Tahoe Boat Inspections

Boat inspections are mandatory before you launch your watercraft on Lake Tahoe

Click here to locate boat inspection stations and see current inspection fees.

Minimize your inspection time by arriving to the inspection site clean, drained, & dry. Click here to find out how to CLEAN, DRAIN, AND DRY.

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Why the need for inspections?

Watercrafts are the largest vectors for spreading Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) into new waterways. Inspections are an essential part of preventing this inadvertent transport of alien species into our pristine waters of Lake Tahoe.

Invasive species have devastating environmental and economic impacts on industries, communities and native species populations. Most invasive species do not have predators to keep their populations in balance and, once introduced, are very hard if not impossible to eradicate. Two of the ANS that we are most concerned with are Zebra and Quagga mussels. They have only recently (Jan 07) been found west of the 100th Meridian and are spreading rapidly throughout Nevada, California and other western states. These mussels attach themselves to practically any hard surface wreaking havoc on boats, marinas and water delivery systems.

Many kinds of aquatic pests, including both plants and animals, are easily carried by trailered boats and checking obvious places may not be enough. Aquatic Nuisance Species can hide anywhere! Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft after every use to ensure you are not transporting any nasty nuisances. After all, We’re All in This Boat Together!