The city of Boulder's Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments observed aquatic invasive plants growing in the Boulder Reservoir, and are urging all users of the reservoir (and all recreational waterways) to inspect, clean and disinfect all gear coming in contact with the water such as boats, motors, trailers, footwear and waders to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plant and animal species.

Staff identified one species, curly-leaf pondweed (potamogeton crispus), not previously observed in the reservoir. It is believed that this and other non-native species could potentially be introduced by recreational users through their personal equipment, particularly boats, watercrafts and boat trailers.

The recent discovery of the zebra mussel, a very aggressive aquatic invader, at Pueblo Reservoir, has heightened the state of Colorado's need to address AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) and develop statewide plans to help control their spread.

This season, all Boulder Reservoir users will receive educational material on how to properly clean their equipment to help prevent transmission of invasive species between waterways. Signs will also be posted to help make waterway users aware of the potential environmental impacts posed by many of the invasive species of aquatic plants and animals currently threatening Colorado waterways.

For more information, contact Matt Claussen, Parks and Recreation Department, at 303-413-7258, or visit www.BoulderRez.org and click on the "Prevent the spread of non-native, invasive aquatic species" link.