AQUATIC INVASIVE SECIES SUMMIT TO BE HELD MARCH 16 IN CASPER

3/1/2010

CHEYENNE - Aquatic invasive species - zebra and quagga mussels and others - those exotic, ultra-prolific little clams, which have wreaked havoc with aquatic ecosystems and water treatment facilities in some other states, are the focus of a March 16 summit in Casper.

                All interested individuals and groups are invited to the free event being co-sponsored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources at the Ramada Plaza Riverside Hotel and Convention Center. The summit will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The summit's discussions and presentations will focus on zebra and quagga mussels, AIS plans in other western states, costs, prevention strategies, difficulties encountered by power companies and plans to prevent their spread to Wyoming. Experts from Colorado and Utah, where the organisms have been found, will give presentations in addition to Wyoming authorities. 

"Once established, removal of these aquatic invaders is nearly impossible and control is very expensive," said Rob Gipson, summit coordinator for the Game and Fish. "This summit brings together the best information on AIS in the region with the goal of keeping the pests out of Wyoming."

Pre-registration is urged to help ensure adequate space for the event. To pre-register or if you would like a complete agenda, please call (307) 777-4569 or email judie.petersen@wgf.state.wy.us

AIS information can also be found on the Game and Fish Web site at http://gf.state.wy.us/fish/AIS. In addition to other useful Web site links, view the "Don't Move a Mussel" video.

Zebra and quagga mussels are native to the Black Sea region of western Asia and are believed to have reached North America through the ballast tanks of ships.
(Contact Rob Gipson (307) 777-4569)

-WGFD-