Slug: BC-CNS-Quagga-Law-Box,185
With: BC-CNS-Quagga-Law

By Cronkite News Service

The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers these tips to help boaters avoid spreading quagga mussels:

_ Drain water from boat motor, livewell and bilge on land before leaving the lake;

_ Flush motor and bilges with hot, soapy water or a 5 percent solution of household bleach;

_ Inspect vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels;

_ Feel hull for rough or gritty spots, which may be young mussels;

_ Wash hull equipment, bilge and any other exposed surface with hot, soapy water or use a 5 percent solution of household bleach;

_ Clean and wash trailer, truck and any other equipment that comes in contact with lake water;

_ Air-dry boat and other equipment at least five days before launching in another waterway;

_ Remove mud and vegetation from boat or trailer;

_ Do not reuse bait that has been in the water;

_ Clean diving and fishing gear with hot water (140 degrees) or a soak in warm saltwater (1/2 cup of iodized salt per gallon of water) and air-dry;

_ Consult the Game and Fish Web site, www.azgfd.gov, for more information.