State Officials Issue Zebra Mussel Emergency

Boaters to face fines if they fail to drain, dry boat

State wildlife officials are requiring boaters to drain and dry their boats when leaving Lake Ray Roberts and Lewisville Lake.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued the emergency order to control the spread of zebra mussels.

Mike Wallace, who owns the Lake Ray Roberts Marina, is doing his part to control the spread of the invasive species. He said he knew it was only a matter of time before zebra mussels made their way to Lake Ray Roberts.

"When it (a boat) gets here, we take it directly from the truck, set it here, and it sits out of the water for a minimum of 14 days," he said.

In July, TPWD discovered zebra mussels in Lake Ray Roberts. Its emergency order includes Lewisville Lake even though zebra mussels have not been discovered there.

"They [Lewisville Lake] are immediately below Ray Roberts in the Trinity River System," said Chris True, Lake Ray Roberts park superintendent.

TPWD issued the same emergency order earlier this year at lake Texoma and Lake Lavon. Boaters on these bodies of water must also drain their boats before leaving.

Wallace said his preparations have worked so far. He said they have not seen any zebra mussels at his marina yet.

Contact Us