Boaters planning to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend on the water should be prepared for mandatory watercraft inspections conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

CPW will be operating three roadside watercraft inspection and decontamination check stations this upcoming holiday weekend, targeting watercraft entering or re-entering the state.

Check stations will be implemented at three major ports of entry: the eastbound weigh station at the Loma Port of Entry on I-70, the northbound weigh station at the Trinidad Port of Entry on I-25, and the westbound weigh station at the Ft. Morgan Port of Entry on I-76.

The reason?

Pesky aquatic hitchhikers such as zebra and quagga mussels.

CPW’s statewide Public Information Officer Joey Livingston said mandatory check stations are designed to prevent watercraft with the potential to transport invasive plants and animals from entering the state’s waters.

“Historically, Memorial Day Weekend is very popular for boating and we are expecting a large number of boats to be entering or returning to Colorado,” said Robert Walters, CPW Invasive Species Program Manager. “We want to assure the public that CPW will do its best to get everyone checked efficiently, and we thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Cooperation from boaters is vital for CPW’s work to protect Colorado’s waters.”

Livingston said inspections apply to vessels with a motor and those launched from a trailer, including Seadoos and other motorized personal watercraft.

The inspection itself doesn’t take long. However, he said CPW anticipates a record number of boaters this weekend and wait times may be longer.

Boaters should plan ahead and factor in additional time.

To help expedite the inspection process, boaters are encouraged to minimize the amount of gear and equipment stored in the vessel during transport and be prepared to remove any and all coverings to permit inspection.

Prior to arrival at the station, vessels should be drained, clean and dry.

Any craft found to have mud, plants, water, or mussels will be subject to decontamination.

In the first two months of roadside inspections this year, CPW staff intercepted seven watercraft that were fouled with invasive mussels. The mussels were collected, and the vessels were decontaminated prior to being released.

“It’s important to remember that transporting invasive mussels into Colorado is illegal and stopping at check stations is required,” Walters said. “We need boaters’ help and compliance with these mandatory check stations to ensure invasive mussels are not allowed to further establish within our state.”

Boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species are mandatory in Colorado. Any motorboat and sailboat entering Colorado waters must have an ANS Stamp prior to launch.

To learn more: cpw.state.co.us.