Zebra Mussels detected in Lake Pueblo State Park
Recent sampling efforts between the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and Colorado State Parks personnel detected the presence zebra mussels at Lake Pueblo State Park. Two adult mussels and one immature specimen were found on substrate sampling gear, and the larva (veliger) was found by performing plankton tows. The samples were sent to a diagnostic laboratory to determine their identity.

CDOW and Parks personnel have been conducting field sampling efforts for several years to evaluate waters across Colorado for the presence of aquatic invasive species. These efforts are targeted toward locating and monitoring potential introductions of invasive species that can be environmentally and economically detrimental to the state, its wildlife and recreation resources.

Additional sampling at Lake Pueblo State Park to determine the degree of infestation and exact mussel species is planned for this winter and spring. State Parks and CDOW are planning a concerted effort to notify recreational users at Pueblo Reservoir, and other state parks, about the potential impacts of zebra mussels.

The Pueblo State Fish Hatchery, which receives its water supply from Pueblo Reservoir, will undergo an assessment regarding options to prevent the spread of adult mussels and/or veligers. Sampling inspections have been conducted to determine if zebra mussels or larvae are present in the hatchery unit, to date none have been detected. Pueblo Hatchery raises a variety of warm and cold water species of fish (walleye, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, wiper, rainbow, cutthroat X rainbow hybrid, and brown trout) and distributes these fish across the state each year. No fish are planned to be stocked from the Pueblo Hatchery until April this year. Effective water treatment options exist to eliminate zebra mussel adults and/or veligers prior to the fish being stocked.

All boaters and other water craft recreational users should take simple, precautionary steps – every time they go to a lake, river or stream.

Before leaving a lake or other waterway, always:

• CLEAN the hull of your boat.
• DRAIN the water from the boat, livewell and the lower unit of the engine.
• DRY the boat, fishing gear, and equipment.
• INSPECT all exposed surfaces.
• REMOVE all plant and animal material.

Update on Zebra Mussels: Click.......Lake Mead and Colorado River

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