Watercraft inspection stations open at Tahoe, Lahontan and two other reservoirs
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 05/23/2014 - 8:28am
Invasive aquatic species watercraft inspection and decontamination stations have opened at Lahontan Reservoir and other waterways in time for Memorial Day weekend, according to the Nevada Division of State Parks.
The last of the Lake Tahoe area inspection stations, on State Route 267 at Northstar Drive south of Truckee in California, opened Thursday.
Funding for the stations is provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants and Nevada’s AIS watercraft decal.
The stations are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread and introduction of aquatic invasive species such as quagga mussels and Eurasian Watermilfoil into Nevada’s waters.
Once introduced, aquatic invasive species can be difficult, many times impossible or very costly to eradicate. AIS can cause major detrimental impacts to native species and create economic hardships in waterways where they become established.
State Parks and NDOW encourage the boating public to utilize these free of charge stations and help protect Nevada’s waterways.
Two stations are located at Lahontan Reservoir and one cleaning station can also be found at both Wildhorse and Rye Patch reservoirs.
The stations are scheduled to be open the following hours and days depending on reservoir water levels and boater traffic:
Lahontan Reservoir: Silver Springs Entrance: Daily from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Lahontan Reservoir: Dam Area Entrance: Daily except Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30am – 5 p.m.
Wildhorse Reservoir: Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Rye Patch Reservoir: Thursday through Sunday from 6 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The three other Lake Tahoe stations are:
— Meyers: at the junction of US 50 and Highway 89
— Spooner Summit: at the junction of US 50 and Highway 28 in Nevada
— Alpine Meadows: Highway 89, off Alpine Meadows Road north of Tahoe City
In addition, NDOW will also have several traveling rovers periodically visiting Nevada lakes and reservoirs that currently do not have an AIS station.
The rovers will be providing AIS education, watercraft inspections and free of charge decontaminations at boat ramps across the state.
Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Nevada waters by always remembering to CLEAN, DRAIN, & DRY your watercraft every time you exit a body of water.
Visit www.ndow.org for additional information on AIS. Learn more about safe and responsible boating by taking a boating class online at www.ndow.org.
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