Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials issue order to curb invasive golden mussels
The order comes about a year after the species was first discovered in North America. The mussels have caused significant damage since then.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials have enacted a forest order to prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels.
The order prohibits the “possession and transportation of golden mussels, zebra mussels and quagga mussels to five lakes within the forest,” according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service press release.
Native to Southeast Asia and China, golden mussels were first discovered in North America in the Bay-Delta near Stockton in October 2024, and they were suspected to have arrived on a commercial ship. The invasive species can spread rapidly once established, significantly damaging surrounding ecosystems, infrastructure, agriculture and economies.
The press release explains that the order affects areas below the high-water mark of Shasta, Lewiston and Trinity Lakes and Iron Canyon and McCloud Reservoirs, as well as any boat ramp that provides access to these bodies of water. The order was put into effect on Dec. 4, and it will remain through Dec. 4, 2027.
Violators of the order may receive a fine up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The press release states that the invasive zebra and quagga mussels can create similar problems as the golden mussels.
To prevent the unintentional spread of invasive mussels, the Forest Service recommends cleaning, draining and drying all equipment and watercraft before and entering a body of water, contacting the waterbody’s officials before visiting to learn about launching requirements and purchasing the Mussel Fee Sticker, which is required for all motorized watercraft that operate in freshwater.
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