Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

In the fall of 2008 the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency passed an ordinance (Chapter 79.3) containing regulations that relate to the prevention of the invasion of aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe.

Beginning May 25, 2011, all boats without an intact AIS inspection seal must proceed to a TRPA inspection facility for inspection and decontamination prior to launching.  There are NO EXCEPTIONS. 

What if I have an intact AIS inspection seal and I plan to boat only on Lake Tahoe this season?

You may proceed directly to our ramp to pay a one-time 2011 TAHOE ONLY Watercraft Fee of $30.00. You will be issued a 2011 TAHOE ONLY sticker which must be affixed to your watercraft trailer and then you may launch.

When you take your boat out of the water, our pier staff will affix a new AIS inspection seal to your vessel/trailer. 

VERY IMPORTANT FOR TAHOE ONLY CUSTOMERS: If you return to our ramp without an intact seal, you will not be permitted to launch. You will be directed to proceed to a TRPA inspection facility for inspection and decontamination and you must pay a one-time 2011 TAHOE IN OUT Watercraft Fee (fee schedule below.) TRPA staff will deduct $30.00 from your 2011 TAHOE IN OUT Watercraft Fee if you previously paid your 2011 TAHOE ONLY Watercraft Fee.

What if I have an intact AIS inspection seal and I plan to boat on other lakes, in addition to Lake Tahoe this season?

You must proceed to a TRPA inspection facility to pay a one-time 2011 TAHOE IN OUT Watercraft Fee (fee schedule below). You will be issued a 2011 TAHOE IN OUT Sticker, which must be affixed to your watercraft trailer, and an AIS inspection seal and then you may proceed to our ramp to launch your boat.

VERY IMPORTANT FOR TAHOE IN OUT CUSTOMERS: If you return to our ramp without an intact seal, you will not be permitted to launch. You will be directed to proceed to a TRPA inspection facility for inspection and decontamination after which you will be issued an AIS inspection seal; and then you may proceed to our ramp to launch your boat.

Per TRPA’s proposed fee structure, the fee for the inspection and registration of watercraft will be as follows:

How to prepare and what to expect at a TRPA Inspection Facility

Come to the launch facility prepared to answer questions about your boat engine, sewage disposal, bilge cleaning and recent boating trips. Visit www.tahoeboatinspections.com to learn about Clean, Drain, and Dry and to get up-to-date information about the inspections.

The inspection and certification process includes boater education and compliance with:

• Aquatic invasive species program
• Noise and no-wake-zone standards
• Clean bilge practices
• Wastewater management
• Engine tuning and altitude
• Payment of mitigation fee

Why the need for inspections?

Watercrafts are the largest vectors for spreading Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) 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.  A few of the AIS that we are most concerned with are Zebra and Quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails and the spiny waterflea.  Invasive mussels 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 so checking obvious places may not be enough.  Aquatic Invasive Species can hide anywhere! Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft after every use to ensure you are not transporting any nasty nuisances.

ALWAYS CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY
YOUR EQUIPMENT EVERY TIME YOU LAUNCH

We are sure all of our customers are as committed as we are to preserving the beauty of Lake Tahoe for generations to come. We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep it free of aquatic invasive species.

For more information, call 1-888-TAHOE-ANS or visit www.tahoeboatinspections.com