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All motorized watercraft launching in Curecanti National Recreation Area are required to be inspected for invasive mussels 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.
INSPECTION STATION LOCATIONS
| Elk Creek |
5:30 am to 9:00 pm |
| Lake Fork |
5:30 am to 9:00 pm |
| Stevens Creek |
5:30 am to 9:00 pm |
LAUNCH RAMPS
Launching of motorized watercraft is only permitted at Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Stevens Creek. All secondary boat launch sites (such as Iola, Dillon Pinnacles, Ponderosa and Dry Creek) are now closed to launching motorized vessels.
Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Stevens Creek 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.
WHAT TYPES OF WATERCRAFT DO NOT NEED AN INSPECTION?
Non-motorized and hand-launched watercraft such as small untrailered open boats equipped only with trolling motors, canoes, kayaks, belly boats and inflatables do not require inspections. Non-motorized craft being launched from a trailer do need to be inspected.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP WITH THE INSPECTION PROCESS?
- Keep your boat clean. Dirty boats cannot be properly inspected and will be sent to decontamination.
- Keep your boat drained and dry. Any amount of standing water will lead to a more intensive inspection, and possibly decontamination. Remember that live wells need to be drained and dry both before and after launch.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVASIVE MUSSELS »
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