DOW offers boat inspection training at Ruedi

6/26/2009

PRESS RELEASE
6/22/09

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering a training in watercraft inspection and decontamination at the Aspen Yacht Club at Ruedi Reservoir on Monday, June 29th and Tuesday, June 30th. The 1 ½ day training is designed to provide boaters and reservoir managers with the expertise to detect and prevent zebra and quagga mussel infestation of lakes and streams. Zebra and Quagga mussels are invasive freshwater shellfish that reproduce quickly and can do significant damage to water resources, fisheries, boats and underwater machinery such as reservoir outlet works, hydropower facilities and boating infrastructure. The objective of the training is to prevent zebra and quagga mussel infestation of Ruedi Reservoir by providing local citizens and boaters with the information necessary to inspect their own boats and others. The training is also aimed at identifying persons who may be interested in staffing an inspection program for all boats on Ruedi . The potential for such a program is currently being investigated by the Ruedi Water and Power Authority in cooperation with other state and local agencies.
The training is free of charge and will be conducted by Elizabeth Brown, the Invasive Species coordinator for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Aspen Yacht Club is located approximately 18 miles east of Basalt on the Fryingpan Road. Signs along the Fryingpan Road will indicate the turnoff to the Yacht Club. The Monday session will run from 9 AM until 4 PM and participants are urged to bring their own lunch. The Tuesday session will run from 9 AM until 12 Noon. Light refreshments and drinks will be provided. Attendance is limited to 20, so reservations are necessary. For more information and to reserve a place, please contact Mark Fuller, (970) 963-4959, fulcon@comcast.net, or Elizabeth Brown, 303-291-7362 elizabeth.brown@state.co.us , by 12 noon on Friday, June 26th. For more information on zebra and quagga mussels, visit the Division of Wildlife website, http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/InvasiveSpecies/ZebraandQuaggaMussels.htm.

Mark Fuller, Directory
Ruedi Water and Power Authority
963-4959