The new year will bring new fees for boaters in state waterways. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding boaters that the new fee, which will fund the state’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection Program, will go into effect next month. The program is meant to to keep destructive quagga and zebra mussels out of lakes and reservoirs in Colorado
“Colorado is one of just a few states in the country that doesn’t have an infestation of adult zebra or quagga mussels in any of its waters,” said Elizabeth Brown, invasive species program manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in a press release. “That’s directly attributable to our watercraft inspection and decontamination prevention program that’s been in place since 2008.”
Boaters must now purchase an ANS stamp annually. The cost of the stamp for Colorado residents is $25. For boaters coming to Colorado from other states or provinces the stamp will cost $50. The stamp fee is separate from the annual boat registration permit, but will be included in the cost of registration for in-state boats. The stamp and registration is currently available for residents at CPW offices and the agency website. Boaters coming from other states can buy their stamp online, at CPW offices or at any sales location beginning January 1, 2019.
— Deepan Dutta