Quagga/Zebra Mussel News

The following information is being forwarded on behalf of the California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways:

SAVE-THE-DATE GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) expects to open the application window for the 2022 Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Program Grant Cycle in March 2022, subject to available funds.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

1. Grant applicant must own/manage any aspect of the water in a reservoir;
2. The reservoir must be open to the public for recreation; and
3. Grant applicant must demonstrate that the reservoir is uninfested with dreissenid mussels.

To demonstrate that the reservoir is uninfested, applicants must provide mussel monitoring data collected since March 2021. Monitoring data can be from surface surveys, artificial substrates, and plankton tows.

Tier 2 Implementation Grant:

• To be eligible for an implementation grant, applicants must provide a letter from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) at the time of application that states CDFW has reviewed and accepted a prevention plan for the reservoir (per Fish and Game Code Section 2302 and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 672.1(b)).

Tier 1 Planning and Assessment Grant:

• Applicants that do not already have a CDFW-accepted prevention plan can apply for a planning and assessment grant in order to develop a CDFW-accepted prevention plan for the reservoir.

For questions regarding quagga/zebra mussel monitoring, or for prevention planning, including how to obtain a letter from CDFW, contact CDFW at Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov or Telephone: (866) 440-9530.

A Solicitation Notice including specific dates and application information will be sent prior to opening of the grant application window. The notice will also be posted on the DBW website.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites water managers to attend an interactive webinar describing the content required in a Quagga/Zebra Mussel Prevention Plan and the resources available to those who manage waterbodies or recreation. The webinar will be Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. using Microsoft Teams (a phone number will be available for those without computer access). To register, send names and email addresses of attendees to Elizabeth Brusati, Elizabeth.Brusati@wildlife.ca.gov by Friday, December 3. The webinar link will be emailed on December 6. The webinar will be recorded. Read the agenda here (PDF).

Topics will include:

• Benefits of Investing in Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Mussels
• Code and Regulations: What is Required of Water Managers
• How to Prepare a Prevention Plan
• CA State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program
• How CDFW Regional Staff Can Help You

Before the webinar, we suggest attendees review “Guidance for Developing a Dreissenid Mussel Prevention Program” (PDF) and “Recommended Minimum Dreissenid Mussel Early Detection Monitoring” (PDF) on our Quagga/Zebra Mussel Prevention Programs web page.

The following information is being forwarded on behalf of the California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways:

FREE Freshwater Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Virtual Workshop

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, California Coastal Commission's Boating Clean & Green Program, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invite you to participate in our FREE Freshwater Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Virtual Workshop.

PURPOSE

AIS pose serious threats to water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, boating, fishing, and the environment. Recreational activities, including boating and fishing, can spread AIS from infested waters to uninfested waters. Therefore, everyone accessing waters should take simple actions to avoid spreading AIS each time they leave a waterbody.

Participants in this virtual workshop will:

• Gain an understanding of the impacts freshwater AIS have on the economy and environment
• Learn to recognize freshwater AIS
• Learn how to take action and prevent spreading of freshwater AIS by inspecting and cleaning equipment and watercraft

Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 (You must register to attend by Friday, November 12, 2021)

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Go to the Virtual workshop registration or copy and paste this URL into your favorite browser: https://ports-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkd-qurDsqG933OHNazW6KUNUPVtNTSY80

Questions: Contact Vivian Matuk at (916) 674-0989 or vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov