Fourth of July boat inspections at Lake Tahoe
The Fourth of July holiday and fireworks celebration brings a welcomed influx of boaters to the Lake Tahoe Basin.
With sunny skies and warm temperatures predicted, boaters are urged to clean, drain, and dry their boats before arriving at Lake Tahoe inspection stations to avoid delays and decontamination fees. All stations close at 5:30 p.m., so please plan 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 quagga mussels bound for Lake Tahoe. Without natural predators, invasive species pose serious threats to the ecology, recreation, and local economies of the Basin.
Watercraft are one of the primary 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 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.
“Our boat inspectors have already found four vessels with invasive quagga mussels this season, which is a reminder of just how important the inspection process is to protect our blue waters,” said Chris Kilian, aquatic invasive species program manager with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District. “Over the busy holiday period we see the majority of our season’s boating traffic. After 10 years of fighting aquatic invasive species, we know that the best way to prepare is to arrive clean, drained, and dry to help save you time and money.”
Quick tips for boaters visiting the Lake Tahoe Basin this summer:
— Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com or call 888-824-6267 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.
— Prior to arriving, make sure your vessel is clean, drained, and dry.
— 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 2018 Tahoe Only inspection sticker.
— 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.
— Pull your drain plug. Nevada state law and local ordinance require bilge plugs be pulled while transporting a vessel on public roads.
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.
About the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program:
The Watercraft Inspection Program is part of the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program, which is implemented by 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.
About the Tahoe Resource Conservation District:
The Tahoe Resource Conservation District’s mission is to promote the conservation, stewardship, and knowledge of the Lake Tahoe Region’s natural resources by providing leadership and innovative environmental services to all stakeholders. Tahoe RCD is a division of local government that is non-regulatory, designed to implement local conservation measures. Our boundary covers the California side of the Tahoe Basin, although through collaboration and partnerships we have been granted authority to work outside District boundaries including the Nevada side of the Tahoe Basin and the Truckee River Watershed. Tahoe RCD strives to protect our natural resources including soil and water, wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration, control and prevention of invasive species, watershed restoration, wildfire prevention, and environmental education. Tahoe RCD is unique and diverse by being able to receive funding through state, federal, local, and private sources.
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