State wildlife officials warn Glenwood Springs about zebra mussel infestation in Colorado River

Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Glenwood Springs River Commission presented a technical briefing on zebra mussels and the threat they pose to municipal water systems and hydroelectric infrastructure.

Madeline Baker, an invasive-species specialist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said the first adult zebra mussel detection in the region occurred in 2022 and that the species has since been found in diversion canals and the Colorado River as far upstream as a privately owned body of water in Eagle County. Baker described the microscopic larval stage, called veligers, which can travel on boats and nonmotorized gear, and explained how adults attach to pipes and raw-water infrastructure and can clog or damage systems. She said adult zebra mussels can survive up to 30 days outside water under favorable conditions.

Baker and local CPW officer Becca Cass outlined mitigation steps: mandatory decontamination and expanded inspection at Highline Lake, deployment of self-serve cleaning stations, an outreach technician stationed at 2 Rivers Park, and mobile solar-powered cleaning gear (CD3). They asked the city to share raw-water system locations, grant sampling permission and support public education. The presentation also noted the Great Lakes region’s decades-long costs from zebra mussels reach into the hundreds of millions annually and warned municipalities to act proactively.

Councilors asked questions about expected costs and whether zebra mussels displace native species; Baker said the species degrades water quality and competes with native benthic invertebrates. The River Commission said public outreach and partnerships with regional conservation groups will be priorities this year.

The presentation did not include council action; CPW offered contact information and sampling requests for the city to follow up.