Final Arkansas River float is Wednesday

The Arkansas River Coalition will hold its final twilight float of 2014 on Wednesday evening. The group dedicated to preserving and protecting the Arkansas River and its tributaries holds the floats monthly through the spring and summer as a way to gather new members and increase interest in the waterways. They will host some weekend floats throughout the fall and winter.

Those interested are asked to gather at 5 p.m. near the bridge over the Little Arkansas River at 12th and Bitting Street. The float will end near sunset at South Riverside Park.

With enough notice, the group can furnish all equipment. The cost is free, though donations are encouraged.

For more information call 316-684-0730 or wallyseibel@aol.com. For general information www.arkrivercoalition.org.

Zebra mussels at Pomona – State officials have found zebra mussels at Pomona Reservoir, about 25 miles south of Topeka. It’s the 23rd body of water in Kansas to become home to the invasive species that can out-compete native aquatic species and cause serious damage to water intake structures and boats. Zebra mussels are sharp and coat shorelines, posing a danger to humans and pets wading and swimming near shore.

Zebra mussels, native to Europe, were first documented in the U.S. in the late 1980s, where they were probably transported in the ballast water of large ships. The first zebra mussels were found in Kansas at El Dorado Reservoir in 2003, and have since been found at most local reservoirs and public lakes.

For information on how to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, go to www.protectkswaters.org.

This story was originally published October 5, 2014 at 8:44 AM with the headline "Final Arkansas River float is Wednesday."