00 p.m. PDT

Where: California Natural Resources Agency - 715 P St., Sacramento, CA 95814

Register: This is an in-person meeting, please register to attend.

Questions: Contact CISAC

Visit the Invasive Species Council of California for more information on California Invasive Species activities.

The following is being sent on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States has officially been posted. The total estimated funding amount for projects is $ 1,950,000. There has been significant change in the application process over the past few years resulting from our transition to GrantSolutions.gov. This opportunity will be open for application through October 24, 2026.

Applications will need to be submitted through grantsolutions.gov, and you will need to create a login and password to access the system. There are recipient tutorials online linked below. Below are the steps you will need to take to access and locate the funding announcement. The funding announcement number is F26AS00107 and the full title is

"FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States”

Please disseminate this opportunity to all interested parties. Please feel free to reach out to barak_shemai@fws.gov. The opportunity and instructions can also be found at grants.gov but applications may NOT be submitted through grants.gov. View the grants.gov announcement.

Please follow these instructions after creating a grantsolutions.gov login and password.

• Sign into grantsolutions.gov
• Go to the Funding Opportunities page
• Once there use CTRL + F to search the name of the opportunity "name in full"
• You should see the QZAP opportunity - Select Apply on the far right

NOTE: Do Not Submit Application Through Grants.gov

Feel free to distribute this announcement to interested parties.

The following is being sent on behalf of the California Natural Resources Agency

California Natural Resources Agency Hosts Discussion on California’s Growing Invasive Species Threat

From golden mussels clogging waterways to invasive weeds fueling wildfires and pests threatening agriculture, invasive species pose a growing threat across California. Their impacts reach far beyond the environment, affecting water supplies, infrastructure, recreation, agriculture, and native wildlife. Join us to learn why this threat is growing and how California is responding through early detection, prevention, and coordinated management to protect our state in coming years.  

Register to Join

What: Secretary Speaker Series: Uninvited Guests: Protecting California from Invasive Species 

When: Thursday, August 20 from noon to 1pm (PDT)

The following is being sent on behalf of the Western Regional Panel on ANS

Join us for the 2026 Annual Meeting in Sacramento, CA. Our theme “Sustaining Successful Aquatic Invasive Species Management” will drive the meeting content. The meeting is hosted by California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please check the meeting’s page frequently as new information will be posted as it becomes available.

The current draft agenda is now available . The agenda is still subject to change, and the most current agenda will be updated. 

Reserve Your Hotel Room

Reserve your room! The Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena is offering a special rate of $149 plus tax for our meeting. The room block will be available until August 26. To take advantage of this special meeting rate.

Conference Registration

Registration for the annual meeting comes at no cost to you. Generous sponsors support meeting expenses like quality AV services and refreshments help make this possible.

• Register for the September 23-24 Conference
• Register for the September 25 Field Trip (Limited to 50 participants)

Virtual Participation

Virtual participation for the 2026 Annual Meeting will be limited. The WRP will have a virtual platform to join the meeting, however there will be limited ability to interact with the speakers and audience. We encourage you to participate in person. If you have any questions or comments regarding virtual participation – please reach out. Complete the registration process and indicate that you will be attending virtually.

Questions

Please contact Leah Elwell with any questions via email.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has published the Notice of Proposed Action to amend sections 650, 672, 672.1, and 672.2 to Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR). Fish and Game Code Section 2301 authorizes the Department to adopt regulations regarding the management of invasive mussels. The Department will hold a virtual public hearing for this proposed action on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 1:00PM to 2:00PM.

Zoom Teleconference/Webinar

Any interested person, or their authorized representative, may submit written comments on the proposed action to the Department. All written comments must be received by the Department via mail or email no later than Tuesday August 18, 2026, to the contact as follows:

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Regulations Unit
Attn: Daphne Nandino, Analyst
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Email: Regulations@wildlife.ca.gov

Visit Regulation Unit - Invasive Mussel page for proposed action.

The following information is being sent on behalf of the Invasive Species Council and California Department of Food and Agriculture

SACRAMENTO, July 3, 2026 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Natural Resources Agency are seeking nominations for two qualified individuals to serve on the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee (CISAC).

The CISAC is tasked with providing advice to the Invasive Species Council of California (ISCC) on a broad array of issues related to preventing the introduction of invasive species and providing for their control and/or eradication, as well as minimizing the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause. CISAC members should anticipate meeting at least once quarterly each year but may be required to meet more regularly in some circumstances.

The ISCC represents the highest level of leadership and authority in state government regarding invasive species. Its goal is to promote a consistent approach to invasive species at the state level. The ISCC is co-chaired by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. Other members include the secretaries from the following California agencies:

• Environmental Protection Agency
• State Transportation Agency
• Health and Human Services Agency
• Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

Prospective nominees of the CISAC should be knowledgeable in and represent one or more of the following communities of interest:

• Biology, Ranchers, Foresters, Farmers, Academics / Researchers, Public Health Specialists, Weed Science, Nematology, Veterinary Medicine, Industry Representatives, Educators, Tribal Government Representatives, Information / Database Managers, Economists, Risk Assessment Analysts, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Public Health / Epidemiology, Federal Government Representatives, County Agricultural Commissioner Representatives, Invasive Species Management Specialists, Persons involved with Global Commerce, Non-Governmental Environmental Representatives, Expertise in Climate Change and Ecosystems, Public Relations Specialists, Lawyers specializing in Invasive Species Policy, Public Member

Members will be selected in order to achieve a balanced representation of viewpoints, so to effectively address invasive species issues under consideration. Membership terms are three years, and no member may serve on the CISAC for more than two consecutive terms.

Members of the CISAC and its subcommittees will serve without pay. However, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services of the CISAC, members, to the extent funding is available, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence.

Submitting Nominations:

Nominations should be typed and should include the following:

1. A brief summary of no more than two pages explaining the nominee’s suitability to serve on the CISAC.
2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
3. At least two letters of reference.

Nominations should be postmarked no later than Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to the following address:

Invasive Species Council of California
Executive Office
1220 N Street, Suite 221
Sacramento, California 95814

For additional information, visit the Invasive Species Council of California’s website at: www.iscc.ca.gov

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)'s Invasive Mussel Control Plan Guidance document is intended to provide guidance on developing an invasive mussel control plan (Control Plan) to public and private agencies that operate a water supply system where invasive mussels have been detected. The Control Plan Template (Appendix A) is offered as a tool to assist water supply system agencies, and others, in developing a Control Plan that complies with the requirements under Fish and Game Code Section 2301 and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 672 and 672.1. Use of the template, while recommended, is not required for compliance.

The guidance is available on CDFW's Quagga/Zebra Mussel webpage under the heading Invasive Mussel Control Plan Development and on the Golden Mussel webpage under the heading Additional Information, Waterbody Managers.

CDFW staff are available to assist throughout the development of a Control Plan. Please contact the CDFW Invasive Mussel Regional Scientist (PDF) based on the CDFW Region where the water supply system is located. If the water supply system spans multiple CDFW regions contact invasive@wildlife.ca.gov for assistance.