June 17, 2021

Lake Brownwood, Medina Lake, and Inks Lake Now Fully “Infested” with Zebra Mussels

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has designated Lake Brownwood, Inks Lake, and Medina Lake in the Colorado and San Antonio River basins as ‘infested’ with invasive zebra mussels. Infested status signifies that there is an established, reproducing population of zebra mussels in the lake. The designation is a result of recent sampling efforts that revealed evidence that zebra mussels in Lake Brownwood and Medina Lake are now fully established and reproducing and detection of a new infestation in Inks Lake.

May 26, 2021

Boaters Urged to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” to Stop Invasive Species

AUSTIN – With Memorial Day and summertime temperatures is rapidly approaching, Texans will be getting out on the water.  Now more than ever, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging boaters and paddlers who hit the water this summer to do their part to fight back against aquatic invasive species, such as giant salvinia and zebra mussels, threatening Texas lakes.

May 14, 2021

National Invasive Species Awareness Week May 15-22 Brings Attention to Harmful, Non-Native Plants and Wildlife

AUSTIN – During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) May 15-22, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wants to help Texans learn more about how invasive species affect our state’s natural resources and how everyone can help in slowing their spread. In honor of NISAW, May 15 is also designated National Clean, Drain, Dry Day to promote boater behaviors to prevent the spread of invasive species.

April 27, 2021

Zebra Mussels Detected at Lake Brownwood

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has detected invasive zebra mussels at Lake Brownwood in the Colorado River Basin, southeast of Abilene. Zebra mussel larvae were detected in plankton samples collected at two sites approximately three miles apart at Lake Brownwood in November. This is the second lake in the Upper Colorado River Basin where zebra mussels have now been detected, which indicates this species is continuing to spread westward.

April 7, 2021

Texas Marks 5 Years of Enhanced Efforts Against Aquatic Invasive Species

AUSTIN – After five years of enhanced funding for efforts to protect lakes, rivers, water recreationists and industry from a host of non-native invasive species, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and its partners are reporting significant achievements. The TPWD is currently managing invasive aquatic plants on more than 50 water bodies around the state to enhance boater access along with actively monitoring for early detection of multiple species and implementing rapid response and eradication efforts where possible.

March 16, 2021

Zebra Mussels Detected at Medina Lake, Lake Placid Designated as “Infested”

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has detected invasive zebra mussels at Medina Lake and Lake Placid will be re-classified as “fully infested.” Infested status signifies that there is now evidence of an established, reproducing population of zebra mussels in the lake.

March 5, 2021

Invasive Zebra Mussels Found in Aquarium “Moss Ball” Product in Pet and Aquarium Supply Stores

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and other wildlife agencies around the country are urging stores who sell aquarium products to remove a “moss ball” aquarium plant product from their shelves and for customers to dispose of the contaminated product after invasive zebra mussels have been found hitchhiking on these products in states around the country, including Texas.

Jan. 21, 2021

Zebra Mussels Eradicated from Lake Waco in Central Texas

AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has determined that invasive zebra mussels have been successfully eradicated from Lake Waco in Central Texas, preventing property damage, protecting water supply infrastructure and avoiding harm to the aquatic ecosystem. The department emphasized the vital importance of continued help from boaters, marina operators and others to Clean, Drain and Dry boats before moving them and remain vigilant to stop the spread.

Dec. 17, 2020

Lake Buchanan Designated as “Infested” with Zebra Mussels

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has designated Lake Buchanan, located west of Burnet and north of Inks Lake in the Colorado River Basin, as “infested” with invasive zebra mussels. Infested status signifies that there is an established, reproducing population of zebra mussels in the lake. The designation is a result of recent sampling efforts that revealed new evidence of a reproducing population of zebra mussels in the lake.

Oct. 30, 2020

Giant Salvinia Detected on Lone Star Lake

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) discovered the presence of giant salvinia on Lone Star Lake during a recent fish population survey. This highly invasive plant is fast growing and can be a major threat to aquatic ecosystems.