Division of Boating and Waterways Offering Grants for Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Programs

For Immediate Release: 4/5/2023

Division of Boating and Waterways Offering Grants for Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Programs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) today announced the availability of grant funding to prevent the further spread of quagga and zebra mussels into California’s waterways. Funded by the California Boater Mussel Fee Sticker (popularly known as the Quagga sticker), the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation program expects to award up to $3 million to eligible applicants. Applications will be accepted from April 10-May 19, 2023.

Quagga and zebra (Dreissenid) mussels pose a serious threat to California’s waters and fisheries. The spread of these freshwater mussels threatens recreational boating and fishing, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, and the environment in general. A multi-agency partnership, including the California Departments of Fish and Wildlife, DBW, Water Resources, and Food and Agriculture as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and many local governments and water agencies, is in place to alert the public – and particularly boat owners – about the quagga and zebra mussel threat. The Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation program is an additional resource in the fight against these invasive aquatic species.

“Recreational boaters in California are fortunate to have access to a number of freshwater bodies,” said DBW Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “The presence of quagga and zebra mussels can negatively impact the ability for them to enjoy the outdoors. We encourage water body owners or managers to apply for the grant funding and protect California’s waterways and the ability for Californians to recreate in them.”

DBW provides grants to entities that own or manage any aspect of water in a reservoir that is open for public recreation and is mussel-free. Funds for the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation program are available for prevention projects such as planning, watercraft inspection stations and inspectors, launch monitors, watercraft decontamination units, educational signage, and outreach. These competitive grants are intended to augment local resources. To aid applicants through the application process, DBW will host a webinar on Thursday, April 13, 2023, where potential applicants can learn more about the application process and program. Visit DBW’s webpage for the webinar and application information.

Application review and scoring will be conducted by DBW, in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. DBW expects to notify applicants by September 2023 with these grants starting in October 2023.

To learn more about the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation program, please visit DBW’s website at dbw.ca.gov/QZGrant.

Top left: Quagga (left) and zebra mussel (right). Photo from Michigan Sea Grant. Top right: Mass of quagga mussels. Photo from Division of Boating and Waterways. Bottom left: Quagga mussels on a propeller. Photo from California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Bottom right: Zebra mussels inside a pipe.

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