What we do and why
The Aquatic Invasive Species Program is committed to preventing the spread/ introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species to the waters of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation.
The aquatic invasive species program conducts boat inspections at the Watercraft Inspection Station at the corner of Sutcliffe Drive and SR-445 in Sutcliffe NV. The inspections are intended not only to reduce the risk of invasive species introduction, but also to educate boaters on proper Clean, Drain, and Dry procedures. Boaters travelling from infested water bodies can be unknowingly harboring aquatic invasive species in even the smallest amount of standing water!
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribes aquatic invasive species program also conducts sampling and monitoring for aquatic invasive species throughout the lower Truckee River within the Reservation boundaries, and Pyramid Lake itself.
Watercraft Inspections
Protecting Pyramid Lake
Aquatic Invasive Species can be unknowingly spread from one water body to another via overland transport of boats, personal watercraft, and other vectors such as fishing gear, PFD's, water toys and much more.
Once an invasive species becomes established, eradication is often not possible, and the cost of management can be incredibly expensive.
Therefore prevention is the best method!
Sampling and monitoring
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribes Aquatic Invasive Species Program does more than boat inspections
Every year the program conducts aquatic invasive species surveys in the lower Truckee river within the reservation boundaries and in the lake proper.
This is an important task to monitor existing aquatic invasive species in the river, and to identify any potential new invasive species in the lake.
Additionally, every year artificial substrate samplers are deployed (submerged) at various sites in the lake and river. Artificial substrate samplers are made using PVC and rope. They provide a standard substrate or surface that becomes habitat for various aquatic invertebrate communities. The samplers are then checked regularly throughout the season for any aquatic invasive species.
So far our beautiful lake remains free of aquatic invasive species! We need everyone’s help and cooperation to keep it that way!
Impacts of Invasive Species
Aquatic Invasive Species can be harmful to the ecology, economy, and human health.
Aquatic Invasive Species
often prey upon, or compete with native species for resources, transform habitat characteristics (degrade fish spawning habitat), alter food web dynamics, and can introduce diseases and parasites.
Aquatic invasive species can also ruin fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities as well as result in expensive management practices to try and control rapidly growing populations.
