Electra Lake

Invasive Species Protocol

An online orientation for members, guests, and the public

Why It Matters

Entry Rules

Wash-Down

Fees & Tags

Consequences

1.

MODULE 1

Why Does This Matter?

🐟 Fishery Damage

Invasive species devastate native fish populations and destroy aquatic habitat that the fishery depends on.

⚡ Power Infrastructure

Zebra & quagga mussels clog intake pipes and turbines of the Tacoma Hydroelectric Project (FERC #12589).

🚤 Recreation

Infested lakes become unusable. Dense mussel growth can damage boats, shorelines, and beaches.

🌿 Downstream Watersheds

Invasive plants and animals spread downstream into the Animas River watershed, compounding regional damage.

Species of Concern

These invasive species pose the greatest threats to Electra Lake:

🦪 Animals & Crustaceans

🦪 Zebra Mussels
🦪 Quagga Mussels
🦐 Rusty Crayfish
🦐 Spiny & Fishhook Waterflea
🐚 Asian Clam

🌿 Plants & Pathogens

🌿 Eurasian & Hybrid Watermilfoil
🌿 Purple Loosestrife
🌿 Saltcedar
🌿 Hydrilla / Elodea
🦠 Whirling Disease & Algal Blooms

⚠️

SPECIAL WARNING: Watercraft that has been in Lake Powell will be DENIED ENTRY.

2.

I understand and agree.

1 out of 6

3.

MODULE 2

Entry Rules

These rules apply to EVERYONE — members, guests, and the general public.

1

All watercraft, toys, tubes, and fishing gear must be inspected and receive a preventative wash-down before entering.

2

Only equipment with an Electra Lake-specific re-entry tag may skip wash-down — but inspection is still required.

3

All entrants must sign a waiver acknowledging responsibility for their equipment.

4

Applicable inspection and wash-down fees must be paid (credit cards accepted).

5

Tags from other lakes are NOT accepted. Electra maintains a higher protection standard than most Colorado reservoirs.

6

Live bait is STRICTLY PROHIBITED — no exceptions. This includes minnows, crayfish, or any live organisms.

The Entry Process

What to expect when you arrive at the gate with watercraft or equipment:

Step 1 — Traffic Control

Join the inspection queue. Tagged equipment and vehicles without watercraft may bypass.

Step 2 — Preliminary Inspection

Staff will explain the fee schedule, procedures, and waiver requirements.

Step 3 — Sign the Waiver

Acknowledge you are the owner/responsible party for the watercraft or equipment.

Step 4 — Detailed Visual Inspection

Staff checks for algae, standing water, contamination, and reviews any existing tags.

Step 5 — Wash-Down or Rejection

Clean equipment proceeds to preventative wash-down. Dirty, ballasted, or prohibited items are turned away.

Step 6 — Pay Fees & Receive Tag

Pay applicable fees. Request an exit tag so re-entry is faster next time.

Prohibited Watercraft & Conditions

🚫 Prohibited Watercraft Types

✗ All self-bailing inflatable rafts
✗ AIRE, Tributary, and Tomcat brand inflatables
✗ Catarafts with internal bladder designs (AIRE, Tributary)
✗ Inflatable kayaks & inflatable drift boats ('duckys')
✗ Float tubes/belly boats (unless outer tube is removable)
✗ Any watercraft that cannot be fully inspected or washed

⚠ Conditions That Deny Entry

✗ Any standing water, full live well, or wet ballast
✗ Dirty equipment or any algae film/residue present
✗ Known contact with contaminated waters (esp. Lake Powell)
✗ Live bait, bait boxes, or any live organisms present
✗ Refusal to sign the waiver
✗ Refusal to pay inspection or wash-down fees

Brands such as NRS, Hyside, Sotar, Saturn, DRE, RMR, Jacks Plastic Welding, Star, and Avon may be prohibited. When in doubt, ask staff before arriving.

4.

I understand and agree.

2 out of 6

5.

MODULE 3

Preventative Wash-Down

✅ What It Is

• High-temperature water applied to ALL surfaces
• Designed to kill non-visible invasive species (veligers)
• Achieves 99%+ mortality probability on clean surfaces
• Includes engine circulation, compartments, live wells
• The primary protection keeping Electra Lake safe

✗ What It Is Not

✗ Not a full decontamination process
✗ Not effective on dirty, algae-covered, or muddy surfaces
✗ Not effective on carpet, foam, or highly porous items
✗ Not a substitute for the required waiver and fees
✗ NOT equivalent to 'cleaned, drained, and dry' — that standard is insufficient

🌡

Key Fact: 100% mussel mortality requires 10–15 seconds of contact at 140°F+. Equipment must be CLEAN for this to work — surface contamination blocks heat penetration. Please be patient and arrive with enough time before your planned activities.

6.

I understand and agree.

3 out of 6

4 out of 6

5 out of 6

6 out of 6

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Electra Lake Entry Orientation

Electra Lake

Why Does This Matter?

Species of Concern

Entry Rules

The Entry Process

Prohibited Watercraft & Conditions

Preventative Wash-Down

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