Mussels Cause Changes at Green Mountain Reservoir

Ken Waugh of the Forest Service issued this press release about boating on the Green Mountain Reservoir. Hopefully by Memorial Day the inspections will be in place.

Silverthorne, CO (April 28, 2009) Green Mountain Reservoir was recently designated as a high risk body of water for the introduction of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), specifically Zebra Mussels and Quagga Mussels by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Once introduced into a body of
water, these pests are capable of multiplying quickly and causing millions of dollars in damage to water management structures, boats and permanently changing native fisheries. Evidence of these non-native pests has already been found in lakes near Granby and a few other locations around the state. In an effort to keep these mussels from being accidentally introduced into additional lakes, the Division of Wildlife is requiring boat inspections prior to launch in many
locations, including Lake Dillon.

The Forest Service is supporting the Division of Wildlife’s efforts to prevent further spread of these pests. At Green Mountain, management changes are needed to implement an effective prevention program.

“Currently, boaters have the luxury of launching boats along the entire shoreline at Willows, Cow Creek North, and Cow Creek South campgrounds,” says Jan Cutts, District Ranger on the Dillon Ranger District. “Access must be narrowed down to limited locations to inspect and treat, if necessary, boats before entering the Lake”.

Effective immediately, vehicle access to the lake bed will be closed. Vehicle access will be available above the high water line once traffic controls are in place. No trailered watercraft will be allowed on the reservoir until Watercraft Inspection and Disinfection (WID) stations
can be established. It is hoped that the WID facilities and staffing will be operating by Memorial Day weekend. “We understand that this will alter the manner in which some visitors have used Green Mountain in the past and hope they understand that these actions are necessary
to protect this wonderful place for them to continue using into the future.”

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Dillon Ranger District office at 970-468-5400.