A Zebra Mussel INVASION 

Zebra mussels are the Genghis Khan of aquatic species. They are brutal invaders that quickly overwhelm lakes and ponds by killing off native species. It will take all of us together to prevent them from contaminating Stockbridge Bowl. Zebra mussels have been found in our neighborhood: Laurel Lake in Lee and the Housatonic River. New York state is heavily contaminated with them, including the Hudson River and Lake George. Lake Champlain (Vermont), and Twin Lakes (Connecticut) are also infested. Stockbridge Bowl could be next. Zebra mussels get from one body of water to another by traveling on our boats, kayaks, canoes, blowup boats, trailers and the like. They attach anywhere, inside or out, and stay there until we put our watercraft in elsewhere. Once zebra mussels are established in a body of water, there is little we can do to remove them. Our best strategy is to prevent the zebra mussel from getting into Stockbridge Bowl in the first place. There are four ways you can help. 

1. Do not put your boat into a body of water that is known or suspected to be infected with zebra mussels. 

2. If your watercraft has been in infected waters in the past week, bring it to the Washing Station for inspection and cleaning and then put your watercraft in at the boat ramp. (Inspection or not, you can always come to the Washing Station to get your boat clean. It’s a deal! Inspection and Washing Station1 is located at the Bat Ramp on Rte 183 (just south of Kripalu) Open from May 24 — October 14, Daily from 7am — 5pm. 

3. Tell your family, friends, visitors, tenants, and neighbors about the zebra mussel and how to keep it out of our precious lake. 

4. If you see someone coming to the lake with a watercraft on a trailer or roof rack, remind them to go first to the Washing Station. 

If you have any questions or suggestions about prevention, contact our Harbor Master, Gary Kleinerman: GaryK1SXA@gmail.com; 413-441-6244.