Stopping Invasive Species

Transcription

1 Invasive species are animals and plants which, due to their being introduced to an area where they are not native, (or originally lived) have the capacity to multiply astronomically and cause numerous problems. The invasives most likely to cause problems in Lake Panorama are zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Asian carp (in particular silver carp). Each of these species threatens the enjoyment and the value of Lake Panorama property. Zebra mussels are dime-sized shellfish. They were introduced accidentally in the ballast water of ships hauling freight from eastern Europe and have now taken over in many of the Great Lakes and connected streams moving into the Ohio, Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri River systems. The mussels grow, multiply and attach themselves to smooth surfaces. They threaten to clog engine cooling systems, plug irrigation supply lines, cover lifts, dock floats and shoreline rocks, change the ecosystem of the lake favoring non-game fish, litter beaches with sharp shells and many associated issues. The mussels are transported in adult forms growing on boats, lifts and docks and in juvenile forms that can survive in as little as a thimble of water or in a pile of damp ski rope. Eurasian water milfoil is a rapidly growing aquatic plant that threatens to clog waterways, make fishing difficult and often invades lakes following changes in the water ecosystem caused by zebra mussels. Silver carp are a variety of Asian carp, a rapidly growing species that can take over fish populations. The silver carp are particularly dangerous to skiers, wake-boarders, boaters, personal watercraft and any open boat because they are stimulated to jump out of the water by the feel of engine or prop vibration. Their size (up to pounds) makes them a danger to anyone on the water traveling at speed. Why stop invasives? Because the potential cost to LPA members is high ranging from higher fuel costs from mussels growing on boat hulls, pontoons or plant choked dock areas, float-type docks sinking under the weight of attached mussels, swimming being dangerous for all due to sharp shells on beaches, injuries to kids being pulled on tubes by being hit by flying fish, to plugged irrigation lines and overheating and failed boat motors. The animals can also completely plug and ruin wake-board ballast systems. 1

2 1. Be sure boat/trailer is completely clean and dry. Boat Permit must be obtained first. 2. Members will fill out boat sticker application and designate vessels as RESIDENT or NON- RESIDENT depending on where they will boat. RESIDENT (green) stickers will be provided for boats boating only here. NON-RESIDENT (red/orange, etc.) stickers will be given to boats that will or may go to other lakes. Members continuing RESIDENT status from previous years need not report for inspections. All new (to owner) vessels must be inspected at least once. 3. Contact Security (641) ahead of time to arrange for inspection if a NON- RESIDENT vessel is to be launched. 4. If boat passes inspection and is dry, it will be permitted to launch. Inspection is at the determination of Lake Security. 5. When boats return from another water body, Security must be called for inspection, update information, and pass inspection* or clean and dry for appropriate time prior to access. 6. Boater returning to lake but not having gone to another water body--please report to Security. Security will determine if spot inspection necessary. 7. If boat with resident boat sticker (green) is taken to another lake, MUST be reported to Security for questionnaire, inspection, and replacement sticker. *Boats returning must be clean and dry, but inspection is at option of Security and depends on factors. o Do I need to have an invasive species sticker? o Any vessel operating on Lake Panorama must have an invasive sticker to be on the lake. o Members whose boats are trailered in and out of the lake must have an invasive sticker. Trailered vessels can be RESIDENT or NON-RESIDENT vessels as designated on the boat sticker application. IF, the owner designates that the vessel will only be operated on Lake Panorama, the owner will initial and sign a portion of the form indicating that desire. That vessel will receive a resident green sticker to indicate it is resident to Lake Panorama. Member vessel owners who will be traveling from lake to lake, will fill out the questionnaire, have their boat inspected, and receive an orange invasives ( nonresident ) sticker. EACH TIME the vessel is returned to Lake Panorama, arrangements must be made for a review and inspection prior to launching by Security. The owner must declare where the vessel has been and pass inspection. o All others bringing vessels to Lake Panorama Time-share members, LPN Resort guests, guests of individual members, and home renters must all complete the invasives questionnaire/registration, be inspected, and, if passing, will receive a red/orange nonresident vessel sticker. They must also purchase, at the established rate, the regular boat permit for their classification of access. No access will be allowed without inspection. 2

3 o When do I have to get inspected? o Any non-resident boat must make arrangements with Security when returning to Lake Panorama to be inspected, except those who have promised to only boat here and gotten a green resident sticker. Security will review and inspect as necessary. o Any new vessel must be inspected when coming into the lake at any time. o Resident boats should never have to be inspected unless they are taken away from the lake. If that occurs, upon returning, they are required to fill out a questionnaire, be inspected and will be re-designated a non-resident vessel. o What happens if I fail the inspection? o Since Iowa law requires that a boat be cleaned and drained prior to leaving any body of water, there is no reason a boat should fail inspection unless carelessness or lack of attention causes the problem. When vessels are first introduced in the lake and do not yet have an invasive sticker, signs of plant or animals or mud anywhere on the vessel or trailer will be a cause for failing the inspection. The vessel will be denied lake access and must be cleaned, drained and dried for the 5 day period before a re-inspection. A vessel that has previously received an invasive sticker if this vessel is found to have water in compartments, mud or plant or animal parts anywhere on the vessel, the vessel will be denied access to the lake and the owner fined $500 and reported to the Iowa DNR. o What vessels must have invasive stickers? o All vessels requiring a boat permit pontoons, speedboats, wake-boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, etc. o How can I make the process as simple as possible? o The most important thing to do to speed up the process is to completely clean and drain the vessel upon leaving any lake at any time, and insure the vessel has dried for at least five days. If the vessel has been at an infested lake, there must either be a hotwater cleaning (see cleaning) or the vessel must be cleaned and then dried for five days. Different vessels may require special treatments. o Secondly, plan ahead and arrange with Security ahead of time to inspect the vessel at a convenient time. Avoid waiting until the last minute which may mean not being able to launch while waiting for an appointment or for many others in line. o Fill out the questionnaire/ registration form ahead of time, if possible. Available at Lakepanorama.org. o Where does the invasive sticker go? o LPA Members will place the stickers on the right side of their member boat sticker. See below o Member boat sticker Member jetski (L) or under 10 hp (R) o LPA boat stickers change color from year to year. Resident Boat invasive sticker is green. Non- resident boat is orange/ red/ or similar bright color.. Member invasive stickers go to right of boat sticker (left image) 3

4 Member invasive sticker above or below jet ski / above or right of under 10 hp sticker. (right image) o NON-RESIDENT invasive sticker is red/ orange or other bright color and goes in the same position as the RESIDENT stickers. o NON-Members and time-share visitors will place invasive stickers directly on guest pass, temporary pass, or other temporary permits. (This section is for Boats that will be operated in other lakes in addition to Lake Panorama) The LPA Invasive Species rules reflect Iowa Law, which states-- (a) A person shall drain all water from water-related equipment when leaving the waters of the states and before transporting the water-related equipment off a water access area or riparian property. (b) Drain plugs, bailers, valves, or other devices used to control the drainage of water from ballast tanks, bilges, and live wells shall be removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment. (if the boat is wet or unclean it flunks.) 1. Drain every conceivable space or item that can hold water. 2. Follow factory guidelines for eliminating water from engines. Tip outboards down to drain. 3. Always drain the bilges of the boat by removing the drain plug. Bilge pumps are not capable of removing all water from the boat hull. 4. Drain live-wells, bilge, ballast tanks, and transom wells 5. Empty water out of kayaks, canoes, rafts, etc. 1. Remove any visible plant or plant fragments, as well as mud or other debris. Plant material, mud, and other debris may contain other organisms that may be or contain invasive species. 2. Check trailer, including axle and wheel areas, in and around the boat itself: anchor, props, jet engines, ropes, boat bumpers, paddles. 3. Clean all parts and equipment that came in contact with water using one of approved cleaning methods. (see below) 1. Allow everything to completely dry before launching into Panorama; five days in warm, dry weather and up to 30 days in cool moist weather. 2. If sufficient drying time is not available, decontaminate all surfaces using one or more of the cleaning methods described below. Carefully inspect for invasive organisms before returning to Lake Panorama. All watercraft hull surfaces, anchors, and trailers must be clean (no mussels attached, no plant parts, no mud or organics) Cleaning may include simple brushing and scraping to remove fixed invasives, hot water powerwashing or soaking to kill invasives, plus thorough rinsing and drying. Immature zebra mussel larvae often feel like sandpaper on a boat hull. These would need to be power-washed or scraped off. 4

5 If inspection of your vessel indicates that it is clean and dry, but you only have been out of the water less than 5 full days, the following methods will be accepted in place of the 5-day drying period: Thermal Treatment with water at 140 degrees (documented by hand held infrared thermometer) for 30 seconds will kill zebra mussel larvae. This takes thorough work, can be dangerous (burns) and/or expensive for equipment needed. Test spray to make sure boat surface will not be injured by high pressure and/or high temperature. Chemical Some treatments are relatively safe, environmentally friendly, but still must be followed by thorough rinsing and drying. These would be useful for small areas or equipment: Bleach-Diluted household bleach (2% solution three oz. bleach per gallon) Soak or spray equipment for at least one minute. (MAY be corrosive to aluminum and sensitive boating or fishing equipment.) Can be used in compartments, but should not be dumped into lake. Hot water of 140 degrees or more is always effective. 5% quaternary ammonium solution (Formula 409, Fantastik) must soak for 10 minutes. (ski ropes, anchor ropes, compartments, etc.) Undiluted white vinegar Soak 20 minutes good for small items. If Inspection shows water in compartments, compartments must be cleaned and dried and vessel quarantined until 5-day drying time expires OR compartments must be treated with 140 degree water OR approved chemical treatment. If adult mussels are found, they must be physically removed and hot water treatment documented. Compartment filling or high pressure washing is accepted for hot water treatment. Cleaning watercraft engines (assuming the engine takes lake water for cooling) is important. Hot water treatment is recommended. Winterizing treatment using anti-freeze qualifies. An appropriate flushing attachment, such as ear muffs may be used. Refer to the manufacturer s directions for flushing hookup and operation. This is the preferred option and easiest to accomplish in I/O and outboards. The important factor is that engine drainage must not go into the lake or into any water body other than the one the water came from. Chemical treatments are NOT RECOMMENDED as engine may be damaged. A PWC can hold up to a gallon of water with mussel larvae. After checking with your marina or boat dealer, you may be able to start and run the engine 5 to 10 seconds to blow out water and contaminants as you leave any lake. Do this only if recommended by your dealer or service person. Thoroughly cleaning all ports, connections, and the hull is important. Wake-boats are one of the most dangerous ways of spreading zebra mussels since ballast tanks are what brought zebra mussels to North America. Immediately upon leaving a water body, the ballast tanks should be emptied as much as possible and a zebra mussel killing solution added and left for at least 12 hours while the vessel is transported. A typical mussel killing solution would be water of 140 degrees or higher. Consult your marina or manufacturer s recommendations about placement of hot water which will need to be in the tanks for an extended period to kill potential larvae. The general water 5

6 temperature and pressure recommendations for decontamination of a boat are: For non-sensitive areas (e.g., boat hulls and 140 F water at high pressure at point of contact (approximately 2500 psi) with a 40 degree nozzle For interior compartments without 140 F water at low pressure. For interior compartments with 120 F water at low pressure to avoid damaging the pump. Check with your dealer or manufacturer for environmentally safe chemical treatment of the ballast tanks. 1. All vessels and water-related equipment are subject to the LPA invasive species rules. 2. LPA may inspect all vessels and water-related equipment. 3. Vessels will be designated resident boats if used EXCLUSIVELY on Lake Panorama. 4. Vessels trailered in may be designated RESIDENT only if they are only boating at Lake Panorama. 5. All non-resident boat owners must complete a questionnaire that includes vessel usage information and certifies the owner is knowledgeable of the threat of invasive species. a. Trailered craft can be classified as resident if used exclusively on Lake Panorama. b. If a resident vessel leaves Lake Panorama, it will be reclassified non-resident until a new questionnaire is completed and the vessel inspected. 6. Inspections look for the following: plant parts; mud; animal specimens on boat or trailer or fishing equipment; and water in live wells, bilge tanks, ballast tanks or engine cooling systems. a. Finding any of the above results in denial of permit or access to lake. b. Since Iowa law requires cleaning and drainage prior to leaving a previous water body, findings reported to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). c. LPA members fined $250. d. Permits/access can be reestablished following certified cleaning practices. e. Resident and non-resident vessels quarantined until cleaning is certified. 7. Non-members boating without inspection and shown to have violating materials will be banned permanently, and reported to the DNR. 8. Members found boating without inspection will be fined $500, reported to the DNR, boat permits will be revoked, and banned from boating for one year. 9. Falsified information on questionnaire results in permanent ban, revocation of permits. 10. No water-related equipment such as used lifts and docks that were previously installed in other lakes can be installed in Lake Panorama without extended treatment and inspection. 11. No invitational boating, fishing, or other activities allowed unless explicitly approved by the LPA Board of Directors.

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