Nebraska holds defensive line against zebra mussel invasions says Christopher Star

The Nebraska Statewide/Aquatic Habitat Plan Meeting held on January 1, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding the state's aquatic invasive species, particularly zebra mussels. The meeting featured Christopher Star, the aquatic invasive species program manager, who provided a comprehensive status update on zebra mussel occurrences in Nebraska.

Star reported that Nebraska has successfully maintained a defensive stance against zebra mussels, despite the surrounding states—Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota—experiencing numerous new infestations. Over the past five years, Nebraska has recorded no new occurrences of zebra mussels in public water bodies. However, there was one new detection in a private water body, specifically Beaver Lake near Plattsmouth. Currently, zebra mussels are present along the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake, marking the only public water bodies affected in the state.

Star emphasized the importance of ongoing outreach and education efforts aimed at preventing the spread of zebra mussels. He noted that the cooperation of anglers and boaters is crucial, as a single individual can inadvertently introduce zebra mussels from one lake to another, leading to permanent infestations. He reiterated the need for the public to adhere to the "clean, drain, dry" protocol to help keep Nebraska's lakes and streams free from invasive species.

The meeting underscored Nebraska's unique position compared to its neighboring states, highlighting the effectiveness of the state's preventive measures and community involvement in combating aquatic invasives. The discussions concluded with a call for continued vigilance and public participation in safeguarding Nebraska's aquatic ecosystems.