Private boat ramps cloased at Quabbin

[wees]

State officials have decided to limit access of recreational boats at Quabbin Reservoir out of fears of spreading zebra mussels to the water supply. You can read about it here: '>http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/07/15/quabbin_reservoir_closed_to_boaters_amid_zebra_mussel_concerns/

Anyone know anymore about this? Apparently you can still rent boats at the public ramps. Has anyone been here recently? Did they let you bring your boat on the water?

[DnaDProBassShops]

I was there this past monday, but i rented a boat. they will let you rent theirs because their boats dont leave quabbin waters. I work for DCR and they say it is a serious matter so they wont let you bring any private boats in for a maximum of 45 days. I

I also heard that Quabbin Reservoir's calcium content is high, i guess thats a good defense against the zebra mussels.

[Thorsten]

I am not sure if I should bring my canoe then on my vacation to the Berkshires.  I might as well rent one while I'm there.

I have been trying to get through to the office of fishing and boat access to see if they are going to close things down, but have not been able to talk to a real person yet.  Any ideas on who I can call to see how serious they may be about shutting down access?  

[Thorsten]

I found a story on boston channel's website...I can't post a link (need to post 10 normal messages first)...So I copied the short article below.

It was from July 11:

LEE, Mass. -- The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game is taking emergency action to combat the spread of invasive zebra mussels.

The department on Friday authorized local officials in Berkshire County to bar the use of boat ramps that have been on Laurel Lake within the last 30 days, unless they have been subjected to vigorous cleaning and disinfection.

Zebra mussels, which choke off food for fish and can clog machinery and pipes, have been found in the lake, the first documented case in a Massachusetts body of water.

The mussels can spread when they attach to boats as well as fishing gear and diving equipment. They were discovered the Great Lakes about 20 years ago.

Massachusetts officials will host a public meeting at Pittsfield City Hall on Wednesday to raise public awareness.