Curecanti National Recreation Area - Mussel Free Certification (U.S. National Park Service)

All watercraft on Blue Mesa Reservoir need to be certified as Zebra and Quagga mussel-free. Until May 8, 2009, this is a self-certification process and is required before launching your watercraft.

NEW PROCEDURES EFFECTIVE MAY 8, 2009
Beginning on May 8, the self-certification program expires and will be replaced by a mandatory program that requires all motorized watercraft launching in Curecanti National Recreation Area to be inspected and, if necessary, decontaminated in accordance with procedures set by the Colorado Department of Wildlife. In addition to the mandatory inspection prior to launch, and to be in compliance with the State of Colorado’s Aquatic Nuisance Species protocols, all motorized watercraft leaving Blue Mesa, Morrow Point or Crystal Reservoirs will undergo a second inspection to verify the watercraft has been cleaned, drained and dried, and will be sealed and certified.

Three inspection stations will operate seven days a week at Stevens Creek, Elk Creek and Lake Fork. Current staffing levels do not allow the National Park Service to operate any more than these three stations. All stations will be staffed between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm. Launch ramps will be closed for launching and retrieval between 9:00 pm and 5:30 am. Overnight boaters on the reservoir may camp on their boats or at designated boat-in campgrounds.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVASIVE MUSSELS »

STEPS TO SELF-CERTIFICATION (Valid until May 8, 2009)

START HERE
Has your watercraft been used in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, any Colorado front range lakes or reservoirs, Pueblo Reservoir, or any states east of Colorado in the last 30 days?

You are ready to launch!
Please download your certificate below, sign and place on truck/car dashboard while parked at Curecanti NRA.
CERTIFICATE » (829k pdf)

(Adobe Reader required)

YES

Was your watercraft and trailer thoroughly washed and allowed to completely dry for at least the time indicated in the table (below right) since you last launched?
(This includes removing all dirt, plants and grit, as well as draining and flushing live wells and bilge areas.)

YES

You are ready to launch!
Please download your certificate below, sign and place on truck/car dashboard while parked at Curecanti NRA.
CERTIFICATE » (829k pdf)

(Adobe Reader required)

DO NOT LAUNCH
You are required to have your watercraft decontaminated at one of our free approved wash stations, located at Elk Creek, Lake Fork or Stevens Creek. After decontamination you will receive your certificate to place on car/truck dashboard and you may launch your watercraft.

Time of Year	Drying Days in CO
April	32
May-June	13
July-August	8
September	13
October	21
November-March	51 (3 if continually freezing)

Are you coming from an area other than Colorado? Please refer to the Quarantine Estimator »

HOW LONG IS THIS SELF-CERTIFICATION VALID FOR?
Self-certification certificates will expire on May 8, 2009. Prior to May 8, 2009, your mussel-free certification is good as long as you don’t launch your watercraft in any infested waters. If you do launch in infested waters, you will need to complete the steps to recertify.

WHAT IF I DON’T GET MY WATERCRAFT CERTIFIED AS MUSSEL-FREE?
Operators of cars or trucks towing boat trailers parked within Curecanti NRA are required to self-certify their watercraft as mussel-free and display on the dashboard of their car or truck the Mussel-Free Certificate. Failure to do so may result in a citation [36 CFR 1.5 (1)(2)]. If watercraft is found to be contaminated with mussels, additional state and federal charges will apply for the transportation of mussels.

SELF-CERTIFYING IN PERSON
Until May 8, 2009, instructions and certificates for self-certifying will also be available at Elk Creek Visitor Center, Elk Creek Campground Kiosk and Lake Fork Visitor Center.

For more information, visit www.protectyourwaters.net.