LWMP AIS Report 2014
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Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Program 2014 Annual Report Lake Whatcom Management Program December 2014 Lake Whatcom Management Program www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org Aquatic Invasive Species Program Contacts: Boat Inspection Hotline: (360) 778-7975 Teagan Ward, AIS Program Coordinator Lake Whatcom Management Program (360) 778-7972, [email protected] COVER: Inspectors check kayak for aquatic invasive species, 2014 (T. Ward) Table of Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 2 Program Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 4 Program Development ....................................................................................................................... 5 Watercraft Inspection Program .......................................................................................................... 6 Boater Survey Results ............................................................................................................................... 7 Aquatic Invasive Species Check Stations ................................................................................................. 10 Wire Seal Program .................................................................................................................................. 22 On-Call Boat Inspections ......................................................................................................................... 26 Watercraft Inspection Training ............................................................................................................... 27 Watercraft Inspection Results ................................................................................................................ 29 Watercraft Decontaminations ................................................................................................................ 30 Aquatic Invasive Species Permits ............................................................................................................ 31 Business and Event Agreements ............................................................................................................. 31 Education/Outreach ................................................................................................................................ 33 Early Detection and Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 34 Regulations...................................................................................................................................... 35 Education and Outreach ................................................................................................................... 35 Regional Collaboration, Partnerships and Information Sharing .......................................................... 40 2015 Program Development ............................................................................................................. 40 Appendix A - LWMP Watercraft Inspection Form .............................................................................. 41 Appendix B - Map of On-Call Inspections .......................................................................................... 42 Appendix C - Map of Zip Codes ......................................................................................................... 43 Appendix D - Map of Last Waterbody Visited .................................................................................... 44 Appendix E - Map of Previous Waterbodies Visited ........................................................................... 45 Appendix F - Previous Waterbodies Visited (Figures 53 - 59) .............................................................. 46 Appendix G - Program Expenditures & 2015 Budget .......................................................................... 50 This Page Intentionally Left Blank 1 Introduction To prevent the further spread of zebra/quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species, many states and local jurisdictions in the western United States operate watercraft inspection programs to intercept watercraft that may be transporting aquatic invasive species. Despite these efforts, discoveries of zebra and quagga mussels continue to be made in waterbodies across North America each year (Figure 1). The past year was no different with new infestations of zebra and quagga mussels confirmed in Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba and Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona, respectively. These two lakes are very large, freshwater bodies that are also incredibly popular recreation sites. Efforts are being made to manage these new infestations; however, the considerable size of these waterbodies combined with the high amount of boat traffic on these lakes makes it highly likely that invasive zebra/quagga mussels will be transported to additional waters unless a comprehensive, regional prevention strategy is realized. Figure 1: Distribution of zebra and quagga mussel sightings. Zebra mussel occurrences are highlighted in red and quagga mussel occurrences are highlighted in green (Source: USGS, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Maps at: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/ Accessed on: 11/12/2014). The Lake Whatcom Management Program began implementing its watercraft inspection program in 2012 to prevent the introduction of zebra and quagga mussels, and other aquatic invasive species, to Whatcom County waters. To date, the program has conducted nearly 13,000 inspections and has intercepted one vessel transporting quagga mussels, 203 vessels transporting vegetation, and another 190 vessels with 2 standing water which is a primary pathway for the transport of mussel larvae and other aquatic invasive species. The program has not only helped to prevent the spread of additional aquatic invasive species to local waters, it has also helped to increase community awareness regarding the threats that aquatic invasive species pose to Washington waters and how to prevent their spread. The Lake Whatcom Management Program launched the first season of its watercraft inspection program on July 14, 2012 at Bloedel Donovan. The main goals of the program in its first year included establishing usage patterns for the lake, conducting education and outreach with boaters and park users, and determining the feasibility of implementing a mandatory watercraft inspection program for Lake Whatcom in 2013. As of September 30, 2012, almost 1,800 boater surveys and visual boat inspections had been conducted at Bloedel Donovan. In 2013, the Lake Whatcom Management Program completed the second season of its watercraft inspection program, which required all motorized and/or trailered watercraft to be inspected for aquatic invasive species and to display a valid aquatic invasive species permit sticker prior to launching or operating on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. An Aquatic Invasive Species Check Station was opened at Bloedel Donovan on April 27, 2013 and was staffed between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., 7 days a week. Aquatic invasive species inspectors were responsible for conducting education and outreach at the launch, conducting boater surveys, conducting visual and physical inspections of all watercraft, and selling aquatic invasive species permit stickers. As of October 30, 2013, aquatic invasive species inspectors had conducted over 3,000 inspections at Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish and sold 1,923 Annual Permits and 311 Three- Day Passes. The Lake Whatcom Management Program completed the third season of its watercraft inspection program in 2014, which required all watercraft to be inspected and permitted prior to launching or operating on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. Aquatic Invasive Species Check Stations were located at Bloedel Donovan, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Launch at South Bay, and the WDFW Launch at Lake Samish. Additional inspections were conducted at private residences as well as at the Sudden Valley Marina and AM/PM Beach. As of September 30, 2014, aquatic invasive species inspectors conducted over 7,800 inspections at Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish and sold 2,327 Motorized Annual Permits, 2,438 Non-Motorized Annual Permits, and 414 Three-Day Passes. The annual total number of watercraft inspections conducted during the 2012, 2013, and 2014 boating seasons is illustrated in Figure 2. 2014 was the first season in which non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes and kayaks, were also required to be inspected and permitted prior to launching at Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. The formation of partnerships between the Aquatic Invasive Species Program and local paddling and rowing clubs and organizations proved to be very valuable in fostering support for the program in 2014. As of September 30, aquatic invasive species inspectors had conducted over 3,500 non-motorized inspections at Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish. Also in 2014, the Lake Whatcom Management Program launched a new Whatcom Boat Inspections website and online Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Awareness Course. The website provides a central 3 location for program updates, fees, inspection locations, AIS prevention information, and a link to the new AIS Awareness Course. Successful completion of the online course in 2014 entitled participants to a discount on each annual permit being purchased. The AIS Awareness