Quagga/Zebra Mussel News

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

* Forwarded from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission *

Virtual Watercraft Inspection Trainings for the first quarter of 2022

Upcoming Classes:

• WIT Level 1 – Inspector Training - (2 days; 8 a.m. - Noon PST) check website for registration links - 3 classes available in 2022
• WIT Level 2 – Inspector & Decontamination Training - (3 days; 8 a.m. - Noon PST) check website for registration links - 3 classes available in 2022
• WIT Level 3 - Trainer Training - check website for eligibility requirements and registration - 3 classes available in 2022

Classes fill up quickly. If you plan to attend or send students, register soon.

For more information contact: "Quagga D" Davis, (702) 236-3814, quaggadee@cox.net

Starting September 2021, the purchase of a Mussel Fee sticker is now a separate transaction from your vessel registration and renewal. Vessel owners may purchase the Mussel Fee Sticker directly from DMV's website at dmv.ca.gov/musselfee or through their local DMV field office. Vessel owners will no longer have the option to buy it via telephone, mail, or third-party vendor. Refer to DBW's Mussel Fee Sticker Insert (PDF) for more information about this process.

Boaters who recreate in fresh water, should be prepared for inspections throughout the state as waterbody owners and managers diligently work to ensure California's waterbodies remain mussel-free. Boaters are encouraged to clean, drain, and dry their boats whenever they leave the water. To learn more about how you can help prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels, please visit dbw.parks.ca.gov/StopQZ.

Still have questions about the Mussel Fee Sticker?

See the Mussel Fee Sticker FAQs (PDF) for more information.

For questions specific to quagga/zebra mussel monitoring, or for prevention planning, contact CDFW, at Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov or (866) 440-9530.