Zebra mussels confirmed at American Heroes Park Pond

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Bellevue’s American Heroes Park Pond on Sept. 8.

City of Bellevue park staff discovered the mussels earlier in the month during routine maintenance. Staff from both entities are working together on next steps and control measures.

The mussels likely were introduced during a flooding event.

“We never want to find zebra mussels in a new water body, but this detection is not unexpected given the pond’s proximity to the Missouri River,” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks aquatic invasive species program manager. “The risk of zebra mussels being spread from this location is low, given the pond’s restrictions on boating and paddle craft.”

Zebra mussels currently are found in Nebraska only within the Missouri River (including Lewis and Clark Lake), Lake Yankton, Offutt Base Lake, and Beaver Lake near Plattsmouth.

The Game and Parks AIS Program performs monthly water testing at more than 50 public water bodies and conducts watercraft inspections at several water bodies to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. The continued absence of zebra mussels from most Nebraska waters demonstrates the importance of prevention efforts by anglers, boaters and other water users.

“This detection is a reminder to the public to keep vigilant and to do your part to prevent invasive species spread,” Stahr said.

It is unlawful to release any aquatic species into a water body other than the one from which it was harvested. Anglers utilizing any water body should take care to properly dispose of bait by emptying buckets on land, away from water bodies or in a trash receptacle. Transporting water — even small amounts — from one water body to another can lead to an unintended introduction of aquatic invasive species. Bait buckets and all gear must be treated with the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol. This includes:

• Clean your watercraft, trailer, angling gear and other equipment. Remove all aquatic vegetation and animal species from your equipment. 
• Drain your watercraft at the ramp by removing the boat plug and draining all live wells and ballast tanks. 
• Dry your watercraft, trailer and other equipment for at least seven days before visiting another water body. 

Visit CleanDrainDry.org for more details on protocols and OutdoorNebraska.gov/Aquatic-Invasive-Species for information about invasive species in Nebraska.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected observations of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 402-471-7602 or at [email protected].