Glen Canyon Announces Expanded Zebra Mussel Prevention Action Plan

PAGE, Ariz. – Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has announced an expanded action plan to prevent zebra or quagga mussels from becoming established in Lake Powell. Currently, Lake Powell and the upper Colorado River are believed to be free of zebra mussels. However, quagga mussels pose a major threat to Lake Powell if they are introduced.

“The National Park Service is committed to doing everything we can to prevent zebra mussels from infesting Lake Powell. Through this expanded action plan we will construct new boat-decontamination stations, educate the public about zebra mussels, and partner with the states and local businesses,” said Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Kitty Roberts.

Highlights of the expanded zebra mussel prevention program include the following:

• All visitors bringing boats into Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will be required to display a certificate on their dashboard stating their boat is free of zebra or quagga mussels• Visitors may self certify that their boats are zebra and quagga mussel free and receive their required dashboard certificate. Self-certification packets are available on Glen Canyon’s homepage at www.nps.gov/glca (scroll to the bottom of the page). They will also be available at launch ramps and at local businesses.
• The National Park Service and Aramark, a park concessioner, will construct four additional zebra mussel-decontamination stations at Wahweap Marina, and another one at Bullfrog. Currently there are decontamination stations at Antelope Point Marina and Halls Crossing Marina, as well as Wahweap and Bullfrog.
• Visitors bringing boats into the park will continue to be asked a series of questions at entrance stations to determine whether or not their boats may be harboring mussels.