New Zealand Mudsnail Rapid Response

Project Number

01.03.01.0042

Action Priority

Prevent, Control, or Eradicate Aquatic Invasive Species

Implementers

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team – Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Tahoe Water Suppliers Association, U.S. Forest Service - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center

Supporting Agencies

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Primary Contact

Emily Justice (ejustice@trpa.gov)

Stage

Implementation

Duration

2023 - 2025

Total Project Cost

$550,000

Funding Request

Aquatic Invasive Species Program Prevent, Control, or Eradicate Aquatic Invasive Species

On 9/6/2023, invasive New Zealand mudsnails (NZMS) were discovered in areas off the South Shore by divers conducting aquatic invasive plant monitoring. Following rapid response protocols under the federally approved Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan, TRPA convened an incident team comprised of staff from TRPA, Tahoe RCD, and partner experts and began rapid response actions: delineation, tracking spread, updating prevention procedures, expanded outreach and education, and researching management options. A technical advisory committee was formed to provide expertise. Actions to track and prevent spread have been incorporated into AIS program protocols.