Conservation​

Invasive Species

Zebra and Quagga Mussels

Zebra and Quagga Mussels are freshwater, bivalve mollusks that typically have a dark and white (zebra-like) pattern on their shells. They are alien to North America. They are usually about an inch or less long.

Zebra and Quagga Mussels have invaded many of our waters, mostly east of the 100th Meridian. Now, however they are currently being found in numerous bodies of water in Colorado and other western states.

For further information, visit:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Invasive Mussels
100th Meridian Initiative
 PictureQuagga
    
Boat Inspections

Cleaning Tips

​To prevent contamination of new waters, always clean & sanitize wading, fishing and boating equipment before going to another body of water. We will not know a river is contaminated until MONTHS OR YEARS after it is infested. Thus assume that the body of water you are leaving is contaminated with some unknown invasive species. Before leaving a lake or other waterway, boaters should:​​
  • ​​clean the hull of their boat
  • drain the water from the boat, live well and the lower unit of the engine
  • dry the boat, fishing gear, and equipment
  • inspect all exposed surfaces
  • remove all plant and animal material