More money for mussels

The B.C. government is flexing its financial muscle in the ongoing battle against quagga and zebra mussels.

On Wednesday, Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster announced the Liberal government was providing $2 million to set up eight permanent inspection stations at major border crossings with the U.S. and Alberta.

Foster said five of those stations will be on the B.C.-Alberta border.

The stations will be manned by 32 conservation officers 10 hours a day, seven days a week from April through October.

An additional six mobile decontamination units are also being added. As well, the eight inspection stations have the ability to become mobile and could travel to locations where a watercraft in need of decontamination is being detained.

Quagga and zebra mussels pose a serious threat to B.C.'s aquatic ecosystems, salmon populations, hydro power stations and other infrastructure facilities.

“Our lakes, rivers and ecosystems are crucial to so many aspects of life in the North Okanagan,” said Foster, adding the program will help keep the destructive mussels out of area waterways.

Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund said anything that is being done to protect area waterways is a welcome addition.