CPW resumes ANS sampling efforts in the Colorado River

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW CPW resumes ANS sampling efforts in the Colorado River

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has begun aquatic nuisance species (ANS) sampling efforts on the Colorado River for 2025. Shoreline and water sampling will be conducted weekly along sections of the Colorado River between Glenwood Springs and the Colorado/Utah border as part of increased sampling efforts after the discovery of zebra mussel veligers in the river in July 2024.

CPW ANS technicians will utilize different techniques to survey for invasive mussels, each targeting a different life stage of the species. Plankton tows use a fine mesh net to filter plankton from the water in slow-moving areas of the river. The filtered water samples are then sent to the ANS lab in Denver, where they are evaluated using cross-polarized light microscopy for the presence of mussel veligers. Additionally, CPW ANS technicians will conduct shoreline surveys by inspecting rocks and other hard surfaces where zebra mussels may attach.

In addition to increased sampling, CPW ANS technicians, wildlife officers and state park staff will continue increased education efforts through the summer months at boat launches between Palisade and Loma.

CPW staff will continue working closely with our partners at the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Grand Valley Water Users Association on sampling efforts in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal as we learn more about the extent of zebra mussel invasions in these locations and educate the public on prevention.

Be a pain in the ANS: Clean, Drain and Dry your vessels and gear
Everyone has a part to play in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species in Colorado. Simple actions, like cleaning, draining and drying your motorized and hand-launched vessels — including paddleboards and kayaks — can significantly protect Colorado's waters. These steps are crucial in helping to prevent situations similar to the recent one at Highline Lake.

Anglers are also encouraged to keep their angling gear free of mud and plants between each and every use. By cleaning, draining and drying your angling gear, you can prevent unknowingly moving a species from one body of water to another or even between different stretches of the same river, which can cause a domino effect of invasion with irreversible ecological damage.

“When we think of ANS prevention, we often only think about motorized boats and forget about other ways invasive species can be introduced or spread,” said Robert Walters, CPW’s Invasive Species Program Manager. “However, nonmotorized or hand-launched watercraft users, anglers and hunters all play a part in preventing the spread of invasive species. By taking the extra time to complete a few simple steps, you can help prevent zebra mussels, or any other invasive species, from spreading to other bodies of water throughout Colorado.”  

Learn more about how you can prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species and tips to properly clean, drain and dry your boating and fishing gear by visiting our website. Tips for anglers and a map of CPW’s new gear and watercraft cleaning stations are available here.

 

Media Kit Background
In July 2024, during routine sampling, CPW discovered zebra mussels in the Government Highline Canal and Colorado River. CPW initiated the Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan and increased sampling efforts in the Colorado River from Glenwood Springs down to the Colorado-Utah border and within the Government Highline Canal. During the 2024 sampling effort, CPW staff collected nearly 450 water samples from the Colorado River, Government Highline Canal, James M. Robb-Colorado River and Highline Lake state parks, as well as additional areas throughout the Grand Valley. No additional veligers or adult zebra mussels have been found in the Colorado River or Government Highline Canal since veligers were first found through routine testing in early July 2024. 

In addition to increasing sampling efforts, CPW collaborated closely with local government and Bureau of Land Management partners to install signage and conduct educational outreach at various water access points, ranging from the De Beque boat ramp to the Westwater boat ramp in Utah. During a three-day operation, staff from ANS and the Grand Junction area parks and wildlife engaged with nearly 600 individuals, emphasizing the importance of cleaning, draining and drying their watercraft and equipment.

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Media Advisory
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting the media to the Corn Lake section of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park on May 14 for an opportunity to learn more about sampling efforts in the Colorado River, including shoreline and plankton tow sampling. In addition, media in attendance will have an opportunity to interview Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff.

Details
What: Colorado River Sampling 
When: Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 1 p.m.
Where: James M. Rob Colorado River State Park - Corn Lake boat ramp
Interview opportunities: Invasive Species Program Manager Robert Walters and Invasive Species Specialist Maddie Baker

Media wishing to participate must RSVP to Northwest Region Public Information Officer Rachael Gonzales at [email protected] with the subject “Colorado River Sampling” by the close of business on Tuesday, May 13. 
 

PHOTO CUTLINES: 
Image 1: Invasive Species Specialist Maddie Baker holds a plankton tow in her hand.
Image 2: Invasive Species Specialist Maddie Baker pours water collected from the Colorado River using a plankton tow into a sample bottle to be sent to the ANS lab in Denver for analysis.
Image 3: CPW ANS Technician prepares to toss a plankton tow into the Colorado River during sampling efforts on Sept. 4, 2024. 
Image 4: CPW ANS Technician tosses a plankton tow into the Colorado River during sampling efforts on Sept. 4, 2024.
Image 5: CPW ANS Technician pulls a plankton tow back after tossing it into the Colorado River during sampling efforts on Sept. 4, 2024.
Image 6: CPW ANS Technician pours water collected from the Colorado River into a sample jar to be taken back to the ANS lab in Denver for analysis.