Invasive mudsnails confirmed in Tonto Creek

Invasive mudsnails confirmed in Tonto Creek

Director's Orders (list of waters with aquatic invasive species) updated to include Tonto Creek; Tonto Creek Hatchery closed to public

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), in upper Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Tonto Creek Hatchery will remain closed to the public. This will provide the department with time to enhance biosecurity protocols and evaluate infrastructure investments that could further bolster biosecurity.

In response, Tonto Creek is now listed as an “Aquatic Invasive Species Affected Water” per Director’s Order 2, effective June 19, 2023. Director’s Orders are authorized by ARS §17-255.01, which include lists of aquatic invasive species and waters, and decontamination protocols. Anglers and others who recreate at Tonto Creek (i.e., hiking, camping, swimming, wading, equestrians, etc.) are now required by law to clean, drain, dry and decontaminate their equipment as prescribed in Director’s Order 3 before using another Arizona water, just as they are required to do so at other waters with New Zealand mudsnails or other AIS.

Other waters (in addition to Tonto Creek) confirmed as having New Zealand mudsnails are: Canyon Creek, Oak Creek, Verde River below Bartlett Dam, lower Salt River, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River from Davis Dam to I-40. All AIS-affected waters are listed in the Director’s Orders.

For details on how to decontaminate your waders, equipment, and gear, read the full article.

NOTE: Jim Strogen has a good article in the Payson Roundup about the Tonto Creek situation and offers some additional strategies to help slow the spread of mud snails in a stream known to have them.