The officials in charge of inspections for Lake Nighthorse don’t seem to comprehend the danger that zebra mussels represent.
This species is invasive and can destroy every living thing in a lake. When the lake is dead, they rot and die and smell. The lake becomes unusable. Even in large lakes like Mead, outlet pipes have to be drilled out weekly. There is no known way to eliminate these animals; the only hope is to keep them out of our lakes.
These mussels are microscopic. They only need water to travel, but Durango Parks and Recreation only inspects and washes boats with motors.
The following is from the homeowners’ newsletter for a private lake in Colorado: “Nothing can come into the lake and be put on or in the water without first being inspected by our staff and being washed down. Remember that boats, floats, tubes, waders, anything that goes in the lake with any standing water, dirt, plant material, or that have come from lakes known to be positive for aquatic invasive species will not be allowed entry to the lake. A quarantine program is in place for these craft. Please bring boats that are clean, drained, and dry to the wash-down station for the quickest entry.”
Lake Nighthorse deserves that same level of protection. If the Parks and Recreation director won’t do it on her own, the City Council should require it.
Jackson Clark
Durango
