Zebra mussels found in boat in Black Hills

PIERRE, S.D. (FNS) - Water samples have found no zebra mussels in Belle Fourche Reservoir in the Black Hills after a report of a small number of young zebra mussels attached to a boat exiting Rocky Point Recreation Area at the reservoir.
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) immediately performed sampling at the reservoir.
“Examination of the water samples determined no veligers were present nor were any juvenile or adult mussels found during the shoreline search,” stated Tony Leif, director of the Division of Wildlife. “Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) took water samples at the reservoir in June that were also determined to be free of veligers.”
These results indicate that Belle Fourche Reservoir was likely not the source of the mussels found on the boat.
“This event highlights the need for all anglers and boaters to take responsibility and make sure their boats are free of aquatic invasive species,” Leif said. “The primary way that many invasive species are spread to new lakes is by attaching to boats or trailers, so anglers and boaters are urged to inspect their boats before they leave a boat ramp and power wash their boat and trailer as often as possible.”