Tag: quagga mussels

Boaters Should Expect Inspections

Posted by | Friday, May 23, 2014 | , |

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 23, 2014 – With a large influx of tourists expected over the three-day Memorial Day Weekend, visitors are reminded that boats being launched in Big Bear Lake are subject to inspections for invasive quagga and zebra mussels. The non-native freshwater mussels can be easily spread from one body of water to another, where they multiply quickly, encrust watercraft and infrastructure, and compete for food with native and sport fish species. Both species can attach to and damage virtually any submerged surface. They can: • Ruin a boat engine by blocking the cooling system and causing it to overheat • Jam a boat’s steering equipment, putting occupants and others at risk • Generally cost boat owners a lot of money Since Quagga mussels were first detected in the Colorado River in 2007 , they have spread to 27 waterways in Southern...

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Mussels Invade Ventura County

Posted by | Friday, January 3, 2014 | , , |

Big Bear Lake, CA, January 3, 2013 – In a major development with an aquatic invasive species the Big Bear Municipal Water District (MWD) has been on guard against, quagga and zebra mussels have been found for the first time in a Southern California water body that does not receive water from the Colorado River. The mussels were discovered on the shoreline of Lake Piru in Ventura County, attached to a patrol boat and on devices used to detect the invaders. California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff have tentatively identified the half-inch mussels as quagga, but genetic testing is needed to confirm that. Lake Piru Recreation Area staff are in the process of determining the scope of the infestation; to contain it, they’re requiring all boaters to clean, drain and dry their watercraft when they leave the lake. Native to Eurasia, the freshwater mussels multiply quickly, encrusting watercraft and infrastructure, competing for food with other species, and clarifying water to the extent that sunlight is able to penetrate deeper than normal and promote the growth of algae. The mussels can be spread from one body of water to another attached to nearly anything that has been in an infested waterbody, or via standing water. The MWD has long stated its precautions to inhibit the spread of the zebra and quagga mussels: If your vessel is traveling from another lake...

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Boating Safety Tips

Posted by | Thursday, May 26, 2011 | , , |

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 26, 2011, noon – This holiday weekend is the unofficial start of the summer boating season on Big Bear Lake. While you’re having fun out on the water, the MWD has some safety tips to keep in mind so your boating trip doesn’t turn into an unexpected tragedy. Launch Ramp Supervisor Tyler Cockrell tells Big Bear News there are some basic guidelines you should keep in mind if you’re weekend plans include boating on the lake. Bring your patience. Launch ramps and Marinas will be busy. All boats are required to have a quagga mussel inspection and lake permit. Remember Clean, Drained and Dry. If a vessel does not meet these requirements, they will be decontaminated at no extra cost. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Intoxicated boaters often put themselves in dangerous situations such as leaning over the side of a boat, or jumping from one vessel to another. Intoxicated passengers also often stand or move about in vessels resulting in falls overboard, or causing the boat to capsize, placing all aboard in danger. Anyone who drinks alcohol on board is at risk. Always wear your PFD or Life Jacket! A PFD can dramatically increase your chances of survival. Sudden immersion in ice-cold water can cause temporary paralysis and drowning. Also, a PFD is required for all passengers on board your vessel. Children age 12 and...

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Big Bear Lake Open for 2011 Season

Posted by | Friday, April 1, 2011 | , , , , |

Big Bear Lake, Ca April 1, 2011 12:00 pm – The 2011 season for Big Bear Lake has begun.  Each year, the Big Bear Municipal Water District officially opens the lake for fishing, boating, and water skiing at the beginning of April.  While there is still snow on the mountain slopes, Stacy, on duty at the MWD’s East Boat Ramp, says she has been busy.  The ramp has already launched at least 25 boats and she has heard reports that fishing is good, especially at the east end of the lake.  Boating permits for motorized craft, sailboats, and paddlers must be obtained prior to launching and all vessels must also be inspected for quagga mussel infestation.  The mussels can live in standing water for several months and are not visible to the eye.  For this reason, the MWD asks that prior to launch, all boats and trailers be clean of debris, all bilges, lockers, and engines be drained and dry.  Boats that are damp or with standing water will require decontamination.  Boats with obvious mussel infestation will require decontamination and may be prohibited from launching.  Boat permits, inspections, and decontamination services are available at the East Ramp from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 6:00 am – 7:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays.  Big Bear Lake is at its highest level in years, ready for a full...

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