Whitefish Response to Zebra Mussels in Montana

Transcription

1 Whitefish Response to Zebra Mussels in Montana On March 6 th, the Whitefish Lake Institute (WLI) will submit the FY18 Whitefish Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plan to the City of Whitefish. A component of the plan will be a recommendation to implement a mandatory watercraft inspection and decontamination program. This program has been developed to offer the commensurate level of protection for Whitefish Lake from the increased risk of zebra mussel colonization. Background Montana had been one of a few remaining western states void of zebra mussels. But, in early November 2016, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) reported that Tiber Reservoir, east of Shelby, Montana tested positive for zebra mussels. FWP reported that Canyon Ferry near Helena had suspect results. Since that time, additional samples from the Milk River downstream of Nelson Reservoir and the Missouri River upstream of Townsend also returned suspect results. The definition of a suspect result is a positive identification of zebra mussel larvae (veligers) from a sanctioned laboratory but is awaiting confirmation from a second laboratory to be officially listed as infested. After the identification of zebra mussels in central Montana, FWP expedited microscopy analysis for all waterbodies in the state by sending some samples to out-of-state labs. This includes samples that WLI collects for 41+ lakes, including Whitefish Lake and lakes in the Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Program which WLI coordinates and administers. Microscopy analysis from those lakes, in addition to all other lakes west of the Continental Divide, came back negative. As part of the City of Whitefish AIS Management Program, WLI also collects Environmental edna samples from Whitefish area waterbodies that are analyzed by the University of Montana. Results from all samples analyzed to date have been negative. In response to the increased threat of zebra mussel transfer to other waterbodies, Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation have enacted a moratorium to boating, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has closed Jessup Mill Pond outside of Creston. Since 2013, WLI has delivered to the Whitefish City Council an annual Whitefish AIS Management Plan. City Council has approved and funded the plan each. The plan includes a number of task items to reduce the risk of AIS to local waterbodies. Each year, task items change based on current information, partnerships, and the ability to leverage other funding. However, certain task items have remained consistent such as a watercraft inspection station at City Beach and early detection monitoring for AIS. Why is this issue important? If zebra mussels colonize Whitefish Lake, there are many plausible economic and environmental consequences to both individuals and the public at large, some include: Zebra mussels could colonize and plug the City of Whitefish Municipal drinking water intake pipe located approximately 1,200 feet out from Mountain Harbor. More importantly, the larval form of zebra mussels, called veligers, could be pumped up to the Whitefish Water Treatment Plant where they could clog infrastructure and take the plant off-line, leaving Whitefish residents without drinking water

2 Individual property could be damaged or destroyed. Individuals with water intake pipes in the lake could be left without a water supply. Boat owners could be impacted from their motors becoming plugged via water cooling systems. Dock owners would have to scrap off mussels from their docks. Recreational experiences would be reduced through zebra mussel colonization of the shoreline. Consequences could include razor sharp shells cutting the feet of people wading into the lake and a reduced beach area. In response to a colonization, the state could issue management orders shutting down boating activities on the lake or impose severe restrictions The ecology and water quality of Whitefish Lake would suffer due to the myriad negative feedback loops of an infestation, including increased algal blooms and loss of water clarity Whitefish Lake is at the headwaters of the Columbia Basin. If Whitefish Lake becomes infested, all points downstream could expect colonization over time Economically, private citizens could see decreased property values and the local tax base could be impacted. Local businesses could suffer due to the decreased recreational experience on the lake by visitors and locals The Plan The plan that WLI is forwarding to City Council takes aggressive steps to combat the zebra mussel threat. Fortunately, Whitefish Lake only has two controlled access points- Whitefish City Beach and Whitefish State Park. A well-executed prevention plan through the cooperation of both governments could provide the most thorough level of protection for any waterbody in the state. The plan calls for the mandatory inspection of all watercraft with a decontamination requirement for high risk watercraft. The plan will only succeed if multiple project partners are mobilized to address the threat. Plan Specifics The Whitefish Watercraft Inspection Station construction will be completed at City Beach and operational for the 2017 season through the generosity of the Joe & Cindy Gregory Family and other partners A watercraft inspection station will be implemented at Whitefish State Park or along State Park Road The watercraft inspection window will be extended to May 1-September 30 compared to the current Memorial Day to Labor Day. Staffing hours at the inspection stations will be expanded to 9am-7pm All watercraft will be physically inspected during the staffed inspection season. See attached algorithm for details on the inspection process. During the shoulder season and winter, access will be issued via an on-line self-certification process. A key-coded gate will be installed at City Beach and possibly Whitefish State Park to control access High risk watercraft will require decontamination prior to launch in Whitefish Lake A decontamination station will be located at Whitefish Marine & Powersports Watercraft receiving a decontamination will be issued a seal allowing them to launch Users can request exit seals if they intend to return to Whitefish Lake for their next boating excursion so that they will not have to be physically inspected and decontaminated on their next visit Partner Development To date, WLI has had numerous meetings with partners related to the operations and funding of the program. On January 24, WLI meet with the mayor, city attorney, finance director, parks and recreation

3 staff, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (Region 1) Parks staff, and a private consultant to discuss the concept of this plan. All participants viewed the plan favorably and recognized the need for action. A follow up meeting with the group is planned for February14 to discuss plan specifics. Before that meeting, WLI will continue partner development and develop project specifics. Partners A program of this nature will involve the active participation of many different project partners. The following is a list of proposed partners and how they will engage in the process (see attached Budget Table for funding details). Whitefish Lake Institute City of Whitefish Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Whitefish Marine & Powersports Whitefish Community Foundation Montana Dept. Natural Resources and Conservation Flathead Conservation District Boat USA Private Individuals Other Program Development and Implementation Oversight Ordinance creation MOU with State of Montana Staffing via Whitefish AIS Management Plan State Park Inspection Station Cooperation MOU with the City of Whitefish High Risk Watercraft Decontamination Station & Networking Assistance (AIS grant)

4 Whitefish Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Program FY18 Budget Task Potential Revenue Sources Est. Amount Status / Notes City Beach Inspection Station Staffing WF Parks & Rec Budget WF AIS Management Plan $36,713 $10,950 Memorial Day-Labor Day (9am-7pm) (Secured) Reflects 52 additional days to baseline (May1-Sept.30) Gate WF AIS Management Plan $20,000 Quote from Grizzly Security Electric to Gate Site Unknown $2,500 Need quote Watercraft Inspection Building Private Donor / FWP/ WLI $35,000 Secured Sub-total $105,163 Whitefish State Park Inspection Station Gate? Montana FWP (Parks) ($5,000 cap) Unknown Temporary Building? Unknown $2,500 Decontamination Station Site Preparation? Unknown Unknown Staffing DNRC AIS Grant WF AIS Management Plan ($32,663) $15,000 $32,663 Misc. Materials WF AIS Management Plan $1,000 Sub-total $51,163 AIS Grant limited to $15,000 Based on city rate and City Beach staffing structure Site Preparation Whitefish Marine & Powersports $5,000 Pledged Staffing User Fee to WF Marine & Powersports --- User fee of $30 per decontamination Misc. Materials WF AIS Management Plan $1,000 Adaptor package Decontamination Station Boat USA grant request (up to 10K) FCD ($10K) Other Level II Training (2 individuals) WF AIS Management Plan $2,000 Sub-total $68,000 E&O and Misc. Project Management WF AIS Management Plan $3,000 Inspection/Decontamination Station Oversight WF AIS Management Plan $5,000 Information Brochures WF AIS Management Plan $1,500 On-line Certification Modifications WF AIS Management Plan $1,000 Misc. materials (seals, signage) WF AIS Management Plan $2,500 Sub-total $13,000 $60,000 Rent option Final quote requested Grand Total $237,326 Secured and Pledged $76,713 WF AIS Management Plan $80,613 Applied to Grant Sources $35,000 DNRC AIS $15K, Boat USA $10K, FCD $10K Shortage $45,000+ Assumes WF AIS Management Plan and grants funded

5 Whitefish Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Program Annual Budget Post FY18 Task Potential Revenue Sources Est. Amount Status / Notes City Beach Inspection Station Staffing WF Parks & Rec Budget WF AIS Management Plan Whitefish State Park Inspection Station Staffing DNRC AIS Grant ($15,000) WF AIS Management Plan ($) Decontamination Station E&O and Misc. $36,713 $10,950 Sub-total $47,663 $15,000 $32,663 Sub-total $47,663 Memorial Day-Labor Day (9am-7pm) Reflects 52 additional days to baseline (May1-Sept.30) Based on city rate and City Beach staffing structure AIS Grant limited to $15,000 Staffing User Fee to WF Marine & Powersports --- User fee of $30 per decontamination Sub-total $0 Project Management WF AIS Management Plan $3,000 Inspection/Decontamination Station Oversight WF AIS Management Plan $5,000 Information Brochures WF AIS Management Plan $1,000 Misc. materials (seals, etc.) WF AIS Management Plan $1,000 Sub-total $10,000 Capital Replacement Fund Decontamination Unit, Gates, Supplies WF AIS Management Plan $5,000 Sub-total $5,000 Grand Total $110,326 WF AIS Management Plan $58,613

6 Mandatory Inspection of Watercraft Prior to Launch Clean Inspection Fouled Watercraft High Risk Watercraft Allow Watercraft to Launch Apply Seal Upon Exit if User Requested Decontamination Required Attached AIS or Suspect Organism Plant or Animal, Including Live Bait (Fish) Refuse Launch. Call WFPD to Quarantine. Notify FWP to Take Over Jurisdiction. Document Incident If Attached or Suspect Organisms. If no Attached or Suspect Organisms. Inspect Watercraft if it does not have an Inspection or Decontamination Seal from Recognized Agency or Group Ballast Tank or Bags Any Standing Water* From Mussel Infested State Last Launched in Known Infested Waterbody or drainage Too Dirty to Inspect Watercraft has an Inspection or Decontamination Seal from Recognized Agency or Group Apply Decontamination Seal Allow Watercraft to Launch Apply Seal Upon Exit if User Requested *If, at the discretion of the inspector, standing water is determined to be caused by recent rain events, the interior of the watercraft must be drained and wiped dry. The inspection process can then by re-initiated without the watercraft being classified as high risk, provided no other high risk parameters are present.