Contrary to a report published on August 14, 2012 in the Reno Gazette Journal,  no quagga mussels have been found in Lake Tahoe.

“Several boats have been stopped at Lake Tahoe inspection stations with quagga mussels attached or shells present in 2012, but all of these watercraft have been thoroughly decontaminated by Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspectors prior to launching,” said Tahoe Resource Conservation District spokesperson Peter Brumis. “It’s unfortunate that this information was released to the public, but the Reno Gazette Journal has since retracted the article.”

“The Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Team reminds boaters to Clean, Drain and Dry all watercraft and gear when moving from one waterbody to another to reduce the risks of spreading aquatic invasive species and to avoid decontamination fees at Lake Tahoe inspection stations.”

Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program

Information Release: August 9, 2012

RE: Invasive Species Interceptions

Press Contact:

Peter Brumis, Tahoe Resource Conservation District

530.543.1501 ext. 116, pbrumis@TahoeRCD.org

August 2, 2012:

Species found: 50+ quagga mussels on transom, engine and engine intake system

Where: Spooner Summit inspection station on Hwy 50 in Nevada.

Boat origin: The boat had been moored in Lake Mead, which is infested with quagga mussels.

Details: The owner had previously notified inspectors that he was bringing the watercraft from Lake Mead, and already had  cleaned and decontaminated the boat professionally.  After finding several mussels still attached, Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspectors decontaminated the boat again and it was placed on a 7 day quarantine by Nevada Division of Wildlife.  Prior to launching in Lake Tahoe, the watercraft will be inspected again and,  if any evidence of mussels is still present, decontaminated again as an added precaution.

August 3, 2012:

Species found: 1 live quagga mussel was discovered on the anchor line of a pleasure craft

Where: Meyers Watercraft Inspection Station near South Lake Tahoe, CA

Boat origin: The boat had recently visited the Lake Havasu area, which is known to be infested with quagga mussels.

Details: The boat was decontaminated and cleared by California Fish and Game personnel.

Quote from the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program:

Quagga and zebra mussels attach themselves to boats and all hard surfaces in infected lakes, such as Lake Mead and the Great Lakes

“Inspectors with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District have intercepted at least 6 boats so far in 2012 with aquatic invasive species attached, including 5 boats carrying invasive quagga or zebra mussels and 1 boat potentially transporting New Zealand mudsnails.  Hundreds of additional boats showing organic residue, potentially containing invasive species,  have also been decontaminated by inspectors in 2012.  With more nearby waterbodies infected with aquatic invasive species each year, including nearby Rye Patch and Lahontan Reservoirs in Northern Nevada,  it is imperative that all boats entering Lake Tahoe and other waterbodies are carefully inspected and decontaminated as needed to reduce the threat of potentially devastating invasive plants and animals.”

“We would like to thank our valued partners, including the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and numerous other public and private partners who help make the Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program a national model for invasive species prevention,” said Tahoe RCD spokesperson Peter Brumis.  “A lot of credit for preventing the further spread of invasive species goes to an increasing number of boaters and paddlers who are taking steps to avoid spreading invasive species, including arriving at inspection stations and launch facilities with their boats and watercraft Clean, Drained and Dry.  We all play a part in protecting our waters.”

Just a reminder to local Tahoe boaters.  If you have not yet received your inspection sticker and seal this year, head down to the roadside boat inspection station closest to you to avoid the holiday rush.  We expect to see busier than normal traffic at our inspection stations beginning on Friday, June 29th.

If you already have a seal on your boat and trailer and just need a 2012 Tahoe Boat Inspection sticker – just head directly to your favorite launch ramp and purchase a new sticker there.   All boats requiring inspection or decontamination should head to a roadside inspection station.  Click here for hours and locations.

In the Sacramento area this weekend?  Whether you’re a local boater in just passing through town, come by and say hi to Tahoe Boat Inspections staff at the Sacramento Boat Show at the Cal Expo March 9-11.  We’ll have some free giveaways and information on Boat Inspections and Aquatic Invasive Species Control & Prevention efforts for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

We’ll also be attending the upcoming Cabela’s outdoor show in Reno March 17th-18th.

~PB

Tahoe Boat Inspections Move to Roadside Stations

Now with five roadside inspection stations and new high-efficiency decontamination equipment, all boats without an intact Tahoe inspection seal will be directed to the roadside locations to speed up launch times at the ramps.

Click here for inspection station locations.