Government agencies have been trying for years to prevent the spread of certain invasive Mussels that attach themselves to the hulls of boats. Now the U.S. Forest Service has made it a crime. Golden Mussels, Zebra Mussels and Quagga Mussels are non-native invasive organisms that can spread rapidly and cause severe damage to natural ecosystems, water infrastructure, agriculture and other economic interests. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has issued an order through December of 2027 that prohibits the Mussels from below the high water mark and on any boat ramp of five lakes: Shasta, Lewiston, Trinity, Iron Canyon and McCloud. Violations can result in $5,000 fines and 6 months in jail. Officials say boaters need to clean, drain and dry their watercraft, trailer and equipment before and after each launch and purchase a “Mussel Fee” sticker.
-Steve Gibson