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The Zebra Mussel
Volunteer Monitoring program uses sampling substrates for early detection of
zebra mussels. The substrates are simply a piece of PVC pipe with holes
drilled in it, mesh inside attached with a cable tie, two washers to weigh
down the pipe in the water, and a rope to attach to a dock.
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We also provide
monitoring protocols that tell the volunteer how best to attach the substrate
to their dock, how to check the substrate, and what to do if they find a
suspicious-looking critter. We ask volunteers to check the substrate once
each month. In general, monitoring takes about 20 minutes a month, depending
on travel time.
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The substrate is
actually one of the key elements of our education program. We ask volunteers
to talk to others about their monitoring activities and the need to protect
water bodies from invasive species like zebra mussels.
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