Boat inspections slated for 3 N. Nevada reservoirs
By Jeff Delong, Reno Gazette-Journal
Guarding against the potentially disastrous spread of invading mollusks, Nevada officials hope to begin inspecting and decontaminating boats at three Northern Nevada reservoirs come summer.
A voluntary inspection program could be under way at Lahontan, Rye Patch and Wildhorse reservoirs sometime in July, said Karen Vargas, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
The program’s goal is to prevent spread of aquatic invaders — in particular the quagga mussel, which has overrun Southern Nevada’s Lake Mead since it was first discovered there five years ago.
Tests conducted last April indicated the presence of juvenile quagga mussels in Lahontan and Rye Patch — the first Northern Nevada water bodies where quagga contamination is suspected.