The looming storm clouds were ominous, the gentle morning breeze was picking up speed and pessimism had a slight lead over optimism at Highline Lake State Park.

But there was hope. Saturday’s duties included all the end-of-the-boating-season tasks like removing buoys, barges and docks.

This day, however, had the grim aura since they needed to see if more zebra mussels would be found at Highline Lake.

As five staff members clad in Colorado Parks and Wildlife gear departed from the swim beach area, it didn’t take long for the answer to be revealed.

Once the first buoy was pulled from the water, two adult mussels were found. They were sent to the lab to confirm whether they are zebra or quagga mussels.

It was a bummer of a day for CPW staff.

“We did expect to see some mussels but pullin

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