Watercraft Inspections

QUAGGA/ZEBRA MUSSEL ALERT!!
These invasive mussels are native to the Ponto-Caspian Basin of Eurasia (Eastern Europe and Western Asia). Both can colonize on the surfaces of many things such as watercraft, docks, water pipes and native mollusks. Zebra and Quagga mussels can be identified by the striping and coloring of their shells. Zebra mussels have triangular shaped shells, while Quagga have a rounder shell shape.

In January 2007, Quagga mussels were found for the first time west of the Mississippi in Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, and the Colorado River. Most recently it has entered waterbodies in CA. Once found, these mussels can cost millions of dollars to control. To report a sighting or for more information, call our Lake Tahoe Aquatic Nuisance Species Hotline at 1-888-TAHO-ANS (888-824-6267).

What Boaters Should Know Before Launching In Lake Tahoe

Prohibition: The transport or introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Lake Tahoe Region is prohibited. Further, it is prohibited to launch any watercraft into the waters of the Lake Tahoe Region that may be contaminated with aquatic invasive species.

Watercraft Inspections: All watercraft shall be subject to an inspection prior to launching into the waters of the Lake Tahoe region.  Inspections shall be conducted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency or its designee. For information on inspection fees, locations and hours please click here.

Decontamination: There are currently several decontamination stations around Lake Tahoe. Boats that are identified as 'high risk' or contain water in the bilge, ballast tanks, live wells and/or engine cooling system will be required go through a decontamination prior to launching, to avoid breaking prohibition of introduction of aquatic invasive species. If you are traveling from a high risk area, call ahead to schedule a decontamination.

Hotline: Please call 1-888-TAHO-ANS (888-824-6267) to get more information about inspections, decontamination or to report any sightings of Zebra or Quagga mussels.

What Can I Do To Help?

• Clean, Drain and Dry your boat after every use- including the bilge, ballast tanks, live wells and storage compartments
• Remove any vegetation, debris or mud from vessel
• Lower outdrive to let remaining water in system to drain out
• Wash watercraft with a high pressure hose at 140 degrees
• Learn how to inspect watercraft for aquatic hitchhikers
• Let your boat fully dry out prior to transporting to another water body
• Wash and dry all fishing equipment prior to use in another water body
• Report sightings to Lake Tahoe Aquatic Nuisances Species Hotline 1-888-TAHO-ANS (888-824-6267)
• Become involved in local policy and critique policies that are inefficient and promote those that work!
• Become a volunteer Watercraft Inspector by contacting Nicole Cartwright at 530.543.1501 ext 111 or click here

For more information on the TRPA code of ordinance, click here.