Lake Powell Sees Major Effort To Stop Invasive Aquatic Threats

During the busy Pioneer Day weekend, officers and technicians from the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and other partner agencies ramped up efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species—particularly from Lake Powell, one of the most heavily visited boating destinations in the state.

From July 24 through July 28, a total of 13,383 boats were inspected and 260 decontaminations were performed at stations across Utah. In the Lake Powell area alone, 1,189 inspections and 55 decontaminations were conducted. Although this year’s Pioneer Day weekend saw slightly lower traffic than previous years, the threat of invasive species like quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil remains a top concern.

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Lake Powell is especially vulnerable due to its popularity and its known infestations of quagga mussels. These tiny invaders can clog water pipes, damage boat engines, harm fish populations by removing plankton, and leave behind sharp, smelly shells along beaches. To help stop their spread, Lake Powell now has two of the state’s five high-capacity dip tanks—at Wahweap Marina and Bullfrog Marina—that are free to use and designed for rapid, efficient decontamination of complex watercraft.

New Inspection Station In Kanab

"We want to remind boaters that we have a new aquatic invasive species mandatory inspection station in Kanab,” said Lt. Bruce Johnson, Utah DNR Law Enforcement Aquatic Invasive Species Statewide Operations, in a press release. “If you're traveling with a boat or other watercraft in this area, you are required to stop at the inspection station. Even watercraft that have been inspected at Lake Powell are required to stop at operating mandatory inspection stations to verify their inspection."

Despite public outreach, DNR officers recorded 44 violations of Utah’s aquatic invasive species laws over the weekend. Most involved boaters failing to complete the required mussel awareness course, not paying the aquatic invasive species fee, or neglecting to remove drain plugs during transport.

Eurasian watermilfoil, another invasive threat, spreads rapidly and forms dense mats that choke out native aquatic plants and fish. It can also clog irrigation systems and damage boats.

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For more information, including a full list of Utah’s decontamination stations, boaters can visit the “STD of the Sea” website.