At a Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, a public commenter warned that aquatic nuisance species threaten Colorado’s water resources and urged anglers to take simple boat- and gear-cleaning steps to stop new infestations.

The commenter said invasive mussels, plants and other invertebrates “can easily take over our lakes and rivers” and argued an infestation could jeopardize fishing and drinking-water supplies.

“Anglers like me, we're a pain in the ANS,” the commenter said, using the acronym for aquatic nuisance species. “An infestation could mean losing our fishing, drinking water, and so much more. That's why I always clean, drain, and dry my gear in between each and every use, no matter where I'm going or coming from.”

The commenter closed by urging broad vigilance: “The future of Colorado's waters is in our hands and on our boots, so let's all be a pain in the ANS and stop invaders in their tracks.”

No formal action, vote, or staff directive on the comment was recorded in the transcript excerpt.