At the January 17 board meeting, board members considered and approved special projects funding in the amount of $7,000 for a zebra mussel study to be conducted downstream of Canyon Lake.

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that spreads from one body of water to another by boat, creating a negative economic, recreational, and environmental impact on lakes throughout the country. However, there is not a lot known about the spread of mussels downstream of infected reservoirs, such as Canyon Lake.

Texas Parks & Wildlife is also funding this study, led by Texas State University, to identify and monitor the following:

  • Downstream dispersal of larvae
  • Quantify settlement rates downstream
  • Estimate zebra mussel densities in Canyon Lake; phytoplankton and water transparency
  • Production of larvae during summer

Zebra Mussels: What You Can Do to HelpTexas Parks & Wildlife has launched a Zebra Mussel Public Awareness Campaign. TPWD hopes the development of this public awareness campaign will help stop the spread of zebra mussels and the devastating threat they pose to our state’s aquatic ecosystems, private property, and water-related infrastructure. Many have partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife to raise awareness of zebra mussels in Texas lakes including:

  • Tarrant Regional Water District
  • Trinity River Authority
  • City of Dallas
  • North Texas Municipal Water District
  • Sabine River Authority
  • Brazos River Authority
  • San Jacinto River Authority
  • Guadalupe Blanco River Authority
  • Lower Colorado River Authority
  • Coastal Water Authority
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County
  • Upper Trinity Regional Water District

Remember, ALL types of boats including kayaks, canoes, and other personal watercraft could transport invasive species and are required to drain all water when approaching or leaving public waters.

For more information visit texasinvasives.org.