Man paddleboarding on Pineview Dam Photo: Kelly Wickens

PARK CITY, Utah — If you are headed out with your paddleboard in Utah, Utah DWR requires you to take the mussel awareness boater course. This is an annual course, and the requirement applies to residents and nonresidents. Once you get your license print it out or download it onto your cellphone to make sure you have it with you. You are also required to have a life jacket with you.

Free course is meant to protect Utah waters

Don’t get fooled by the word ‘boat’. Utah DWR’s slogan for this is “If it floats, it’s a boat.” Anyone who launches a boat or any other watercraft in Utah is required to take an annual mussel-aware boater course. This includes individuals with paddleboards, kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft. The course is free, online and takes less than 30 minutes. Once you complete it, you can download it to the same Utah DWR app that is used for fishing and hunting licenses. It takes 5 to 10 minutes for the system to update and show you the certificate you just earned.

Quagga and zebra mussels limited to Lake Powell in 2024

So far, the only body of water in Utah infected by quagga mussels is Lake Powell. However, they are present in all of Utah’s neighboring states. These invasive freshwater mollusks are native to Eurasia and pose a significant threat to Western aquatic ecosystems. The other invasive species to watch out for are zebra mussels. These are currently also limited to Lake Powell, but they were spotted during the last five years hitchhiking in moss balls shipped to Utah for use in aquariums.

Prepare your paddleboard for use in Utah

If you are bringing along your paddleboard from another state or country or have been at Lake Powell in the last 30 days, you have two options for decontamination prior to launch at any Utah waterbody.

Complete the full required clean, drain and dry process to eliminate all life stages of quagga mussels.
Obtain a professional decontamination.

There are over 40 inspection/decontamination stations located at various waterbodies and along highways throughout Utah including at Echo State Park, Rockport State Park and at Jordanelle State Park. Call before you head there for decontamination. Many of the decontamination stations are by appointment only. The decontamination provided by the State at these locations is free. Find a station near you.