News

Taking the boat to the lake is a great way to beat the heat, but zebra mussels can ruin the fun. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has a campaign to raise awareness of this invasive aquatic species and to remind boat users to clean, drain and dry their boat, trailer and gear.

Among all the negative effects of the recent drought in Texas, there was one positive result: drought, and the resulting closure of many boat ramps, may have limited the spread of zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species. With the recent heavy and frequent rains, however, the state’s zebra mussel outlook has changed.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a new regulation requiring that all boats operating on public fresh water anywhere in Texas be drained before leaving or approaching a lake or river to help combat the further spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.