Quagga/Zebra Mussel News

The following information is being forwarded on behalf of Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Virtual Training - Level II

Upcoming Classes:

• Virtual Training March 23 - 25, 2021, 8:00 a.m. - NOON (3 days): Zoom register here.
• Virtual Training April 6 - 8, 2021 8:00 a.m. - NOON (3 days): Zoom register here.
• Virtual Training April 20 - 22, 2021 8:00 a.m. - NOON (3 days): Zoom register here.

The training includes:

1. Introduction and Western State AIS Programs
2. Biology (Zebra/Quagga mussel and other Aquatic Invasive Species)
3. Watercraft 101
4. Inspection Procedures and practice
5. Triggers for decontamination and Step-by-step procedures.

Student Manual (PDF)

For any questions, please contact: “Quagga D” Davis, (702) 236-3814 or quaggadee@cox.net.

For more information, go to Level 2 Inspector and Decontaminator Training.

The following information is being forwarded on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force requests proposals to build upon previous assessments and evaluate aspects of the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, and PlayCleanGo campaign to determine what messages and delivery strategies are most effective to achieve desired behavioral changes. It is the intent that the results of this assessment will be used by the ANS Task Force, regional ANS panels, states, and partners to produce a national communications and marketing framework that increases the effectiveness and reach of outreach campaigns and encourages prevention behaviors to stop the spread of invasive species through recreational activities.

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: F21AS00229

Applications should be submitted electronically using the GrantSolutions system. Applications are due by midnight Eastern Time on March 10, 2021.

Questions may be directed to Susan Pasko, US Fish and Wildlife Service at (703) 358-2466 or susan_pasko@fws.gov.

The following information is being forwarded on behalf of the California Department of Food and Agriculture:

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Needles Border Protection Station has temporarily closed as of 3:00pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 due to COVID-19. The Station is anticipated to reopen at 7:00 a.m., January 5. During this closure traffic is being routed around the station and incoming shipments and watercraft will not be inspected. Alternatively, the public can go to the Vidal, Mountain Pass, or Blythe Stations for processing of incoming shipments.

Please be aware that during this time watercraft entering California via I-40 will not be inspected.