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.

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.

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

Watercraft Inspection Trainings (WIT I) Announcement

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is sponsoring 2 one-day* (WIT I) Watercraft Inspection Trainings, hosted by California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Lake Mission Viejo Association.

Date: May 7 OR May 8, 2019*
Location: Lake Mission Viejo Association Club House, 22555 Olympiad Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Instructor: "Quagga D" Davis, PSMFC Training Contractor

The training will include:

1. Introduction & overview of what other western states are doing to fight mussels
2. Biology of quagga & zebra mussels
3. Quagga & zebra mussel status, monitoring, prevention, and regulations in California
4. Overview of decontamination, including when decontamination should occur
5. >Watercraft risk assessment and inspection procedure (with practice)

Go to Level 1 Inspector Training for more information. Logistics will be sent upon registration.

TO REGISTER: If you are interested in attending, please register online. *This is a ONE-day training - Specify which date when registering. The registration deadline is April 8^th - Space is limited! Don’t delay, save your spot today!!

COST: Training is provided free of charge to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are responsible for their own travel expenses.

For Level 2 Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training, please visit WIT II Schedule.

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