Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) partnered with Tellico Plains High School to help stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Tennesseans love to spend time on the water; but the spread of harmful invasive, non-native plants, animals and other organisms threatens Tennessee's waterways. Aquatic invasive species such as didymo algae, fish lice and hydrilla, primarily spread by humans, not only impact recreational user’s access and enjoyment, but can also threaten the economy surrounding boating and fishing.
Nuisance species can hitch a ride on clothing, fishing gear and boats that haven’t been property cleaned, drained or dried. To help combat this, the Tellico Plains High School Carpentry Class recently constructed 10 cleaning stations that will make disinfecting fishing gear easy. These stations, which include brushes and tubs of disinfection solution, are being placed along various streams throughout the region. Anglers utilizing these cleaning stations will help stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
TWRA and partners will be maintaining gear cleaning stations on the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam and the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service will maintain gear cleaning stations at the North River Checking Station and Tellico Hatchery on the Tellico River. TWRA hopes to expand these stations to other streams in the near future.
“Recreational users of our aquatic resources are the first line of defense to stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species,” said Travis Scott, Tellico Hatchery manager.
Visit www.ProtectYourWaters.net for more information.