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KY Fish and Wildlife asking water enthusiasts to 'clean, drain and dry'

Zebra mussels have the ability to clog water pipes and may be the worst of the invasive aquatic species in Kentucky, according to the state's aquatic nuisance species coordinator.
Jeffrey Herrod
/
KFWR
Zebra mussels have the ability to clog water pipes and may be the worst of the invasive aquatic species in Kentucky, according to the state's aquatic nuisance species coordinator.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ annual campaign to stop the spread of aquatic invasive plants and animals is underway. Jeffrey Herod is the state aquatic nuisance species coordinator.

“We're asking folks to basically clean their gear, drain it, dry it before uses between different locations. And this is all in an attempt to limit the spread and introduction of aquatic nuisance species.”

Herod spent part of last week collecting zebra mussels, which he said are probably the worst of them.

“This mussel attaches into water intake lines, so it impacts cooling for both boats and for power plants. It had a major impact on power generation in the Great Lakes.”

Herod said invasive plants like hydrilla and Eurasian milfoil also pose threats to native aquatic plants and animals.

KFWR "Clean, Drain and Dry"

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John McGary is a Lexington native and Navy veteran with three decades of radio, television and newspaper experience.
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