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New Zealand mud snails could threaten recreational use at Lake Padden
Sandy Gilliard
06/19/19 #25072
Begin forwarded message:
From: City of Bellingham <noreply@…>
Subject: New Zealand mud snails could threaten recreational use at Lake Padden
New Zealand mud snails could threaten recreational use at Lake Padden
Recreational users cooperation needed to help prevent spread of tiny invaders
by Issued jointly by Bellingham Parks and Recreation and Bellingham Public Works / June 19, 2019 (Wednesday)
Kayaks on Lake Padden shoreline
The Lake Padden Triathlon is just around the corner on June 22, and Bellingham Parks and Recreation has relocated the starting line for the swimming leg of the race due to the presence of New Zealand mud snails in the Lake. Other community programs, such as the Polar Dip, will also be impacted.
New Zealand mud snails (NZMS) are tiny creatures, smaller than a grain of rice, but they can wreak havoc on water ecology and recreational activities if they aren't contained.
So far, the species seems to be contained to the shoreline areas located on the northwest side of the lake. Unfortunately, these locations are extremely popular access points for swimming, boating, and casual fishing. “In order to protect recreational use on the lake, we need help from everyone who enjoys this precious resource“ says Recreation Manager Melissa Bianconi, “It would be devastating if the lake had to be closed to recreational use”.
To prevent this species from showing up in other waterways, including Lake Whatcom, all gear needs to be washed well after each use in the lake, with special attention paid to footwear. Shoes can be put in a freezer for 48 hours to kill off any snails that may have hiked home. Having a set of gear that is just used at Lake Padden is another advisable option. Dogs can also carry and spread the snails on their paws or fur. Please keep them out of the water in posted areas and wash your dog if it does go in the water.
NZMS disrupt ecosystems by rapidly multiplying and competing with native species for food and space. Since they were first discovered in Lake Padden early last fall, the City's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program has taken a rapid outreach approach to educate the community regarding the presence of the invasive snail. “We plan on having staff stationed at Lake Padden again this summer to provide information to lake users about the snails and steps they can take to prevent their spread on gear, watercraft, and pets, says Teagan Ward, AIS program coordinator for the City of Bellingham. “We're also considering additional options to help people decontaminate their gear before leaving Lake Padden, such as the installation of a wash station.“
There is no known way to fully eradicate the species without causing harm to other critical species, so preventing the spread from Padden into other water ways is the best approach to managing the problem for now. In the short-term, park users should expect to see some physical barriers placed between the shoreline and the infested areas, and possibly in the water as well.
Michael Lee
06/19/19 #25073
Keeping these guys from spreading is a tall order. While washing boats and gear seems reasonable, freezer bootie storage is less practical.
Paul Reavley
06/19/19 #25074
I welcome any technique suggestions on this issue. I agree the freezer method seems awkward although I might see it in zip locks if I could remember to thaw them in time for my next paddle. But keeping a pair of booties just for Padden is certainly doable - I'm not sure washing my booties would eliminate these buggers everytime.
John Rybczyk
06/20/19 #25075
This is a conundrum. Given our frequency of use, and that fact that we paddle on multiples lakes, our community of paddlers are certainly potential vectors. I like the idea of dedicating a pair paddling shoes to use only in Padden. Or, be like the South Africans and Anna S. and never wear shoes when paddling. In the end, I'm not hopeful that these measures will prevent the spread of these snails as they have now spread to all western states. If the colonization sites in Lake Padden are indeed highly localized and along the shore, eradication may be possible, but it would likely involve lowering the lake level to expose the snails to either drying or freezing. I don't know if and how much we can control the water levels in Lake Padden. Chemical eradication is also possible, but I doubt that would be agreeable to most folks. I'm not so hopeful about eradication either, these snails are clonal, so all it takes is one to survive any attempt at eradication.
Tyler Irwin
06/20/19 #25078
Interesting quote from Wikipedia:
In 2009, the species was discovered in Capitol Lakein Olympia, Washington. The lake has been closed to all public use, including boating and other recreation, since 2009.[29] A heavy cold snap in 2013, combined with a drawdown in water level in preparation, was roughly estimated to have killed 40–60% of the mudsnail population.
