You wake up early, load the raft, strap in the cooler and the dry bags, and make your way to your favorite whitewater stretch on a beautiful river in Colorado. The plan? A day of big water, warm sun, and a float with friends. But when you arrive at the access point, something’s changed. Sharp shells litter the shorelines. The fish and insect populations have declined. Access is limited. Signs are posted indicating the presence of aquatic nuisance species (ANS).
That “perfect day” on the river is no longer a guarantee.
Why river runners 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 raft, paddle, shoes or even the water in your raft.
- Force temporary or long-term lake and river closures, directly affecting access.
- Once established, these species are extremely difficult to eradicate. Prevention is our best option.
What you can do — every time you float
Whether you’re guiding a raft trip or just spending a casual day on the water, here are three actions that make a real difference:
Clean. Drain. Dry.
After any river trip:
- Clean your raft, dry bags, sandals, life jackets and any gear that contacted water. Use fresh water and scrub inside D-rings, seams, and floor folds.
- Drain all water — including inside your frame tubes, coolers or storage compartments.
- Dry everything thoroughly before launching in a new river or lake.
- Even a tablespoon of water left in a gear bin can carry microscopic invaders.
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.
Before or after your run:
- Stop at the gear-cleaning station and give your raft and gear a rinse.
- Follow the posted signage to ensure you’re cleaning effectively.
- Make this step part of your paddling routine.
- It only takes a few minutes, but it protects our rivers for future trips.
Be the eyes on the water
If you see any unusual plants or small creatures clinging to your boat, trailer, or the shoreline — report it to CPW immediately. Early detection can stop the spread before it starts.
Respect the river. Protect the future.
Everyone who recreates in Colorado shares responsibility for protecting Colorado’s waters. By cleaning your raft and using CPW’s cleaning stations, you’re not just following best practices — you’re helping to ensure that these rivers remain open, accessible, and healthy for everyone.
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.
Written by Travis Duncan. Travis is a public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Denver. Photos and video by Forrest Czarnecki