May 29, 2009 in Outdoors

Wildlife officers post busy holiday

Boaters touched by long arm of the law

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The primary target was exotic mussels that might attach to boats and be transported to Washington waters.

Washington Fish and Wildlife officers conducted several Aquatic Invasive Species and boating safety patrols during Memorial weekend.

The good news: None of the destructive mussels were found on about 130 boats checked, said Capt. Dan Rahn.

One of the check stations was set up at Fort Spokane on Saturday. Another checkpoint was set up at two boat launches on Long Lake near Nine Mile on Monday.

However, as the officers checked boating access sites, wildlife areas, conducted boat patrols, contacted more than 250 people, they also issued 55 citations and at least 50 warnings for a variety of violations in Spokane and Lincoln Counties.

Citations included fishing closed waters, fishing without a license, no lifejackets, expired vessel registrations, loaded firearm in a vehicle, drug and alcohol violations, no vehicle use permits, negligent driving.

A few people were booked on misdemeanor and felony warrants.

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