Quagga/Zebra Mussel News

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.

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 December 3, 2020, 1:00-2:30 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 December 1. The webinar link and phone number will be emailed on December 2. 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 Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination
Virtual Training Courses

• WIT I
  September 22-23, 2020 – 8:00 a.m. to Noon
  For more information, go to: Level 1 Inspector Training
  If you would like to attend the WIT I course, complete the Registration
• WIT III
  October 13-15, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  For more information, go to: Level 3 Trainer Training
  If you would like to attend the WIT III course, complete the Registration
• WIT II
  November 10-12, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. – Noon (3 days)
  For more information, go to Level 2 Inspection and Decontamination
  If you would like to attend the WIT II course, complete the Registration

Internet access with computer required for virtual trainings (Camera and mic) preferred.

Contact “Quagga D” for any questions, QuaggaDee@cox.net, (702) 236-3814.