Results from a one-day sampling effort up and down the Colorado River last month lead to the discovery of multiple invasive adult zebra mussels. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has declared the Colorado infested from the confluence of the Eagle River down to the Utah border.
The mass sampling effort brought in over 70 people from various groups and partner agencies to assist CPW in testing roughly 200 locations. Multiple adult zebra mussels were found in Glenwood Canyon and a single mussel was also found near Rifle. Samples also turned up New Zealand mudsnails in the Roaring Fork River for the first time. These harmful gastropods are aggressive eaters and resistant to containment efforts, having already been found in the Colorado, Gunnison, and Eagle Rivers.
The discovery is a harsh blow to conservation efforts and state agencies, as the Colorado River is a crucial water source for seven states and millions of people. As these mussels are invasive, they face very little in the way of predators, leading to their overpopulation and clogged infrastructure.
The fight against Aquatic Nuisance Species has been going on for some time in our region, across the draining of Highline Lake last November to the treatment of an infested private lake in Eagle County over the summer. CPW says it will continue to sample through Thanksgiving, focusing its efforts on the Grand Valley.
Cleaning, draining, and drying boats and gear continue to be efficient and easy ways to stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species
Officials are reaching out to the public for assistance. Those who own a lake or pond that uses water from the Colorado or Grand Junction area canal systems can request a sampling by emailing Invasive.Species@state.co.us. Additionally, anyone who pulls water from the river and finds any evidence of mussels or clams can send photos to this email for identification. Be sure to include the location for follow-up surveying.
