Clearwater Lake to host Chinese Mystery Snail Roundup on July 28
The Chinese Mystery Snail (Bellamya chinensis). (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife photo)
INDUSTRY - Collect snails, win fabulous prizes.
The Clearwater Lake Improvement Association is organizing a roundup of Chinese Mystery Snails, an invasive aquatic species that appeared in the lake roughly 15 years ago, according to Selectman Lee Ireland.
"They seem to be primarily in the southern end of the lake," Ireland said.
The species isn't native to Maine. It's believed the pesky mollusks first arrived in California markets as food in the late 19th century, and were subsequently introduced to different regions of the United States by people dumping aquariums into lakes and streams. Once introduced, the snails can catch a ride on boat hulls or bait buckets and spread rapidly. In addition to competing with native snails for food and space, the aquatic invaders can clog screens and pipes. They also can carry a number of non-native parasites.
Ireland said the association's roundup will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with a free lunch for participants from noon until 1 p.m. A weigh-in station at the head of the lake will be recording snail size and the total weight of all snails collected, with winning collectors receiving prizes.
Mainely Scuba of Wilton will be assisting the roundup, and contestants should bring goggles and snorkels if they have them, Ireland said. In Clearwater Lake, the Chinese Mystery Snails tend to be found in between knee-deep and 20 feet of water, Ireland said.
"We'll see how many we can get out of the lake," he said. "It should be a fun event."
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Since it has been an issue for 15 years, will this become a yearly event?
Excellent idea!
So, might the headline have read, "Seeking Snorkeling Snail Snaggers"?
Would the "free lunch" include snails? Just asking!
if it been 15years there why bother it now???
Will be fun...see you then with scuba gear!!!
The "Head" of a lake is where a major tributary enters the lake... The "Foot" of a lake is where water exits a lake; therefore, the area at the boat launch is the foot of the lake...Change the sign at the town office
Geologist.
It has been called the head of the lake since before you were born and it will still be called the head of the lake when you are back in whatever flat state you came from. :-)
If they eat Bladderwort dump them into Horseshoe Pond in Chesterville.