These are the key findings and recommendations of this Response plan for zebra mussels at Lake Pueblo, also known as Pueblo Reservoir. Zebra mussel larvae were found in a sample collected at Lake Pueblo in November, 2007. The lake appears to be susceptible to rapid growth of zebra mussels based on chemical and temperature parameters, but it was, at the time of discovery, the highest known elevation of zebra mussel infestation. Zebra and quagga mussels, species in the genus Dreissena, can cause exorbitant economic impacts -- on the order of millions to billions of dollars. Eradication is highly unlikely once mussels are established in large bodies of water. Evidence from other states shows that this species can spread between water bodies via recreational boating.
One of the principal purposes of the current study is to assess the implications, particularly with regard to future basin water needs of transferring a portion of the Juniper Project water rights to instream flow use to assist in the recovery of the endangered fishes.
The objectives of the present study are to follow-up on the recommendations of the previous study and to lay the groundwork for inter-agency decision-making regarding the water management future of the Yampa River basin. The study includes specific tasks to evaluate reservoir operations for water supply and for protecting and improving mainstem instream flows.
