Stateline, Nevada – Watercraft inspection stations at Lake Tahoe that help to prevent the introduction
of aquatic invasive species (AIS) are closed until further notice due to hazardous air quality and wildfire
precautions, according to Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program agencies. Watercraft inspection
stations will remain closed until it is deemed safe for personnel to return to work, they said.
“The safety of our employees and the community are always our highest priority,” Tahoe Regional
Planning Agency Executive Director Joanne S. Marchetta said. “We will continue to monitor the air
quality and wildfire situation in the hopes of putting the inspectors back to work as soon as it is safe.”
Invasive species can have devastating environmental and economic impacts on industries, communities,
and native species populations. Watercraft are the largest source for spreading aquatic invasive species
into new waterways. Under the watercraft inspection program, every motorized watercraft is inspected
to ensure it is Clean, Drained, and Dry and not carrying AIS before launching at Lake Tahoe. Thanks to
the diligence of boaters and inspectors, no new aquatic invasive species have been detected in Lake
Tahoe since the program launched in 2008.
“This program’s success can be attributed to the epic collaboration by numerous agencies and the public
to protect Lake Tahoe,” Chris Kilian, Tahoe Resource Conservation District Aquatic Invasive Species
Program Manager said. “We appreciate the public’s understanding and flexibility under the current
circumstances and look forward to opening the stations again when it is safe to do so.”
Boaters should continue to check www.TahoeBoatInspections.com for new information as it becomes
available or call 888-824-6267. For up-to-date information on launch ramps, contact the facilities
directly.
The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program is implemented by 40 public and private partner organizations, including federal, state, and local jurisdictions, research partners, public utility districts, and private marinas. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District lead the program in collaboration with the public and private partners. The program’s mission is to prevent, detect, and control aquatic invasive species in the region so that future generations can enjoy Lake Tahoe. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Public Information Officer, via email or at 775-589-5278.