FAIRPLAY, Colo., June 6, 2008 - The South Park Ranger District of the Pike National Forest, in cooperation with the City of Aurora, is planning to implement an emergency special order within the next week to restrict motorized vessels on Jefferson Lake in Park County. This is a proactive measure to prevent the infestation of zebra mussels. Jefferson Lake is a reservoir that provides water for the city of Aurora. This will be a temporary order restricting users to hand-carried boats with electric trolling motor (55 pound thrust or less).
Zebra mussels are an invasive species that reproduce at a phenomenal rate; one female mussel can release up to one million eggs in a season. Zebra mussels attach to any hard surface including drainage and irrigation systems, boating equipment, fishing gear, etc., resulting in serious damaging effects not only to equipment but to water quality and other aquatic life. The mussels have spread across the eastern United States and are now showing up in western waters as larvae are transported in water held in recreational boat's live wells and bilges and in bait buckets. Zebra mussels were found in Lake Pueblo, Pueblo Colorado in January of this year.
Shoreline fishing and hand-carried vessels, such as kayaks, canoes, belly boats and small aluminum boats are permitted. The campgrounds, picnic areas and trails in the area will remain open. Non-motorized vessels are allowed because they do not have a bilge pump or water well that can hold and transmit mussel larvae into new water sources. Electric motors are permitted for safety during strong winds.
South Park District Ranger Sara Mayben remarked, "The U.S. Forest Service is working with the Department of Wildlife, water providers, and State Parks to develop a long-term strategy for managing all the reservoirs on National Forest System lands. We understand the impact the temporary closures have on recreational boating and our objective is to resume motorized boating where it's normally allowed as soon as possible. We greatly appreciate everyone's cooperation in abiding by these proactive preventative measures."
The South Park Ranger District is seeking public input on the use of these restrictions into the future (2009 and beyond) until an effective method of controlling the zebra mussels is identified. All comments should be submitted by July 31, 2008.
E-mail comments on the long-term order may be offered using an on-line comment form. Please put "Jefferson Lake Boating" in the subject line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/contact/feedback/. You can also mail your comments to Ranger Sara Mayben at the U.S. Forest Service, South Park District Office, PO Box 219, Fairplay, CO 80440.
Visit these related links on zebra mussels and impacts to Colorado reservoirs:
