Summary
Keep Colorado paddle-ready: Help stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species
Imagine heading out to put your kayak into a beautiful mountain lake or planning a weekend of paddling the swift currents of a river in Colorado, only to discover that this lake or river has been forever changed. Colorado’s waters could be at risk — not just from drought or pollution, but from something much smaller: aquatic nuisance species (ANS).
In late 2022, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) found adult zebra mussels in Highline Lake. By mid-2024, the situation worsened: veligers (larval mussels) were confirmed in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal. The result? A drained lake, restricted access and disrupted habitats — a stark warning for everyone who treasures time on the water.
Why paddlers should care
ANS like zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, eurasian watermilfoil and rusty crayfish spread easily and cause lasting harm to the places we love to paddle. These invaders can:
- Damage infrastructure by clogging pumps, irrigation lines and intake systems.
- Deplete native fish and wildlife habitats, making the ecosystem less resilient.
- Spread silently, hitching a ride on the body of your kayak, paddle, shoes or even the water in your kayak.
- Force temporary or long-term lake and river closures, directly affecting paddling access.
Once established, these species are extremely difficult to eradicate. Prevention is our best option.
What you can do — every time you paddle
As a member of Colorado’s paddling community, your actions can help prevent further spread. Start with these simple habits:
Clean. Drain. Dry.
After leaving any body of water:
- Clean your kayak, paddles, life jackets and gear with fresh water — especially crevices and storage areas.
- Drain any water from hatches or other interior compartments.
- Dry your equipment completely before heading to a new waterway.
Plan ahead
- Check CPW’s cleaning station map before your trip.
- Build a few extra minutes into your trip to use on-site cleaning resources when available.
Stay observant
- If you spot suspicious plants or animals on your boat or in the water, report it to CPW.
Leave No Trace … even on the water
Just like hikers and campers, paddlers can follow Leave No Trace ethics. That means:
- Know before you go — learn the regulations and risks at your destination.
- Respect wildlife and avoid paddling through dense aquatic vegetation, where invasive species often lurk.
- Minimize transport of water and mud between different lakes or rivers.
Keep your waters wild and your paddles clean
Every time you rinse off your gear or dry out your kayak, you’re making a difference. You’re protecting not just your next paddle — but the health of Colorado’s watersheds.
By taking these small but essential steps, you’ll be keeping your gear in good shape and safeguarding Colorado’s rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the future of fishing in our state. For more information about ANS and threats to Colorado waters, visit CPW’s website.
Taking your boat?
CPW’s Commission passed regulations requiring mandatory watercraft inspection and, when necessary, decontamination of all boats coming in from out of state, leaving known positive waters in Colorado, and entering a high-risk water where inspections and decontaminations are required by the managing agency. These rules have set the standard for watercraft inspection, decontamination, impoundment, sampling, monitoring, identification and reporting. Find a Colorado Boat Inspection Station near you.
View the Colorado Boat Inspection Station map.
Written by Travis Duncan. Travis is a public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Denver.