A geographic footprint of boaters entering & departing Lake Powell: Aquatic nuisance species management: Potential distribution of the invasive zebra/quagga mussel into south western United States

Currently, transoceanic and intercontinental dispersal of the Zebra/Quagga mussel (and many other Aquatic Invasive Species) has already occurred. While there may be countless vectors of transportation for these species, it remains a fact that transient recreational boating is the primary mechanism of overland dispersal. This regional study is the current representation (2008) of the specific pattern of spread among waterbodies that will be experienced in the Southwestern region of the United States, should the Zebra/Quagga mussel show up via recreational boating. This study has fully examined the greater details involved in the travel and tourism of recreational boaters in SW US from the exquisite vantage point of Lake Powell. It has been determined that regional expansion of the Zebra/Quagga mussel will likely continue in the area due careless recreational boating practices. Without the knowledge of the spatial patterns of dispersal, regional non-indigenous species prevention and management strategies will be lost and the Colorado River will thus disperse the mussel throughout the entire region. With the combined efforts of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area prevention partners and the different jurisdictions commitment to funding enforcement, Lake Powell has become a major influence of knowledge and authority for other agencies who have only just begun to develop a defense plan. By and large, the results of this study represent the pervasive threat of a complete invasion that lingers over Lake Powell, the Colorado River Drainage Basin, and the entire region.