New boating rules to combat zebra mussel spread

KETR | By Mark Haslett

Published November 25, 2013 at 2:45 PM CST

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Zebra mussels can damage or destroy equipment.

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Lake Texoma, Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Lewisville have been infested by the mussels.

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The mussels' presence in Lake Lewisville poses a threat to the Trinity River and its watershed.

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The mussels then found their way into inland water bodies throughout much of the United States.

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The mussels first showed up in the Great Lakes region.

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If you're boating in one of 17 North Texas counties - including Collin, Fannin, Kaufman and Rockwall - there are some new rules on the way.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations are aimed at halting the spread of invasive zebra mussels. Boaters must drain and dry vehicles and other equipment before leaving the lake. KETR spoke with a TPWD staffer, Ken Kurzawski, about the new guidelines.

“Anglers and boaters leaving or approaching public water will be required to take all reasonable steps to drain all water from their vessel, including live wells, bilges, motors, and any other receptacles or water intake systems that resulted from contact with public water,” according to a departmental release.

StateImpact Texas put together amap of North Texas lakes affected by zebra mussels.

The new rules apply to public waters in Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hood, Jack, Kaufman, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Stephens, Tarrant, Wise, and Young counties.