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Clean. Drain. Dry. Dispose.

Spread the word and help keep our lake protected from aquatic invasive species!!

What Are Aquatic Invasive Species?

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) (sometimes called exotic, invasive, nonindigenous or non-native) are aquatic organisms that invade ecosystems beyond their natural, historic range. Their presence may harm native ecosystems or commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on these ecosystems. They may even harm our health.

Unintentional introductions occur when invasive species are transferred accidentally. For instance, zebra mussels can be spread when ballast water used for ship stability is exchanged.
In fact, aquatic nuisance species can be spread many ways including ships, boats, barges, aquaculture, aquatic recreation (fishing, hunting, boating, diving, etc.), water gardening, seaplanes, connected waterways and many other pathways. Through these and other means, thousands of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species have been introduced into our country, costing us billions annually.




Lake McMurtry Aquatic Invasive Species

Several aquatic invasive species have been identified in our lake. It's up to us to help stop the spread of these invasive species to other bodies of water.

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Zebra Mussels
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  • Identification
Zebra mussels are small, fingernail-sized animals that attach to solid surfaces in water. Adults are 1/4 to 1-1/2 inches long and have D-shaped shells, often with alternating yellow and brownish colored stripes. Female zebra mussels can produce 100,000 to 500,000 eggs per year. These develop into microscopic, free-living larvae (called "veligers") that begin to form shells. After two to three weeks, the microscopic veligers settle and attach to any firm surface using tiny fibers called "byssal threads." Zebra mussels are native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia and were brought over to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of ships. Populations of zebra mussels were first discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988.

Impacts
Zebra mussels can be a costly problem for cities and power plants when they clog water intakes. Zebra mussels also cause problems for lakeshore residents and recreationists; for example, they can:
  • attach to boat motors and boat hulls, reducing performance and efficiency,
  • attach to rocks, swim rafts and ladders where swimmers can cut their feet on the mussel shells, and
  • clog irrigation intakes and other pipes.
Zebra mussels also can impact the environment of lakes and rivers where they live. They eat tiny food particles that they filter out of the water, which can reduce available food for larval fish and other animals, and cause aquatic vegetation to grow as a result of increased water clarity. Zebra mussels can also attach to and smother native mussels.




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Nearby Species Threatening Lake McMurtry

Yellow floating heart has been identified at nearby water bodies, such as Lake Carl Blackwell, and are threatening to infiltrate Lake McMurtry. It's extremely important for boaters coming from Lake Carl Blackwell and going to Lake McMurtry to follow the boat washing guidelines listed below.
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Yellow Floating Heart

​Identification
Stem/Roots: Nymphoides peltata is a rooted, perennial species with long branched stolons (up to 2 meters) that lie just below the water surface. Multi-leaved "plantlets" are produced at the nodes along with roots.

Leaves: Leaves are floating, round to heart-shaped (cordate) (3-12 cm in diameter) which resemble those of waterlilies (Godfrey and Wooten 1981; Newman 2000). Leaves are green to yellow-green and have slightly wavy margins. Undersides of leaves are often purple. 

Flowers: Two to five bright yellow, five-petaled flowers (2-4 cm in diameter) arise from each node as simple umbels with shallowly fringed petals borne above the water surface. Plants flower between May and October depending on water temperature. 

Fruit/Seeds: Each flower produces one beaked capsule (2.5 cm), dispersing few to many smooth, flat, shiny seeds with margins of stiff hairs 



Impacts
Nymphoides peltata can form dense floating mats of vegetation that block sunlight from reaching native plants and algae. Depending on the extent of the yellow floating heart population, the algae population could decline and disrupt the food web.
The reduction in native plant species degrades the habitat and may reduce access to food for fish and wildlife. If the population of yellow floating heart is large enough, fish and other wildlife may be forced to relocate. Dense stands of N. peltata can cause slow-moving water to become stagnant and the water beneath the mats to have a low oxygen concentration. Dense surface mats of N. peltata can hinder the air exchange between the water’s surface and the atmosphere. These areas of stagnant waters can be an ideal location for mosquitos to breed.





How You Can Help?

Lake McMurtry Is equipped with boat washing station in both recreation areas.
​Follow directional signage.

Clean. Drain. Dry. Dispose.

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CLEAN off  visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access
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DRAIN watercraft bilge, livewell, motor and other water containing devices before leaving water access.
​

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DRY everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.
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​

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DISPOSE of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. When keeping live bait, drain bait containers and replace with spring or dechlorinated tap water. Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another.
​

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • History
    • Our People
    • Board of Directors
  • Get Involved
    • Partners
    • Employment
    • Volunteer
  • Park Information
    • Park Fees
    • Directions
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Maps >
      • Google Maps
      • Disc Golf Course Maps
      • Fishing Attractors
      • East Recreation Map
      • West Recreation Map
      • East Trail Maps
      • West Trail Maps
      • MTB Project
    • Wildlife Information >
      • Bird Diversity
      • Invasive Species
  • Things To Do
    • Activities >
      • Camping
      • Disc Golf
      • Fishing
      • Mtn Biking & Hiking Trails
      • Kayak & S.U.P. Rentals
      • Nancy's Playground
    • Programs >
      • Ride to Thrive
      • Adventure Camp
      • Backpacking Clinic
      • Basic Kayaking Class
      • Mountain Biking Basics
      • Tent Camping with Kids
    • Events >
      • Steak at the Lake
      • Chili Bike
      • Orange Dirt Trail Series
      • Lights on the Lake
    • Visit Stillwater
  • Reservations
    • Day Permit
    • Rv & Tent
    • Primitive Campsites
  • Annual Membership
    • E- Gift Card
  • Contact
  • Donate