Lake Berryessa staff, to help stop the spread of invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels, will be conducting boat and trailer inspections at boat launches around the lake beginning on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Education, public outreach, and inspections will continue throughout the season to prevent the spread of these invasive species. The Bureau of Reclamation and multiple Federal, State, and local agencies are urging boaters and watercraft users to help stop the spread of Quagga and Zebra mussels. The greatest threat to further spreading the mussel invasion to lakes, rivers, and other waters is the unintentional introduction by recreational boaters. Transferring a boat from infested water to uninfested water could spread the mussels.

These mussels have infested some Nevada and California waters. Recently, Zebra mussels were found in Reclamation's San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County, about 40 miles southeast of San Jose. This is the first population of this destructive invasive species to be found in Northern California waters.

For additional information on the self-inspection process, please contact Lake Berryessa Natural Resources Specialist Melissa Brockman at 707-966-2111, extension 103. To learn more about these invasive species, please visit the Department of Fish and Game website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel.

A toll-free number, 866-440-9530, has been established for those seeking information or to report sightings of these mussels. The toll-free number is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Standard Time.

Boaters can assist in "Not Moving a Mussel," by downloading a self-inspection form and inspecting their own equipment. The form is available at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/field_offices/lake_berryessa/docs/Form_Mussel_Free_Certification.pdf.