The Nebraska Statewide/Aquatic Habitat Plan Meeting held on May 23, 2025, focused on the management of invasive species, particularly zebra mussels and aquatic vegetation. Christopher Star, the aquatic invasive species program manager, provided an update on the status of zebra mussels in Nebraska, highlighting the state's defensive efforts against their spread.

Currently, Nebraska has not seen new occurrences of zebra mussels in public water bodies over the past five years, with only one detection in a private water body. This is notable, as surrounding states like Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota have reported numerous infestations. Star credited Nebraska's proactive management and public education efforts for this success, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preventing the introduction of invasive species. He urged boaters and anglers to adhere to the "clean, drain, dry" protocol to minimize the risk of spreading zebra mussels.

In addition to zebra mussels, the meeting addressed concerns about invasive aquatic vegetation, particularly Eurasian watermilfoil and curly leaf pondweed. Star noted that these species are increasingly choking local waters, negatively impacting fishing and native ecosystems. Over the past five years, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has sampled over a hundred water bodies to monitor and manage these invasive plants. With new funding, the state plans to intensify its efforts, including a recent successful whole lake treatment for hybrid Eurasian watermilfoil at a lake in North Platte.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges posed by invasive species in Nebraska and the state's commitment to maintaining healthy aquatic habitats through proactive management and community engagement.