Stateline, NV – This week marks the last full week of operations for watercraft inspection stations as we transition into Fall. As of Oct. 1, watercraft inspection operations will move from roadside inspection stations and occur at Cave Rock and Lake Forest launch ramps for the winter season.
This season marks 11 years of Lake Tahoe’s Watercraft Inspection Program. Under the program, every motorized watercraft is inspected to ensure it is Clean, Drained, and Dry and not carrying aquatic invasive species (AIS) before launching at Tahoe. Thanks to the diligence of boaters and inspectors, no new aquatic invasive species have been detected in Lake Tahoe since the program launched in 2008.
Inspectors examined nearly 8,000 watercraft this season, 50% of them arrived clean, drained, and dry. This is evidence that boaters continue to come to watercraft inspection stations prepared. Eleven watercraft were found carrying invasive mussels and 29 were harboring other species. Vigilance is required to protect Lake Tahoe’s waters from new exposures to invasive species.
Each vessel found harboring invasive species was decontaminated before being allowed to launch in Lake Tahoe. The largest number of decontaminations occur on vessels containing standing water, which may harbor aquatic invasive species. Boaters are encouraged to continue to be a part of the solution by cleaning, draining, and drying their vessel before launching in any waterbody. This includes both motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.
During winter season operations, Tahoe Resource Conservation District inspectors will conduct aquatic invasive species inspections and decontaminations from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting at Cave Rock and Lake Forest launch ramps. All motorized watercraft without intact Tahoe Inspection seals will be required to get an inspection during daylight hours.
Keep up with the latest information by following the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program on social media through Facebook and Twitter @TahoeBoating or online at www.tahoeboatinspections.com. You can find useful information on aquatic invasive species, and tips on how to prepare for watercraft inspections.
The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program is implemented by 40 public and private partner organizations, including federal, state, and local jurisdictions, research partners, public utility districts, and private marinas. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District lead the program in collaboration with the public and private partners. The program’s mission is to prevent, detect, and control aquatic invasive species in the Region so that future generations can enjoy Lake Tahoe.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Chris Larson, Public Information Officer, at 775-589-5278.
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