Fingernail sized Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels were first found in the United States only recently in 1988 in the Great Lakes area. Since then, major waterways and commercial ships have spread it quickly. Now, recreational boats have also carried it to various areas all over the country.
In an effort to keep this invasive species from lakes in Colorado, make lakes have adopted strict measures to prevent boats from spreading the Zebra Mussels. This hardy species is able to survive in the water carrying parts of boats, such as the motor parts, pumps, live wells, or ballasts. They can even live out of water if the area they are in is damp enough. Therefore, many lakes in Colorado are inspecting, cleaning, and sometimes quarantining boats before being allowed to enter lakes. So, plan ahead by contacting DOW (Colorado Department of Wildlife) or checking available lists of lakes with inspections.
The damage from this aquatic species is tremendous as it takes it's toll on drinking systems and power plants by clogging filters, intakes, and outlets as it grows thick. However, there are many ways to safeguard and do our parts to not spread Zebra Mussels, but the easiest is just to stay clean. For example, it is good to know that even wading in one lake and then into another without proper cleaning of shoes or waders, can contaminate another lake. Just like boats, any 'wet gear' should be washed immediately after use and dried. This applies to boat hulls, decks, motors, live wells, and kayak/canoe interiors.
Here is some good news...Tuesday of this week on September 8th, Antero Reservoir will be closed to boating as the state employees managing the mussel inspection program take their required furlough days. However, all non-motorized craft are allowed along with shore fishermen. This means if you have a canoe, kayak, or belly-boat and have just dreamed of the day when all the big wake machines are silent...pack it up, your day has arrived. It's on Tuesday at Antero Reservoir, a lake that has continued to produce large fish all this year.
The official handbook for Colorado Department of Natural Resources ANS (Aquatic Nuisance Species) Watercraft Inspections, can be found here- ANS.
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