Zebra mussels found in New Mexico lake

June 7, 2011:  This from Amy Ryel, Colorado Division of Wildlife: 

Sumner Lake in southeastern New Mexico will be temporarily closed to boating after Quagga mussel larva were discovered in the lake's water.

State parks officials say the mussels can destroy drinking water infrastructure, and they want to prevent the spread of the invasive species to other bodies of water.  Sumner Lake State Park will remain open, according to officials.  Sumner Lake is the first body of water in New Mexico to see Quagga mussels, although some lakes in adjacent states including Colorado have the mussels.
State parks officials will be out at all lakes across the state, spot checking boats for zebra and Quagga mussels to prevent species from spreading.  The mussels clog pipes, pumps and water cooling intake valves on engines, according to the State Parks Division.