A concern around Bear Lake has been zebra and Quagga mussels. As you may have noticed, additional mandatory watercraft inspection stations have been set up around the lake on both the Utah and Idaho sides. Our lake has not yet been infected with these invasive species; however, nearby Lake Powell was recently identified as being infested with zebra and Quagga mussles, which heightened concern for our lake.
I once lived on a Midwestern lake infected with zebra mussels, and it was not pleasant. Aside from interrupting the natural food chain cycle, kids and dogs routinely sliced their feet and paws on the razor sharp shells. We all need to be aware of the risk zebra mussels present and do our part to ensure our lake remains uninfected. More information can be found at www.bearlakewatch.com or http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/Quagga_Zebra_Mussels.php
Utah and Idaho have enacted legislation that restricts how visitors launch watercraft and drive on the beach. Both states have initiated inspections and proof of inspection programs for watercraft. Our amenities board felt it is in the best interest of our beach to restrict vehicle usage and thereby eliminate the launching of watercraft since we lack the resources to police this activity. Added concerns relate to reduced visibility when pulling out of the beach and restricted parking have added to the concern with launching of watercraft at the beach site.
Accordingly, we are in the process of building a rock entrance that will restrict passage onto the beach to ATV/UTV vehicles only. Vehicle parking has always been limited at the beach area due to the very small area of land above high water mark that is available to us, less than .16 acre. So, please be considerate of others when parking next to the highway and of the limited visibility at the South corner. Also, please do not block the ATV/UTV entrance to the beach.
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