Our goal: Protect Lake Tahoe.

Partners in protecting Lake Tahoe

The Watercraft Inspection Program is part of the Lake Tahoe 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. The state, federal and local agencies comprising the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) 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. 

A model in AIS prevention

With the discovery of quagga mussels in Lake Mead in 2007, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) took quick and decisive actions to protect Lake Tahoe from new devasting aquatic invasive species (AIS) and implemented a mandatory watercraft inspection program.
Watercraft are a leading vector for spreading AIS into new waterways. Our mandatory inspection program stops aquatic invaders before they enter the water, protecting Lake Tahoe for generations to come.

Lake Tahoe’s program serves as a national model, incorporating protective protocols based on science, paired with exceptional customer service. Programs nationwide mimic the Lake Tahoe program to protect their waterways. To learn more about AIS prevention, control, and monitoring, visit RestoreTahoe.org.

Roving Inspector McKenzie Arave shows a paddler a vial of preserved invasive species to help convey the importance of Clean, Drain, and Dry protocols.

Inspections

Tahoe Keepers

AIS Intercepted

Timeline

Our Team

Watercraft Inspectors

Watercraft inspectors are trained to inspect all watercraft that come through the three roadside inspection stations in the Tahoe Basin. They look for signs of invasives, including mud, water, plants, and animals, and safely decontaminate vessels when aquatic invasive species are found. Through personable boater education at the stations, inspectors work to “spread the word, not the species.”
Roving inspector talks with a family of kayakers on the beach in Lake Tahoe.

Roving Inspectors

Rovers expand outreach beyond roadside inspection stations. Rovers roam the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, providing education to kayakers, paddleboarders, anglers, and other beachgoers. Rovers provide on-site inspections and introduce non-motorized watercraft users to the Tahoe Keepers program, which teaches users to Clean, Drain, and Dry their gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Stay in touch!

Follow Us

@TahoeBoating
@TahoeKeepers

Sign Up for eNews

Just the most essential info for your Tahoe boating experience.
eNews Sign Up

Join Our Team

We’re hiring watercraft inspectors and roving inspectors for the 2026 boating season! Apply today.

Job Postings

Contact Us

Visit our contact page to get in touch.
Contact Us