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NGPC says Nebraska holding defensive line against zebra mussels; expands aquatic vegetation control
Summary
NGPC reported no new zebra mussel detections in public waters in the past five years, described a single private-water detection, and said it will expand aquatic-plant treatment funding and whole-lake herbicide treatments where appropriate.
Christopher Star, NGPC’s aquatic invasive species program manager, told webinar attendees that Nebraska has avoided widespread zebra mussel infestations in most public waters despite new detections in neighboring states.
Star said NGPC has had no new occurrences of zebra mussels in public water bodies in the past five years. The agency does have zebra mussels along the entire length of the Missouri River and in Lewis and Clark Lake, and Star said a single new occurrence was detected in a private water body (Beaver Lake near Plattsmouth).
“We are kinda holding the defensive line,” Star said, crediting outreach, inspections and public cooperation for slowing spread. NGPC said crews completed over 8,000 watercraft inspections last year and urged continued compliance with “clean, drain, dry” practices.
Aquatic vegetation: Star and other presenters said aquatic vegetation (for example, Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed) is the most widespread invasive issue statewide. NGPC said it sampled more than 100 water bodies in the past five years and will use newly authorized aquatic-habitat funds to treat invasive plants. Star said NGPC completed a whole-lake treatment last year using the herbicide ProcellaCOR to target hybrid Eurasian watermilfoil in an I‑80 Lake near North Platte.
Why it matters: Star called aquatic invasive species a major long-term threat to habitat and angling. He warned that once zebra mussels or certain invasive plants establish, control options are limited and costly.
Reporting and response: NGPC asked anglers and boaters to report unusual organisms using the agency’s phone and email reporting channels. The agency said timely reports and inspections are critical to early containment and response.
