Summit County Citizens Voice

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is stepping up boat inspections to prevent the spread of New Zealand mud snails.

Mandatory out-going boat inspections required at Eleven Mile Reservoir

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — After detecting two potentially destructive invasive species in Eleven Mile Reservoir, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will require mandatory inspections on all incoming and outgoing boats to try and prevent the New Zealand mud snails and Eurasian water milfoil (an aquatic plant) from spreading to other reservoirs.

“The major change for boaters is the requirement for mandatory outgoing boat inspections,” said Kevin Tobey, Eleven Mile State Park’s manager. “Nearly 75 percent of out-going boats already stop by for voluntary inspections when coming off the water and we’ll have staff available to ensure we get folks through as quickly and efficiently as possible. In most cases, outgoing boat inspections should not take any more time than incoming inspections.”

New Zealand mud snails feed primarily feed on algae and aquatic plants, and can crowd out other desired fish and invertebrate species. Eurasian water milfoil is an aggressive aquatic plant that out competes native plants and can form large strands on the surface of the water, which can entangle motors and degrade the quality of recreational boating opportunities.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff will also continue education efforts to remind anglers to clean and dry waders and other footwear when leaving because the tiny snails can live for days out of water and can survive on felt pads in waders or in grooves on boots or other shoes.

Anglers throughout Colorado should scrub footwear, including waders, to ensure New Zealand mud snails are not present, rinse them thoroughly with hot water, and let them dry completely before visiting the next body of water. Hot water or a 50:50 mixture of Formula 409 and clean water are also useful for cleaning waders or other gear.

Filed under: biodiversity, Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, Environment, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news Tagged: | Colorado parks and wildlife, Eleven Mile Reservoir boat inspections, Environment, invasive species, New Zealand mud snails, Summit County News