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Wildlife officials are warning Georgia boat owners to be on the lookout for an invasive species that could cause millions of dollars in damages throughout the state. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says zebra mussels, an eastern European species that is considered invasive, were found on a boat taken to Lake Lanier after being used on the Tennessee River near Chattanooga.

See also: Arkansas Forage Management Guides for more factsheets

On Sunday, June 27, watercraft inspection stations in eastern Montana intercepted two boats entering the state carrying invasive mussels, making it the 35th and 36th mussel-fouled boats intercepted this year. This surpasses the total number of 35 mussel-fouled boats intercepted in 2020.

Fish, Wildlife & Park staff reminds anyone transporting motorized or nonmotorized boats into Montana that an inspection is required before launching, and stopping at ALL open watercraft inspection stations is required. Failing to stop at an inspection station can result in a fine of up to $500. Many residents of western states, including Montana, are buying boats out of the Midwest or southwestern U.S., where invasive mussels are common. The record number of interceptions is a reminder for people purchasing boats from other states to clean, drain and dry the vessel.

It is crucial to keep the mussels from moving from Lake Powell to other lakes and rivers. Utah and Arizona state laws require you to clean, drain, and dry your boat when leaving Lake Powell using self-decontamination procedures. Additional steps are required if you launch on other waters without a significant drying period or if you are on Lake Powell for more than 5 days.

Montana’s first mussel-fouled watercraft of the year was intercepted at the Anaconda watercraft inspection station on March 10.

All watercraft entering the state of Montana with the intent of being launched into any body of water are required to be inspected, including kayaks, canoes, rafts and paddleboards. These inspections are required by law, and failure to comply may result in a fine of up to $500. Learn more how Protect Montana Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species.

The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) announces a new addition to its Certified Weed Free Products Program: weed free mulch. Many federal, state, and local lands require the use of certified weed free forage, gravel, or mulch on their properties because invasive plants or noxious weeds cause serious harm to the environment, agriculture, and the economy. Once introduced, weeds can be difficult to control and expensive to manage.

Peer-reviewed weed biocontrol publications for use by managers and landowners. Factsheets cover invasive plants and their associated biological control agents in North America.
See also: NAISMA Biocontrol Factsheets for all related publications

The NAISMA Classical Biocontrol Committee is excited to announce new peer-reviewed weed biocontrol publications for use by managers and landowners. Subject matter experts are developing a series of factsheets that cover invasive plants and their associated biological control agents in North America. Funding for these factsheets is provided by the United State Forest Service. NAISMA is partnering with iBiocontrol.org to host these publications.
See also: Resources on Biocontrol and Classical Weed Biocontrol Factsheets Released for Landowners and Weed Managers (Press Release - Aug 31, 2022)

Join a FREE monthly webinar to hear from the experts about invasive species, with topics ranging from data management, education and awareness, invasive species management and legislation. Any member of the public can register for a webinar and view it when it is live. Only NAISMA's members have access to all recorded webinars. Mark your calendars for the 3rd Wednesday of every month (2 pm Eastern).

The NAISMA Weed Free Products program is the only program in North America that maintains a list of standards that provide land managers assurance that noxious weeds will not be spread through the movement of forage, hay, mulch, or gravel brought in to the property.

NAISMA’s minimum mapping standards for invasive weeds addressed the minimum base information necessary to compare and combine invasive weed maps across tribal, county, state/provincial, national, and even international borders.

The National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) strengthens our country's ability to combat animal disease outbreaks. Through this program, APHIS provides tens of millions in funding to States, producer organizations, universities, and others to carry out high-value projects that help our Nation prepare for the most critical animal health threats facing U.S. livestock industries today.

The National Association of State Foresters is a non-profit organization composed of the directors of forestry agencies in the 50 states, five U.S. territories, three nations in compacts of free association with the U.S., and the District of Columbia. Our members manage and protect state and private forests, which encompass nearly two-thirds of all forests nationwide.