State ANS boat inspection program deemed a success
In Jan. 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed zebra mussels had invaded Pueblo Reservoir.
Nine months later, four more reservoirs northwest of Denver also were found to be infected with the aquatic nuisance species.
The discovery prompted the Colorado General Assembly in February 2009 to pass legislation allowing Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement one of the nation’s most aggressive boat inspection programs in an effort to curb the spread of the clam-like animal, which can be detrimental not only to non-native lakes, streams and reservoirs, but to a municipality’s utility infrastructure as well.
Last month Parks and Wildlife released the results of its 2011 campaign which saw 420,000 boat inspections throughout the state. Only eight boats were found to be carrying ANS.
“Colorado boaters should be commended for their diligence in cleaning, draining and drying their boats in between each and every use,” Gene Seagle, ANS coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said in the release. “Every inspection contact with a boater includes education about ANS and the threat they pose to lakes, reservoirs, public water systems and boating in the state.”
According to a Parks and Wildlife news release, the number of contaminated boats has declined each year since the inspection program began in 2009. Parks and Wildlife inspectors decontaminated 19 vessels that year. It intercepted 14 in 2010.
The release also states none of the eight contaminated boats became contaminated in Colorado waters and all were decontaminated prior to launch in the state.
Boat inspections take place at 112 sites throughout Colorado, including Elkhead Reservoir, which straddles the border of Moffat and Routt counties.
Matt Schuler, senior ranger for Yampa River State Park and Elkhead Reservoir, said 3,000 boat inspections were conducted locally between May and October 2011. None of the boats were carrying ANS.
Quagga Mussels Cleaning Boat - News
Matt Schuler, senior ranger for Yampa River State Park and Elkhead Reservoir, about the Colorado State Parks boat inspection program to prevent the spread of ANS. In Jan. 2008, the US Geological Survey confirmed zebra mussels had invaded Pueblo
A few catfish were reported, but no panfish. Private boats must be inspected for zebra and quagga mussels. Boats with wet lower units will be turned away. For general lake and launch information, call 800-590-LAKE. For fishing and boat rental info call
John Wills of the Dickinson County Clean Water Alliance told Estherville Rotarians Thursday how they could help prevent invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil, zebra mussels and big-headed and silver carp from entering the Iowa Great Lakes.
including zebra and quagga mussel veligers, spiny and fishhook waterfleas, and viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Icing the day's catch makes it so anglers won't transport water and the organisms in it, while also improving table fare. Three clean boat
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