CPW resumes ANS sampling efforts in the Colorado River
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has begun aquatic nuisance species (ANS) sampling efforts on the Colorado River for 2025. Shoreline and water sampling will be conducted weekly along sections of the Colorado River between Glenwood Springs and the Colorado/Utah border as part of increased sampling efforts after the discovery of zebra mussel veligers in the river in July 2024.
CPW ANS technicians will utilize different techniques to survey for invasive mussels, each targeting a different life stage of the species. Plankton tows use a fine mesh net to filter plankton from the water in slow-moving areas of the river. The filtered water samples are then sent to the ANS lab in Denver, where they are evaluated using cross-polarized light microscopy for the presence of mussel veligers. Additionally, CPW ANS technicians will conduct shoreline surveys by inspecting rocks and other hard surfaces where zebra mussels may attach.
In addition to increased sampling, CPW ANS technicians, wildlife officers and state park staff will continue increased education efforts through the summer months at boat launches between Palisade and Loma.
CPW staff will continue working closely with our partners at the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Grand Valley Water Users Association on sampling efforts in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal as we learn more about the extent of zebra mussel invasions in these locations and educate the public on prevention.
Be a pain in the ANS: Clean, Drain and Dry your vessels and gear
Everyone has a part to play in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species in Colorado. Simple actions, like cleaning, draining and drying your motorized and hand-launched vessels - including paddleboards and kayaks - can significantly protect Colorado's waters. These steps are crucial in helping to prevent situations similar to the recent one at Highline Lake.
Anglers are also encouraged to keep their angling gear free of mud and plants between each and every use. By cleaning, draining and drying your angling gear, you can prevent unknowingly moving a species from one body of water to another or even between different stretches of the same river, which can cause a domino effect of invasion with irreversible ecological damage.
"When we think of ANS prevention, we often only think about motorized boats and forget about other ways invasive species can be introduced or spread," said Robert Walters, CPW's Invasive Species Program Manager. "However, nonmotorized or hand-launched watercraft users, anglers and hunters all play a part in preventing the spread of invasive species. By taking the extra time to complete a few simple steps, you can help prevent zebra mussels, or any other invasive species, from spreading to other bodies of water throughout Colorado."
Learn more about how you can prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species and tips to properly clean, drain and dry your boating and fishing gear by visiting the CPW website here: [log in for link]
Tips for anglers and a map of CPW's new gear and watercraft cleaning stations are available here: [log in for link]
Photo courtesy of CPW: CPW ANS Technician tosses a plankton tow into the Colorado River during sampling efforts on Sept. 4, 2024
CPW ANS technicians will utilize different techniques to survey for invasive mussels, each targeting a different life stage of the species. Plankton tows use a fine mesh net to filter plankton from the water in slow-moving areas of the river. The filtered water samples are then sent to the ANS lab in Denver, where they are evaluated using cross-polarized light microscopy for the presence of mussel veligers. Additionally, CPW ANS technicians will conduct shoreline surveys by inspecting rocks and other hard surfaces where zebra mussels may attach.
In addition to increased sampling, CPW ANS technicians, wildlife officers and state park staff will continue increased education efforts through the summer months at boat launches between Palisade and Loma.
CPW staff will continue working closely with our partners at the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Grand Valley Water Users Association on sampling efforts in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal as we learn more about the extent of zebra mussel invasions in these locations and educate the public on prevention.
Be a pain in the ANS: Clean, Drain and Dry your vessels and gear
Everyone has a part to play in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species in Colorado. Simple actions, like cleaning, draining and drying your motorized and hand-launched vessels - including paddleboards and kayaks - can significantly protect Colorado's waters. These steps are crucial in helping to prevent situations similar to the recent one at Highline Lake.
Anglers are also encouraged to keep their angling gear free of mud and plants between each and every use. By cleaning, draining and drying your angling gear, you can prevent unknowingly moving a species from one body of water to another or even between different stretches of the same river, which can cause a domino effect of invasion with irreversible ecological damage.
"When we think of ANS prevention, we often only think about motorized boats and forget about other ways invasive species can be introduced or spread," said Robert Walters, CPW's Invasive Species Program Manager. "However, nonmotorized or hand-launched watercraft users, anglers and hunters all play a part in preventing the spread of invasive species. By taking the extra time to complete a few simple steps, you can help prevent zebra mussels, or any other invasive species, from spreading to other bodies of water throughout Colorado."
Learn more about how you can prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species and tips to properly clean, drain and dry your boating and fishing gear by visiting the CPW website here: [log in for link]
Tips for anglers and a map of CPW's new gear and watercraft cleaning stations are available here: [log in for link]
Photo courtesy of CPW: CPW ANS Technician tosses a plankton tow into the Colorado River during sampling efforts on Sept. 4, 2024
