A fishing ban at Home Lake State Wildlife Area east of Monte Vista will be extended through at least June 30 after toxic herbicide was sprayed over the area on June 2.
Photo by David Becker on Unsplash
Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture have been investigating an apparent crop-dusting error that resulted in two different chemicals, one known to be toxic to aquatic life, being sprayed over the lake and adjacent agricultural areas.
The herbicides used resulted in a large die-off of snails that are eaten by fish in the lake, although whether there has been any impact on fish in the lake or other adverse impacts is not clear.
In a press release, CPW District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny reported that despite the fishing ban, people have been violating the closure, fishing the lake and even taking down fishing closure signs.
“We are not doing this to be mean,” said Cerny, “We are doing this for the benefit of public health and safety.”
The initial reports from the San Luis Valley indicated that the spraying area was about a mile wide, and that some plants as well as snails were adversely affected. The closure to fishing was recommended by the Colorado Department of Pubic Health and Environment.
Water sampling and monitoring of the fishery continue at the lake and the public has been urged not to catch or consume any fish from Home Lake.
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