Boaters arriving at Lake Tahoe for July 4 weekend urged to clean vessels ahead of inspection

The July 4 holiday and fireworks celebrations always bring an influx of boaters to the Lake Tahoe Basin. With sunny skies and warm weather predicted for the week and into the three-day weekend, boaters are urged to clean, drain and dry their vessels before arriving at the roadside inspection stations to avoid delays and decontamination fees.

“The fact that several Tahoe-bound boats with invasive species present have already been intercepted this year underscores the importance of watercraft inspections and the strong work by Lake Tahoe boat inspectors with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District,” said Dennis Zabaglo, aquatic resources program manager with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. “We appreciate boaters doing their part by arriving “clean, drain and dry”. Inspectors see more than one third of annual boat traffic during the summer holidays, so arriving “clean, drain and dry” will help you save time and money.”

All stations close at 5:30 p.m. Boaters are urged to plan your travel accordingly. Every motorized boat is required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species prior to launching in Lake Tahoe. Since May, inspectors have intercepted and decontaminated four boats containing invasive species bound for the waters of Lake Tahoe. Without natural predators, these invasive species pose serious threats to the ecology, recreation and local economies of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Watercraft are the largest transporters of aquatic invasive species and the inspection program is critical to preventing their introduction into Lake Tahoe and surrounding waterbodies. A new invasive species infestation in Lake Tahoe could have devastating impacts. Invasive species multiply quickly and can colonize on all underwater objects including docks, water pipes, filtration systems, piers, ramps and boats. They destroy fish habitat, impair boat engines and negatively impact water quality and recreation.

Quick tips for boaters visiting the Lake Tahoe Basin this summer:
— Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com for inspection locations, hours, fees and information about boat inspections and invasive species.

— Weekdays and mornings are typically less congested at roadside boat inspection stations. Friday evenings, Saturdays and holidays are typically the busiest.

— Returning Tahoe boats with a Lake Tahoe wire seal still affixed to the boat and trailer may head directly to a launch ramp to purchase a 2016 Tahoe Only inspection sticker.

— Prior to arriving, make sure your vessel is “Clean, Drain, Dry”. Check that all systems are working, batteries are charged, the boat has gas in the tank and that you have the key to start the engine. Bring any specialized flushing adapters to the inspection station, as inspectors only have the most common types and sizes.

— If flushing your engine at home prior to inspection, make sure to drain all residual water. If inspectors find water on your boat they are required to decontaminate.

Annual watercraft inspection fees range from $35 for personal watercraft and vessels under 17 feet up to $121 for vessels over 39 feet. An additional fee of $35 is charged for any boat requiring decontamination, with an additional $10 fee for ballast systems. Fees are payable via Visa or MasterCard (no cash or check).

Paddlers of kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized watercraft are encouraged to stop by an inspection station for a free inspection. Visit TahoeKeepers.org to learn how to self-inspect boats and gear and receive a free Tahoe Keepers sticker. Join us on July 14 at Live at Lakeview in South Lake Tahoe and on August 7 at Commons Beach in Tahoe City or for our 3rd annual Tahoe Keeper Appreciation events.

Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com or call (888) 824-6267 for updates, details and information.

The Watercraft Inspection Program is part of the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program, which is implemented by over 40 public and private partner organizations including federal, state and local jurisdictions, research partners, public utility districts, and private marinas. The state, federal and local agencies comprising the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinating Committee have provided leadership, direction and resources to fulfill this program’s mission of prevention, detection and control of aquatic invasive species in the Lake Tahoe region.