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Hillsdale Reservoir users given impromptu education; no ANS found
PAOLA — On Saturday, June 19, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks staff conducted unannounced courtesy inspections of motor boats, sailboats, and other watercraft as visitors prepared to use them in Hillsdale Reservoir. The purpose was twofold — to make sure users had legally-required safety equipment and that they were taking precautions to prevent spread of harmful aquatic nuisance species (ANS) such as zebra mussels, white perch, Asian carp, and Eurasian watermilfoil (an invasive aquatic plant). More such inspections are planned throughout the summer in the Sunflower State. Across Kansas, boaters heading for a day at the lake may encounter boat inspectors checking for ANS and safety equipment in an effort to protect the state's aquatic resources and to keep Kansans safe.

For those who might have heard rumors about Zebra Mussels at Melvern, the following response was provided by Jason Goeckler of the KDWP.  Thanks to Jason not only for his hard work on the Invasive Species problem, but also in taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

Thank you for contacting the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks for information about the zebra mussel.  Zebra mussels pose a serious threat to our natural resources and way of life.  With their negative effects on fisheries, water quality, public safety (sharp shells that cut skin), and the expense to control in water treatment facilities or power plants, every Kansans is impacted when zebra mussels are spread.  You asked if the rumors you have heard about zebra mussels in Melvern are true.  No, we have not found zebra mussels in Melvern Reservoir. 

Salina man hauls fish from Milford Reservoir
PRATT — A new Kansas state record largemouth bass was caught in Milford Reservoir on April 4 and has been certified by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Frank Evans Jr., of Salina, took the trophy fish on a jerk bait about 1 p.m. Evans' catch continues a Salina-Milford connection for large smallmouth bass. The previous state record of 6.68 pounds was also taken from Milford by a Salina resident, Jason Heis, in August of 2004.