Media Contact: Jeff Cowen | 775-589-5278
Inspection Program Contact: AIS@TRPA.gov | 888-824-6267
Boaters can save 50 percent on mandatory decontaminations at regional inspection stations
Lake Tahoe, Nev./Calif. – As warmer days return to Lake Tahoe, boating season is off to a strong start at Tahoe’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) watercraft inspection stations.
All three regional watercraft inspection stations, located at Meyers, Calif., Spooner Summit, Nev., and Alpine Meadows, Calif., are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for walk-ins and appointments. Inspectors recommend making an appointment online at TahoeBoatInspections.com/appt to save time at the station.
Decontamination utilizes extremely hot water and pressure washers to kill invasive species hiding in and on watercraft. Photo by: Clean Up the Lake.
To protect Lake Tahoe from the harmful impacts of aquatic invasive species, decontaminations continue to be mandatory for all motorized vessels coming from other waterbodies. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), who manage the inspection program, have strengthened protocols in response to the recent discovery of invasive golden mussels in the delta region of California’s Central Valley. Co-managers of the watercraft inspection program since 2008, TRPA and Tahoe RCD have inspected 123,000 vessels to date, intercepting more than 730 vessels with aquatic invasive species onboard before they could enter the lake and damage Lake Tahoe’s water quality, native habitat, and recreation.
New this season, boaters can save 50 percent on decontamination fees by arriving Clean, Drain, Dry.
“We want to reward boaters for doing their part to prevent the spread of invasive species,” says Chris Kilian, aquatic invasive species prevention program manager at Tahoe RCD. “Not only is this the best practice for protecting all waterways, arriving Clean, Drain, Dry helps you get on the water faster.”
All motorized vessels, including eFoils and other hand-launched electric watercraft, require inspection and decontamination to launch in Lake Tahoe and neighboring waterbodies like Fallen Leaf Lake and Echo Lakes.
Agencies maintain vigilance
Golden mussels encrust vessels, like this boat intercepted in Ashland, Oregon, hitching a ride to new waterbodies. Photo by: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Golden mussels continue to be the greatest threat to Lake Tahoe, present in waterbodies as close as a three-hour drive from the Jewel of the Sierra. These destructive mollusks upend food chains, which reduces native and sport fish populations, and can clog water intake pipes and encrust recreational equipment. Since their initial detection in the Port of Stockton in 2024, golden mussels have spread as far south as San Diego. TRPA and Tahoe RCD urge boaters to help protect Lake Tahoe by following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols.
“Since the start of our inspection program, we have kept many devastating invasive species out of Lake Tahoe, but we aren’t taking any chances with the golden mussel,” emphasizes Dennis Zabaglo, TRPA aquatic invasive species program manager. “We are asking boaters to stay vigilant to protect the waters they enjoy. Inspection, decontamination, and Clean, Drain, Dry protocols allow us to maintain access to this beautiful blue lake and preserve recreation opportunities for future generations.”
Tahoe Keepers protect Tahoe
Paddle boarders, kayakers, and other beachgoers protect Tahoe by following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols at home and at the beaches. Location of waterless cleaning machines can be found at TahoeKeepers.org/#CD3. Photo by: Clean Up the Lake.
Kayakers, paddleboarders, anglers, and other beachgoers play an integral role in protecting lakes, rivers, and streams from aquatic invaders. Recreators are reminded to remove all mud, water, plants, and animals from their equipment and gear before and after every launch.
More than 8,000 paddlers have joined the Tahoe Keepers community—the free online certification program trains non-motorized recreators on how to Clean, Drain, Dry to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. New Tahoe Keepers registrants can enter for a chance to win cool gear through a joint effort with Keep Tahoe Blue’s Eyes on the Lake training program. Roving inspectors and waterless cleaning machines are returning to popular recreation areas this season to educate beachgoers and make Clean, Drain, Dry a breeze.
Visit TahoeBoatInspections.com and TahoeKeepers.org to prepare for an epic Tahoe summer protecting the lake for everyone.
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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.