The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation received a $144,500 Project Grant from the Bureau of Reclamation under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (CFDA 15.517) effective October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. The grant funds establishment of an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program designed to monitor and mitigate the threat of invasive mussels in Lake Roosevelt and Lake Rufus Woods. The primary deliverables include invasive mussel monitoring at 10 key locations utilizing multiple methodologies (substrate analysis, environmental DNA testing, veliger sampling, and water quality assessment); installation of two watercraft wash-down stations; placement of "Clean Drain Dry" signage at all tribal boat launches; and development and dissemination of public outreach materials via social media addressing the dangers of invasive mussels.
The funded activities support the tribal AIS team's participation in local and regional invasive mussel meetings and include funding for one full-time AIS biologist position. The intended beneficiaries are public users of the lakes and aquatic life in and around Lake Roosevelt and Lake Rufus Woods. No subawards were identified at the time of award. This grant aligns with the Bureau of Reclamation's broader mandate to improve fish and wildlife habitat associated with water systems affected by its projects.