Lake Tahoe inspectors intercept, decontaminate four boats for invasive mussels

The July 4th Holiday and fireworks celebrations always bring an influx of boaters to the Lake Tahoe Basin. With sunny skies and warm temperatures predicted for the 4th of July holiday week, boaters are urged to Clean, Drain and Dry their boats before arriving at one of 5 roadside inspection stations in the Tahoe to avoid delays and decontamination fees.

Boat inspectors are required to inspect every boat for the presence of aquatic invasive species prior to launching the in Lake Tahoe Basin. Since May, inspectors have intercepted and decontaminated 4 infested boats bound for Lake Tahoe waters. Three boats contained invasive quagga mussels, with 1 boat potentially carrying New Zealand mudsnails from Oregon. Without natural predators, these invasive species pose serious threats to the ecology, recreation and local economies of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

On May 26 inspectors intercepted a 28-foot fishing boat at the Alpine Meadows inspection station with more than 50 live and dead quagga mussels present in the water intakes and the raw water system. On June 18th, inspectors at the Meyers inspection station discovered dead quagga mussels present on the transom (stern area) of a 28 foot pleasure boat. Both boats were decontaminated by Lake Tahoe boat inspectors and cleared by California Fish and Game officials. According to the boat owners, both of the watercraft last visited Lake Mead, which has been infected with quagga mussels since 2007. A third boat containing more than 40 zebra mussels (which are closely related to quagga mussels) was discovered by inspectors on April 18th during a boat inspector training. The boat is believed to have last visited the Great Lakes.

A quagga mussel infestation in Lake Tahoe would have devastating impacts. Quagga multiply quickly and are known to colonize all underwater objects including docs, water pipes, filtration systems, piers, ramps, and boats. They destroy fish habitat, ruin boat engines and negatively impact water quality. Watercraft are the largest transporters of aquatic invasive species and the inspection program is critical to preventing the spread of AIS into Lake Tahoe and the surrounding water bodies.

“The fact that several Tahoe-bound boats with invasive species present have already been intercepted this year underscores the importance of watercraft inspection programs and the strong work by Lake Tahoe boat inspectors with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District,” said Dennis Zabaglo, Watercraft Program Manager with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. “It’s important that boaters do their part and clean, drained and dry their boats before arriving at inspection stations. Inspectors see more than one third of annual boat traffic during the summer holidays, so arriving clean, drained and dry will help save time and will also avoid a fee for decontaminating watercraft.”

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 busiest.
— Returning Tahoe boats with a Lake Tahoe wire seal still affixed to its boat and trailer may head directly to a launch ramp to purchase a 2012 inspection sticker
— Fees vary by the size of the watercraft and are payable via MasterCard or Visa (no cash).
— Prior to arriving, Clean, Drain and Dry boats and 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.
— Annual watercraft inspection fees range from $35 for personal watercraft and vessels under 17 feet up to $121 for vessels over 39 feet. The annual “Tahoe Only” sticker fee remains unchanged from 2011. An additional fee of $25 is being charged in 2012 for any boat requiring decontamination.
— Paddlers of kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized watercraft are not currently required to have their boats inspected, but are urged to visit www.TahoeKeepers.org to learn how to self-inspect boats and gear and earn a free credentials packet and Tahoe Keepers stickers. However, inspections and decontaminations for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are free for paddlers who have recently visited infected waters.

Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com or call (888) 824-6267 for updates, details and information, or follow @TahoeBoating on Twitter for real-time updates.

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, with major funding from the US Fish & Wildlife Service. 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.

— Writer Peter Brumis is the Public Outreach Specialist for the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD). He can be reached at pbrumis@tahoercd.org