Summer Heat Serves as a Reminder to Clean, Drain, and Dry

SDGFP Zebra Mussel

Pierre, S.D.(SDGFP)-Summer is officially here in South Dakota, and boat ramps across the state are filling with boats looking to beat the summer heat. This means as more boats hit the water, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) reminds boaters to always remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boats to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species.

“As summer heat sets in across the state and we get ready to celebrate the upcoming 4^th of July holiday, it’s important for boaters to remember this is a critical time of year when it comes to slowing the spread of aquatic invasive species,” said Jake Davis, Fisheries Program Administrator.

Zebra mussel larvae, known as veligers, will free float throughout the water column throughout the warm summer months. It is during this time that the risk of transporting from one water body to another is at it’s highest.

Boaters can do their part to slow the spread of these mussels by ensuring they always practice Clean, Drain, and Dry. This includes:

• Pulling all boat plugs to allow the water to drain out of the boat;
• Cleaning all vegetation, debris, and other objects off the boat and trailer upon loading;
• Drying all equipment that has been submerged in water; and,
• Lowering their motors to drain the water out of the lower unit after loading.

In addition to reminding boaters, anglers, and other water users how to do their part to slow the spread, GFP staff are actively monitoring waters across the state for new detections. Zebra mussels were recently documented at Campbell Slough in Day County.

“One of our staff was actually recreating on the lake when they noticed a zebra mussel,” continued Davis. “We confirmed the presence of zebra mussels, and can assume these came from Enemy Swim Lake, a zebra mussel positive waterbody that is connected to Campbell Slough.”

This confirmation serves as one additional reminder for boats to make a splash out on the water, and remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry when they are done. For more information visit sdleastwanted.sd.gov.