Wildife Survey & Photo Service
History of the New Zealand Mudsnail Infestation in Putah Creek
November 17, 2007 - NZMS Density remains high in some areas of Putah Creek
On November 17, 2007 we checked the density of the NZMS infestation at Fishing Access # 5. It remains high in some areas at over 100,000 per square meter.
June 2007 - Study begins on testing Copper Sulfate as control for NZMS in Putah South Canal
Image shows Brianne O'Rourke cleaning a "Putah Cone Cage" that holds New Zealand Mudsnails. This is part of the DFG study testing the effectiveness of copper sulfate in the Putah South Canal.
Ken had to develop monitoring techniques for Putah Creek.
Photogrammetric bricks are placed in the creek for a month then photographed for processing in PhotoShop.
The Putah Cone Trap: Developed by Ken Davis for use in deep areas and water conveyance systems. The cone is filled with substrate such as cobble.
We measured the number of NZMS on Willow roots. It was highly effective when compared to the dry weight of the root material.
March 21, 2005 - Mudsnails found in Putah South Canal.
Mudsnails found in the Putah South Canal near Olive School Road.
Biomonitoring Group initiated by Ken W. Davis and Dawn Calciano
California Fish & Game Commission closes Putah Creek to all fishing in Putah Creek
Glory Hole breaches and sends 16,000 cfs down Putah Creek
Putah Creek from the Highway 128 bridge on February 16, 2004 at about 50 CFS.
Same site at 14,000 CFS after the Glory Hole breached.
Emergency delineation funded by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation responded in three days to approve funding for an emergency delineation of the mudsnail population. Ken was already under contract with the Bureau for a project near Folsom which helped the quick approval.
November 16, 2003 - Granite Bay Flycasters posted Putah Creek
Granite Bay Flycasters spread the word and hung the New Zealand Mudsnail posters along Putah Creek.
CalTrout funded the New Zealand Mudsnail poster developed by Ken W. Davis
One call to CalTrout and they comitted $500 to the development and printing of a "Fishing Alert" poster for Putah Creek.
November 4, 2003 - New Zealand Mudsnail identification confirmed by CA Department of Fish & Game
Specimens of the snails were delivered to DFG the next morning.
October 31, 2003 - Ken Davis discovered New Zealand Mudsnails in Putah Creek
Ken was looking for an unusual stonefly at Fishing Access # 3 when he found a large number of tiny snails which he suspected were New Zealand Mudsnails. He was aware of the mudsnail introduction in the United States because of an article in American Angler Magazine warnng fly fishers of the snails.