Aquatic Nuisance Species
What are ANS?
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invasive plants and animals that harm lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams; invasive species can also include non-native viruses and parasites that cause disease in fish. ANS do damage to not just Colorado’s native species, but its economy, public health, property values and parks.
How to Prevent the Spread
The best way to prevent the spread of ANS within Colorado is to Clean, Drain, and Dry your vessel and equipment. This includes paddleboards, kayaks, rafts and fishing equipment.
What Wellington Lake is doing to prevent contamination:
Starting in 2026, Wellington Lake will require watercraft inspections before they are permitted to launch each visit. In addition to inspections, all watercraft will now require an annual permit.
Inspections
To pass an inspection all watercraft must be Clean, Drained, and Dry.
____Clean – Absent of visible ANS, attached vegetation, dirt, debris or surface deposits including mussel shells or residue on the watercraft or equipment that could mask the presence of attached mussels.
____Drained – All water drained from any storage compartments, bilge areas, compartments, floor, and all equipment. State Regulation requires that bilge plugs must be out when the watercraft is not in use.
____Dry – No visible sign of any standing water on or in the watercraft or equipment.
Staff approval is final; unfit watercraft will not be allowed to enter the property.
Annual Watercraft Permits
An annual watercraft permit allows launch access Mon-Sun including holidays. Permits are valid at Wellington Lake only from the date of purchase through December 31, 2026. Permits do not include facility access or entrance fee.
Annual Non-Motorized Small Craft Permit
(Kayak, SUP, Canoe or Multi Chamber Flotation Devices 6’or greater)
$40
Annual Non-Motorized Large Craft Permit
(Sail Boats, Fishing Boats, Multi Chamber Flotation Device 8’ or greater)
$60
* Permits may be purchase online Starting January 1, 2026 or on site and must be affixed by Wellington staff.
*Each vessel will require a unique permit.
*Replacement permit fee will be 50% of initial price.
For More Information on ANS visit: