EBS STAFF
Yellowstone National Park is seeking public input on a proposition that would aim to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into park waters. Yellowstone is at increased risk of the highly invasive zebra and quagga mussels after they were detected in 2022 in waterways within a day’s drive of the park.
According to a March 7 National Park Service press release, the proposition includes the following measures:
30-day Dry Time–A 30-day dry time would be a requirement for complex, motorized boats (inboard, inboard/outboard, and inboard jet) and sailboats prior to launching. Manual decontamination with the use of hot water is not always 100% effective in removing all mussels. A 30-day dry time will mitigate the risk.
Previously Fouled Watercraft–Motorized and non-motorized watercraft previously fouled by mussels, regardless of dry time, would be denied launch.
These proposals would be in addition to existing protections, including the 2019 prohibition on watercraft equipped with sealed internal ballast tanks, as well as the 2022 prohibition of watercraft with evidence of live or dead mussels.
The comment period for this proposal starts March 7 and will be open for 30 days until April 5. You can submit comments online, or by mail to: Yellowstone Center for Resources Attn: AIS Proposed Changes, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. The deadline to submit comments is Friday, April 5.
