AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES THREAT NO. 1 PRIORITY FOR LAKE CHELAN

by Richard Uhlhorn

Of the 24 topics of concern over Lake Chelan’s continued quality, the threat of either Quagga, Zebra or Golden Mussels being introduced to Lake Chelan was named as the No.1 priority to prevent.

If even one of these three species were to be accidentally introduced to the watershed, the monetary damage would be huge. While there is some controversy over whether the conditions are available for them to actually survive Lake Chelan’s ecosystem, the concern is real.

Several agency heads have stated their concern.

Jake Yougren – Chelan Public Works Director
“The City of Chelan’s domestic water intake near the dam serves our entire community and is directly vulnerable to invasive mussel colonization. Mussels clog screens, pipes, and intake structures in ways that are costly to remediate and difficult to reverse. We already encounter invasive Asian clams (Corbicula Fluminea) in the reservoir we pump to, over a mile from the lake, creating ongoing maintenance demands.   These demands are relatively minor compared to those we would experience if Quagga, Zebra or Golden Mussels are introduced to Lake Chelan. Watercraft inspections represent a practical and cost-effective preventative measure that could help protect this critical public works infrastructure for years to come.”

Rod Anderson – Lake Chelan Reclamation District
“Preventing the spread of invasive mussels into Lake Chelan is the most effective strategy in protecting our amazing lake. Our District  could be greatly impacted by mussels as they clog screens, pipes, filters and our water intakes. These blockages can reduce efficiency and require very costly maintenance. We all need to be vigilant in our prevention efforts.

“Prevention is a way better solution,” stated Nate Hough-Snee. Nate has taken the lead on the AIS issue along with Stephen Lesky, Chelan County Natural Resource Department. Lesky is in charge of Lake Chelan’s voluntary boat inspection program.

“The best defense is a good offense,” said Snee.

The Voluntary Boat Inspection Program is the best defense Washington State, the Columbia River Basin and Lake Chelan have to keep these three mussels out of the state.

The first line of defense is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) who maintain boat inspection sites at entry points to the State. From that point it is up to the local jurisdictions to monitor the watercraft entering the watershed.

Lake Chelan’s program is currently voluntary and uses a mobile hot water system to sanitize any watercraft that has come from another body of water and hasn’t been cleaned. In addition to working all five public marinas on the lake, watercraft owners not being inspected are educated to the ongoing program. “Right now we are working at the public marinas,” said Lasky.

The group is working on future needs like mandatory boat inspections like the Lake Whatcom program that runs yearly. Another idea is to have inspection stations at point of entry to the Lake Chelan Valley.

“There are boats coming into Washington State and they are moving around a lot,” said Snee. “We need sustainability. If you want to be 100 percent effective, every boat needs to be inspected.”

Currently, the National Park Service and WDFW are helping fund the program and are giving program support. The Lake Chelan Reclamation District and Lake Chelan Research Institute are giving outreach and education to the public about the program.

In 2024, the program inspected 2830 vessels with the largest number being at Old Mill Bay marina with 1,187 boats inspected.

The program is currently being funded with $35,000 by WDFW and negotiations are ongoing with NPS for continued funding during the2026 season. The boat inspection program has $60,000 to operate with.

The next AIS meeting is on Wednesday, June 3 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Chelan Fire Station. The public is encouraged to attend. On June 4^th there will be a field trip. The final document on AIS is due by June 30.