Inspectors keep invasive mussels out of Lake Tahoe

Diligent inspectors have helped keep Lake Tahoe free of quagga and zebra mussels.

During the 2013 boating season Tahoe Resource Conservation District workers inspected more than 14,000 vessels entering either Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake or Echo Lake.  Half were new inspections, while the remainder had intact Tahoe-issued inspection seals.

Thirty-six of the inspected watercraft were harboring aquatic invasive critters including plants, mussels and snails. TRCD decontaminated 4,221 watercraft with hot water to prevent invasive species from entering Tahoe’s waters.

Invasive aquatic species are getting closer to the basin. This summer Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed New Zealand mudsnails in sections of the Truckee River from Mayberry Park in Reno to the Sparks area.

“Clean, drained and dry” is the motto of the program.

TRCD inspectors also staffed Boca, Prosser and Stampede reservoirs and partnered with the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District to provide watercraft inspectors at Donner Lake. Truckee inspectors screened more than 3,500 vessels for aquatic invasive species.

Prevention efforts for more than 7,000 paddlers occurred at U.S. Forest Service kiosks, boat ramps and Fallen Leaf Lake. They were assessed for their risk of transporting aquatic invasive species from previously visited water bodies.

Information about the boat inspection program, including hours of operation for boat launches and snow closures, is available online or by calling 888.824.6267.