PublicationsHelp prevent the spread of ANS
|
 |
Boater’s Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspections
Preventing the introduction and spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) is critical to protecting water resources! ANS are a significant and rapidly growing threat to Colorado’s water supply and to boating and fishing recreation. ANS are invasive animals, plants, and disease-causing pathogens that are “out of place” in Colorado’s reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands.
Learn more.
|
 |
Protect Colorado's Land and Waters Invasive species are plants, animals, insects or diseases that are not native to Colorado and have harmful negative effects on the economy and environment. They are introduced accidentally or intentionally outside of their native range. Learn how you can stop invasive species.
|
 | Tips for Boats with Ballast Tanks
Some wakeboard boats, ski boats, and sailboats have ballast tanks which are filled with water to stabilize the boat and allow them to ride lower in the water. Many ballast tanks can’t be
visually checked, and many cannot be fully drained. Even a few gallons of water from another reservoir could contain thousands to millions of microscopic zebra or quagga mussel larvae or other Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)!
|
 |
Tips for an Easy Boat Inspection
Learn how boaters can prepare for inspections.
|
 | How Anglers Can Help
Unknowingly moving a species from one body of water to another, even within different stretches of the same river, can start a domino effect of invasion, causing irreversible ecological damage. It is especially important to keep waders clean. |
 |
Tips for Handling Live Aquatic Bait
Live aquatic bait can ruin fishing and introduce diseases to the fish already in the lake. Anglers and boaters must take care not to move plants, animals, or water to a new lake or stream. |
 | How Scuba Divers Can Help
Divers can unintentionally spread freshwater aquatic nuisance species (ANS) from one body of water to another on their scuba diving gear. Some ANS larvae are invisible to the naked eye and can survive hours to weeks on wet scuba gear or in water inside equipment. Learn how you can help prevent the spread of ANS when you scuba dive. |
 | ANS Feature in Colorado Reader
View the interactive resource to learn more about ANS and its effects on Colorado. |
 | For Kids: Denver Post ANS Cartoon
The Denver Post published an educational cartoon about preventing the spread of ANS! |
 |
We're All in This Together!
Western states stand together in the effort to stop the spread of ANS. |
For Inspectors | |
 | Boat Compendium for Inspectors
The purpose of this compendium is to provide guidance to certified boat inspectors and decontaminators on various watercraft often used for recreational boating in Colorado. |
 |
Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Protocols and Procedures Student Workbook
This workbook outlines the curriculum for watercraft inspection and decontamination procedures. |
More | |
 | State of Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan
In Dec. 2020, the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force approved the State of Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan to protect Colorado waterways from invasive species.
|
 | Waterflea Fact Sheet
Learn more about the Daphina waterflea, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. Like invasive mussels, the Bythotrephes and Ceropagis were introduced into the Great Lakes from ships' ballast water coming from Eurasia.
|
