Game and Fish concerned about zebra mussel discovery in South Dakota

Pactola Reservoir nearest water to WY with invasive mussels ? CHEYENNE?-?The threat of zebra and quagga mussels to Wyoming?s waters is closer than ever before. Last week zebra mussels were discovered in Pactola Reservoir, located 13 miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota, in the Black Hills. The reservoir is only 27 miles from the Wyoming border and is a popular boating destination for Wyoming and South Dakota residents.? ? The westward expansion of invasive mussels is significant as Wyoming remains one of the few states yet to have the destructive species. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is concerned about the potential impacts the nearby zebra mussels could have on Wyoming, especially the inadvertent movement of invasive mussels into the state.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages and conserves more than 800 species of fish and wildlife across Wyoming. ?For nearly 120 years, we?ve carried out our mission to conserve wildlife and serve people. Through these efforts, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department ensures the public continues to enjoy Wyoming?s vast fish and wildlife resource ?through ?hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife watching and other forms of outdoor recreation. Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers contribute over a billion dollars to Wyoming?s economy each year.

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