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Kansas Boating Safety


Help Stop the Spread of Zebra Mussels

 

Index to Kansas  Regulations
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Age Restrictions
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Lifejackets
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Prohibited       Operation
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Restricted
Operation

diamond.gif (296 bytes) Mufflers
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Navigation Rules
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Diving, Snorkling
and Spearfishing

diamond.gif (296 bytes) Personal
Watercraft

diamond.gif (296 bytes)  Water Skiing
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Races &
Regattas

diamond.gif (296 bytes) Environmental Concerns
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Accident Reporting
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Boating While Intoxicated
diamond.gif (296 bytes)  Registration/
Documentation

diamond.gif (296 bytes) Kansas Boating Safety Contacts

diamond.gif (296 bytes) Clean Vessel Pumpout Stations
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
diamond.gif (296 bytes) Ship-to-Shore
Power Electrocution

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Zebra mussels are a non-indigenous aquatic species that were accidently introduced to North America in the 1980's. Since the mussel is not native to the North American continent, they have no natural enemies. As a result, their population growth is explosive. Their range will continue to expand naturally as flowing water carries their young to other waters.

The mussels are going damage to water supply plants, nuclear and electrical power plants. They are damaging the natural eco-system by eating the food native fish and mussels would eat, hence crowding out native populations. Recreational and commercial boating is affected as the mussels damage boats, fishing populations, and infrastructure.

Boaters are asked to help slow the spread by completing the following:

  • Remove any visible vegetation from items that were in the water. This includes the boat, propeller, trailer, and equipment.
  • Flush the engine cooling system, live wells, and bilge with hot water. (140 degrees for adults and 110 degrees for the young). Rinse any other areas that get wet.
  • Air dry the boat and other equipment for five days before using in waters that are unaffected.
  • Examine the boat exterior for mussels if it has been docked in infested waters. If the exterior of the boat has algae on it or feels gritty, your boat could be infested with mussels or their young. Clean with hot water, and dry for at least five days before putting the boat back in the water.
  • Do not reuse bait if exposed to infested waters.

Contact the New York Sea Grant for more information about zebra mussels. 614.292.8949. You can visit their web site at: http://cce.cornell.edu/seagrant/nansc/index.htm or visit The Exotic Species Information Center.

Recreational boaters who fish, water ski, race, operate personal watercraft, and SCUBA divers are apt to be in and out of multiple lakes (and sometime in a variety of states) in just a couple of days time. It is important that recreational boaters understand about zebra mussels to help slow the spread.

Back to Kansas Boating Home Page

 

Kansas and federal boating laws are presented in a summarized form. The laws in their entirety can be found by consulting Kansas State Law. These laws are subject to change. It is the responsibility of the operator to be aware of the most current laws when using a boat.

Certain bodies of water in Kansas may have local restrictions as to type and size of watercraft or motor horsepower, restricted use areas, boat speed, and times for use. Check with the local authorities for these additional restrictions.

 

Kansas Boating Education Coordinator
Kansas Wildlife and Parks

900 SW Jackson, Suite 502
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-2281

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Operations Office

512 SE 25th Ave.
Pratt, KS 67124
316-672-5911