Aquatic nuisance species can damage boats and reduce recreational opportunities for boating! Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) pose a significant threat to Colorado’s water supply for boating and recreation and can cause costly damage to watercraft.
Before entering and when leaving any water body, always:
Inspect
Examine watercraft and remove any visible aquatic plants, animals and mud. Use the Report an Invader online form.
Clean
Thoroughly clean all parts of watercraft, gear and equipment. Aquatic plant fragments and animals can hide in mud and survive many days out of water. Be sure to clean all fishing equipment including waders and boots.
Drain
Completely drain every space or item that could hold water before leaving the water body.
Dry
Allow sufficient time for boats and other equipment to dry completely before launching into other waters.
Dispose
Properly dispose of unused live bait into trash containers, not into the water.
See the Mandatory Boat Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection and Decontamination and Clean, Drain and Dry Watercraft pages for important information.
Vessel-Specific Checklists include:
Non-motorized Watercraft
Canoes, rafts, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats, inflatables, sculls, and other non-motorized recreational watercraft also require proper treatment.
Clean straps, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving the water body.
Dry everything completely between each use and before storing.
Wear quick-dry footwear or bring a second pair of footwear with you when portaging between waterbodies.
Sailors
Clean centerboard, bilge board, wells, rudderpost, trailer and other equipment before leaving the water body.
Drain water from boat, motor, bilge, ballast, bladders, wells, and portable bait containers before leaving the water body.
Motorized Watercraft
Inspect and clean motor or engine, including the gimbal area; trailer, including axles, bunkers and rollers; anchors, dock lines, and equipment before leaving the water body.
Drain live wells, bait containers, ballast and bilge tanks, and engine cooling systems.
Jet Boats and Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
Clean hull, trailer, intake grate and steering nozzle, etc. before leaving the water access.
Run engine 5–10 seconds to blow out excess water and vegetation from internal drive before leaving the water body.
Find more guidelines, tips, videos and research on the
Resources page.
