Watercraft Screenings at New Bullards Bar Reservoir Continue Through 2026 by Yuba Water Agency Nov 18, 2025 Member Submitted News MARYSVILLE – Yuba Water Agency will continue screening all motorized watercraft at New Bullards Bar Reservoir through 2026 in an effort to prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels to the Yuba River watershed. The decision follows successful implementation of the agency’s 2025 pilot screening program. Since the program launched August 18, Yuba Water has screened nearly 2,300 vessels for visible signs of mussels, aquatic vegetation, mud and standing water, and talked with hundreds of boaters about their recent activity and clean, drain and dry practices. Although 19 vessels visited Bullards Bar from confirmed mussel-positive waters, screeners have not found any evidence of golden mussels in their screenings so far. Other reservoirs in our region, however, have intercepted boats that could have transported mussels, if not for screening efforts. “These screenings have provided valuable data on where boats are coming from, how well visitors are following clean, drain, dry practices and helped us assess potential risks to our reservoir,” said Senior Environmental Specialist Jessica Nichols. “It’s been a really effective way to engage with boaters and people have been overwhelmingly supportive of our efforts. Boaters really seem to understand the risk and want to do their part to protect our waterways.” The screenings, which take an average of about five minutes each, also provided secondary benefits, including local seasonal jobs, enhanced security at Bullards Bar and more opportunities to educate boaters about clean, drain and dry practices and the importance of securing and/or covering tow chains to reduce wildfire risk. Yuba Water does not plan to implement a vessel tagging or banding program in 2026 due to the anticipated resources and staffing that it would require. Screenings remain free for all boaters. First detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in fall 2024, golden mussels have spread throughout California waterways and pose a serious ecological and economic threat, including to the Yuba River watershed. “Our most recent surveys and ongoing monitoring show Bullards Bar remains mussel-free, and we’re working hard to keep it that way,” Nichols said. “But we still need everyone to be vigilant to help prevent the spread of golden mussels and remember to clean, drain and dry boats, kayaks, fishing gear…anything that comes into contact with the water…every time.” More information on Yuba Water’s Invasive Mussel Prevention Program, including a new video encouraging all boaters to properly clean, drain and dry their vessels, is available at yubawater.org/invasives. Board approves City of Marysville Sponsorships Yuba Water’s board today also approved three sponsorships totaling $7,500, for major events put on by the City of Marysville – the annual Christmas Parade ($1,500), 4th of July Fireworks ($1,000) and Marysville Peach Festival ($5,000).
