Late arriving winter weather has allowed South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks crews more time for access improvements along the Missouri River, including along Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe at Pierre and Fort Pierre.
Crews have been able to extend their work on areas near Pierre along Lake Sharpe to create fishing access along a popular shore fishing area near Fort George. This project started in late fall and is scheduled to be completed mid-2024.
Crews have also been busy on Lake Oahe, surveying boat landings and working on improving conditions for the spring and summer fishing season. During their work, access crews recently discovered the presence of zebra mussels at the East Shore and Cow Creek boat ramps on Lake Oahe.
Jake Davis, Fisheries Program Administrator, said while pulling docks, fisheries staff reported finding zebra mussels on several structures. He said Lake Oahe is now considered a new zebra mussel confirmed body of water. The Zebra Mussel Rapid Response Team will place high-profile signs on access areas, actively engage boaters using the infested water, reiterate information on decontamination requirements and communicate with groups of people and entities that will be potentially affected by the infestation.
Davis said Lake Oahe is an expansive body of water, and they want to be sure all individuals are aware of this confirmation. He said this is why education and outreach continue to be GFP’s most useful tools for educating all individuals on zebra mussels.
GFP Communications Manager Nick Harrington said Lake Oahe is a good example of why GFP’s communication approach is critical. He said it’s their most popular fishery in the state, with many access locations, and why it is important for all users to be aware of this zebra mussel confirmation.
GFP has significantly enhanced efforts to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species in recent years, both educating anglers and boaters to clean, drain, dry every time they are on the water as well as physically inspecting boats prior to and/or after loading.
Harrington says the winter season is upon us, but there are still opportunities to put the boats in the water. Regardless the time of year, he said individuals need to always remember to practice clean, drain, dry.
You can learn more about AIS by visiting SDLeastWanted.sd.gov.
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