I am sure most of us were aware that there were certain counties where the boats have to be drained to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. This new proposal changes it to the entire state and has some new requirements for tournaments. Here is the web site to check out what the state wants to do now

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/feedback/public_comment/

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kill all the birds and it will slow down

This is one of those situations where the rule of unintended consequences could come into play. For example, I drain my livewells upon exiting the lake and hit my bilge pump to remove any water in the bilge. But we all know that there will still be a small amount of water left in the bilge that won't pump out. And even crawling under the boat and pulling the plug won't remove 100% of the bilge water from some boats.

They say you should wash your boat with hot water before heading out to another lake. I fish the same lake most of the time but yes I drain everything once I'm up on the ramp and out of everyone's way.

Since the only action imposed by TPWD is a hindrance to boaters I sent this comment for their consideration.

The state is highly concerned with the infection of zebra mussels on other bodies of water, and placing a burden on boat owners seems to be your answer. If your Agency cares to think about other means of spreading the mussel larva I hope it considers migrating water fowl.

I am sure your Agency biologists have seen the large herds of cormorants that have infested each and every lake in our state. I would hope your trained individuals would put some blame on these nuisance birds.

I would hope your Agency would allow for the total eradication of this migrating bird, this action would most likely have a better result in slowing the spread of mussels than enforcing the draining of water from boats.

Amen Brother!!

It's nearly impossible to get all the water out. Water will remain in the hoses and pumps.

I carry a sponge to wipe everything off because even when live well drain is open, a little water remains.

But I think it's a losing battle to stop the mussels, but maybe we can slow the spread down.