Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District are working together to meet the long-term needs of the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program by securing permanent locations for watercraft inspection stations around the lake. These agencies are collaborating with El Dorado County and the California Tahoe Conservancy to pursue a permanent home for the watercraft inspection station in Meyers, California where approximately 2,000 boats are inspected every year to protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invaders.

The existing, leased location at 2175 Keetak Street has little capacity for waiting boaters, which results in queuing boats on public roadways and unsafe conditions for watercraft inspectors and the public. The current location also requires seasonal setup and breakdown.

The proposed new location is on four California Tahoe Conservancy asset land parcels on Pomo Street near the junction of State Route 89 and U.S. Highway 50. The site provides the opportunity for better facilities for watercraft inspectors and the public: it has queuing space for at least 14 boats, which essentially eliminates the potential for clogging public roadways. It’s significantly safer for inspectors and the public as inspections would not need to occur on the roadway, and reduces the work needed for annual setup and breakdown. A permanent facility also provides the opportunity for onsite workforce housing for watercraft inspectors in summer and snow removal staff in winter.