In September of this year, Game and Fish confirmed the discovery of Asian clams in Glendo Reservoir, an aquatic invasive species that could have ecological impacts in the future.
Aisian clams have been found in Wyoming before, identified in nearby Guernsey Reservoir in 2019 and the North Platte River in 2014.
During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Wyoming Game and Fish Sheridan Region AIS Specialist Reed Moore told listeners that only time will tell what kind of impact the clams will have on the reservoir and the wildlife it supports.
R. Moore
The discovery of Asian clams in Glendo came on the heels of the discovery of zebra mussels in Pactola Reservoir, located 13 miles west of Rapid City, S. D., in the Black Hills. The reservoir is only 27 miles from the Wyoming border and is a popular boating destination for Wyoming and South Dakota residents.
Zebra mussels have much more of an impact on both the ecosystems and infrastructures of the waters they invade. According to Moore, whereas Asian clams behave much like the classical image of clam, zebra mussels have byssal threads that allow the species to attach to objects. This causes large build-ups of mussels on almost any surface. These accumulations of mussels have caused millions of dollars in damage in other states to boats and even hydroelectric power plants by blocking water lines.
Soon after the confirmation of zebra mussels being present in Pactola Reservoir, the Wyoming Game and Fish changed their protocols for watercraft inspections to protect waters from this aquatic invasive species.
Moore told listeners that as of Oct. 5, both Keyhole and Glendo state parks, nopw require all watercraft to be inspected at the boat ramp before launching.
At Keyhole, boaters will be limited to launching at Pine Haven — Coulter Bay ramp. Glendo boaters will launch only at Whiskey Gulch. All other boat ramps will be closed, and shore launching will be prohibited.
Inspection hours will be 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Use of the boat ramp is restricted to 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Launching without an inspection is prohibited.
More Like this
Last modified: October 12, 2022