AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – Texas Parks and Wildlife officials have expanded to the entire state a mandate that boaters on lakes and rivers drain their watercrafts to combat the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission took the action Thursday and the expanded rule takes effect July 1 – but officials are urging boaters and fishermen to embrace the practice immediately.
Zebra mussels are a destructive invasive species that can damage motor boats, hurt aquatic life, hinder water recreation and even affect our water supply by clogging water intake systems
Zebra mussels were first confirmed in Texas in Lake Texoma in 2009 and since then have spread through North Texas and into Central Texas.
Authorities believe the infestations are accelerated by people who don’t drain and clean their boats and trailers and move from waterway to waterway around the state.
