On July 20th, 2025, an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) technician at Grand Teton National Park discovered quagga mussels on a boat arriving from Utah during a routine inspection at one of the park’s check stations. The mussels, measuring 6–8 mm, were dead but raised significant concerns due to their potential to cause ecological and economic damage if introduced to Wyoming’s waters.
The boat was decontaminated and sealed for a mandatory 30-day dry period, per park policy.Wyoming remains one of only five states free of quagga and zebra mussel infestations, making prevention critical. “The risk of an introduction is real,” said Chad Whaley, Fisheries Biologist and AIS Coordinator. “We cannot become complacent.” Grand Teton’s AIS check stations, operational since 2015, serve as a vital defense for the park’s waterways, including Jackson Lake and the Snake River.All boaters, whether using motorized boats, kayaks, or paddleboards, must stop at open inspection stations, regardless of prior inspections or destination.
Out-of-state watercraft require inspection before launching in Wyoming waters. Arriving with a clean, drained, and dry vessel streamlines the process. Park officials commended the technician’s vigilance and the boater’s cooperation, emphasizing that preventing AIS is a shared responsibility among boaters, anglers, and resource managers.For more information on AIS regulations and prevention tips, visit nps.gov/grte or contact Grand Teton National Park. The park encourages public support for inspections to keep Wyoming’s waters free of invasive species.
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