With boating season underway, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding all boaters that boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species are mandatory at most boatable waters in the state, including state parks and state wildlife areas.  Hand-launched, non-motorized, boats such as canoes or kayaks are allowed on the water and are not subject to inspection.

“We appreciate anglers and boaters working with us on these inspections,” said Tom Kroening, area wildlife manager from Brush.  “Staying on top of the inspections and protecting the water is critical to our ability to manage for all users, now and for the future.”

Zebra and quagga mussels are a serious threat to Colorado waters. Invasive species such as the zebra mussel negatively influence the food chain for native fish. The mussels reproduce prolifically, consume phytoplankton and devastate fisheries. The small mollusks also grow on engines and boats, and can clog water pipes and dam mechanisms.

Boat owners are urged to clean, drain, and dry their boats thoroughly before they launch for the first time this season. After that, owners should do so every time they leave the water.

The following is the list of inspection information for the northeastern plains:

Jackson Lake State Park (Morgan County)

Opening and closing dates are dependent upon weather and water level; see the “Conditions” section for this park at the State Parks website www.parks.state.co.us for updated information.  Unless otherwise stated on the webpage, boat inspection hours are: Spring boat inspection hours (from March 17 to April 30) are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday to Sunday.  Summer inspection hours (from May 1to September 30) are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Outside of the inspection hours, boats are required to have valid pre-inspection documentation (seal and receipt) prior to launch.  The park is closed to trailered watercraft from November 1 to February 28.  Overnight beaching or mooring your boat is allowed.

Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area (Logan County) 

Quagga mussel veligers have been found in Jumbo Reservoir and therefore it is considered a positive water body.  An inspection of all trailered watercraft is mandatory both entering and exiting Jumbo Reservoir to prevent the mussels from being moved to nearby waters.

The reservoir opened to boating on April 1 at the east boat ramp (near the outlet tower) from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset, 7 days a week.  Daily hours have expanded since last year to offer more daylight recreation to anglers.  All other ramps will only be open to hand-launched regulation-exempted boats. All boat ramps will be closed at night.  The reservoir will be closed October 1, 2012 to regular boating.  Waterfowl hunters can access the reservoir by reservation from the start of the regular duck season to the start of the regular dark goose hunting seasons. Mandatory inspections for permitted waterfowl hunters will be by appointment only.  Jumbo is closed to all boating from the start of the regular dark goose season.

North Sterling Reservoir State Park (Logan County)

Opening and closing dates are dependent upon weather and water level; see the “Conditions” section for this park at the State Parks websitewww.parks.state.co.us for updated information.  Unless otherwise stated on the webpage, boat inspection hours are: Boats may be launched from Elks Boat Ramp at the north end of the park from April 14 to May 4; inspectors will be on-duty from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only.  Beginning May 5 to May 24 the Elks Ramp will have inspectors available Friday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  On May 5 the south bout ramp will open for weekends, Saturday and Sunday only, with inspectors available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Beginning on May 25 both boat ramps will have the following staffing: Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday to Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Outside of the inspection hours, boats are required to have valid pre-inspection documentation (seal and receipt) prior to launch.  The park is closed to trailered watercraft from October 16 to April 14.

Prewitt Reservoir (Washington County) 

The reservoir opened to boating on April 1 at the main boat ramp from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset, 7 days a week.  Daily hours have expanded since last year to offer more daylight recreation to anglers.  The boat ramp is closed at night.  The reservoir will be closed to boating from October 1, 2012 through the end of the regular dark goose season.

Boaters can also have their vessels decontaminated at the following locations:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Denver Office

6060 Broadway, Denver, Co 80216
Ph: 303-291-7833
Watercraft inspection and decontamination services are available at no charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round.  The station is closed on state holidays.  Services are not available Saturday and Sunday, unless an appointment is made in advance.

Privately operated inspection and decontamination services operators listed below are fee-based, and prices may vary among providers. Contact vendors for pricing and details.

Colorado Boat Center
3850 Southeast Frontage Road, Loveland, CO 80534
Ph: 970-663-6473
Watercraft inspection and decontamination services are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Inspections will not be available Sunday through Monday.

Harris Sports
5887 SW Frontage Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80528
Ph: 970-225-6666
Watercraft inspection services are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through
Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inspections will not be available on Sunday.

S&W Performance
2450 W 63rd court, Denver, CO
Ph: 303- 429-1895
Watercraft inspection services are available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.  No decontamination services are available. Inspections will not be available Sunday through Monday.  The fee for inspection is $20.00.

Tommy’s Slalom Shop
3740 N. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80231
Ph: 303- 455-3091
Watercraft inspection and decontamination services are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Inspections will not be available Saturday through Sunday. Call for an appointment.

For more information about fishing in the boat inspection program, see:http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Management/MandatoryBoatInspections/Pages/MandatoryBoatInspections.aspx