Boat U.S. - January 2008 - (Page 9) Zebra Mussels Stopped at the State Line Wildlife officials in the state to the Great Lakes of Washington are getting tough area,” said Capt. on unwanted visitors. When Mike Whorton, who two cross-country boat haulers heads enforceentered the state with live zebra ment in eastern mussels attached to their boats Washington. “One in transit in October, state trucking company Department of Fish and Wildlife manager said it officers issued tickets instead of would no longer mere warnings. haul vessels that Officers spotted the alien have not passed an mollusks hitchhiking on two aquatic invasivelarge vessels being hauled from species inspecIowa and Ontario to the Pacific Boat washes can help prevent the spread tion.” of freshwater invasive species such as Coast during commercial vehicle hydrilla, quagga mussels and gobies. Zebra musinspections at the Washingtonsels are native to Idaho border. Eurasia and entered the Great Lakes in the The tickets are the state’s first gross mid-1980s in ship ballast water. They have misdemeanor citations — which can carry since spread to 20 states and two Canadian fines up to $5,000 — for zebra mussel provinces. They are easily transported on transport since Washington enacted a ban boats and trailers because they can live out in 2002. The agency is taking stronger of water for up to a month and their larvae action now that zebra mussels and a subare the size of sand grains. species, the quagga mussel, have shown up The agency noted that because recrein Arizona and Nevada. ational boats are hauled into Washington “When I talked with the truck driver and without inspections, last year the legislature trucking company manager from Ontario, expanded authority and funding for random both said they fully understand because field checks of all watercraft. they’ve seen what zebra mussels have done “Any real success in controlling the spread depends heavily on boat owners taking responsibility for their vessels,” said Mike Cenci, deputy chief of enforcement. “It’s important that they know what to look for and thoroughly clean their boats.” Environmental Grants Deadline Feb. 1 The BoatU.S. Foundation is looking to fund creative and innovative projects that teach boaters how to safeguard the quality of their waterways through its 2008 Clean Water Grant Program. The focus topic is invasive species so projects that educate boaters about preventing the spread of invasive species will get priority. A total of $50,000 is available for small, local nonprofit organizations conducting educational programs with a maximum award of $4,000. Past projects have covered topics like pump-out education, pollution prevention, monofilament fishing line recycling, and preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Projects must involve educating boaters. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2008. To read the grant guidelines or download an application, please visit BoatUS.com/foundation. Best Vacation Options. • 30 incredible destinations • we take care of everything • wide range of options • do it yourself • partial crew • fully crewed • 35’- 77’ sailboats & poweryachts CREWED POWER SAIL The Moorings pioneered the charter industry and has been delivering the best yachting vacations in the world for over 38 years. Our reputation for innovative new yachts and unmatched customer service guarantees an unforgettable, personalized island cruising adventure. Call us today or visit us on-line for a choice of new and affordable vacation options that are sure to meet everyones needs. 800.669.7380 | www.mooringsvacations.com BoatU.S. Magazine January 2008 9 http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation http://www.mooringsvacations.com http://www.mooringsvacations.com
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