Mussel experts visit Offutt

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dallas Edwards
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Offutt hosted a field trip for members of the National Military Fish & Wildlife Association's annual training workshop to the base lake on March 13.

The group met to discuss the ongoing problem of zebra mussels and the natural resources challenges associated with the invasive species. In addition, they covered previous recommendations and highlighted the integrated approach to dealing with the issue.

Zebra mussels are native to fresh water lakes in southern Russia and have been spreading to waterways in the United States.

As an invasive species without significant native predators, the mussels will reproduce rapidly to the point where they will clog any kind of pipes, foul boat hulls, propellers and docks, and decimate plankton populations, which have a significant effect on the local food chains for native wildlife.

Mussels also have a major financial impact. During her briefing at the workshop, Allison Zach of the Nebraska Invasive Species Program explained that aquatic invasive species cost $11 billion per year to manage and can reduce property values by 16 percent.

Previous recommendations include removing concrete and asphalt (riprap) from the lake, introducing fish species that feed on the mussels and increasing public awareness of the problem so people know not to transfer water from the lake to other area lakes.

The proposed solutions can pose other challenges. For example, if the riprap is removed from the shoreline of the lake, that would create a more desirable nesting ground for waterfowl.  More birds in the area can pose a risk to the base's aircraft and affect the mission.

Members of 55th Wing safety office also briefed how they track migratory bird populations in the area of the airfield.

The mussels were discovered in the base lake in 2006 which made it the first body of water in the state of Nebraska with a confirmed population. At that time a Nebraska Zebra Mussel Work Group was formed to determine an action plan, which led to treating the water with copper sulfate in 2008 and 2009 in hopes of eradicating the population.

In 2014, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists confirmed the re-establishment of zebra mussels at the base lake when a few mussels were spotted on rocks along the shoreline. Since then, the population along the shore has increased significantly.

"Last summer we came out and only saw a few mussels on some rocks," said Dr. Daniel James, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist. "As we can see in Offutt Lake, zebra mussels can reproduce and take over a lake extremely fast."

Since it is very difficult to eliminate invasive species, the best thing to do is prevent the spread of them to other areas. Offutt does this by restricting drainage of the lake to the Missouri River and by prohibiting the use of personal owned watercraft on the lake.

"We all need to be very careful not to spread this mussel to other lakes, by draining all water from equipment, inspecting equipment for mussels, and drying our gear before using in another water body," said James. "Even lake water in bait buckets could spread the mussels to other lakes."

There will be nets and other sampler equipment in the lake throughout the year. Please do not disturb the equipment to ensure accurate data is collected to help improve the lake.

"The Fish and Wildlife Service will be conducting surveys throughout 2015 in the base lake so feel free to stop by, say hello, and ask any questions you may have," said James.

The event highlighted overcoming organizational barriers to work toward the common goal of studying and reducing the spread of invasive aquatic species.

An integrated approach is essential in approaching these issues to ensure the concerns and requirements are met to the greatest degree possible," said Marvin Riedel, 55th Civil Engineer Squadron natural resources manager. "It is only by working together with all invested stakeholders from the very beginning can we overcome traditional obstacles, determine priorities and determine the best approach for solving sometimes contradictory requirements."

For more information, contact the Nebraska Invasive Species Project at www.neinvasives.com, 402-472-3133.