Boat Inspection
NEW!!
There are new regulations proposed regarding boating and fishing due to aquatic nuisance species. The regulations are in draft and are being considered by the Parks Board. They will be voted on by the board on Firday, February 20, 2009 at a meeting at the Double Tree Hotel in Westminister, Colorado (8773 Yates Dr. Westminister, CO, 303-427-4000).
Please reivew these Draft Regulations, and if you have comments, please contact us before February 13, so we may be sure to address your concerns. Please contact Rob Billerbeck, manager of State Parks natural resource programs at rob.billerbeck@state.co.us or 303-866-3203 x 4341.
In response to the threats posed by Aquatic Nuisance Species, like zebra and Quagga mussels, Colorado State Parks recently approved statewide inspections to prevent the introduction of new ANS and at the same time limiting the spread of existing ones. All boats and other floating devices of any kind including their content, motors, trailers and other associated equipment are subject to inspections for any of these nasty exotic invasive species identified as Aquatic Nuisance Species prior to launch or departure from state park waters.
State Parks has setup inspection program in parks with reservoir to prevent the spread of ANS by recreational boating or any other human means. Recognizing the serious impact that can arise from ANS, State Parks takes a strategic position and underscores the need to have a robust ANS program as early as possible to ensure sustainable recreational boating and other uses. The risk and cost is too high once ANS infestation has reached a critical level.
In summer 2008, State Parks run a successful inspection program in which thousands of boats were inspected. Part of the program was to educate the public about the risk and problems associated with ANS and why State Parks is requiring boats to be inspected for ANS. In this summer we have seen a great deal of cooperation from boaters. And as State Parks is planning to have a comprehensive ANS inspection program for the upcoming boating session, we expect the usual cooperation from boaters with our inspection personnel when boaters pull up to an inspection point.
Please be advised a boater may be denied access if the boater fails to cooperate at an inspection point, or the boat may be placed under quarantine if inspectors feel there is a serious risk of spreading ANS.
To learn more about ANS click here.
Please contact Rob Billerbeck (303-866-3203 x 4341) with any questions about the ANS program.