Tahoe boat inspections

[skiswm]

Not sure how many people are headed towards Tahoe this summer but you'll have to have your boats inspected before you enter the marina. This is a new policy set up by TRPA to protect the lake from various "Aquatic Nuisance Species." I was also told by a boat company in Truckee today that you will need to remove drain plugs each time you pull out, if he was correct he said they can actually ticket you for towing your boat wtih the drain plug in (I haven't heard for sure if this is true). They also informed me next year this will be expanding to other lakes including Donner Lake. For more info you can go here http://www.tahoercd.org/index.php/boat.

[Rick]

Inspection was in place last year

I went through the inspection last year when I put in on the west shore (Obexer's). Since I use my boat in a lake that is infected they went over it pretty thoroughly. It took a total of about 5-10 minutes.I can't remember but there might have been a $10 fee. When I pulled out they put a seal on my bow hook to winch connection and said if i did not break it i could come back without a re-inspection. I'm headed up in August and will have to go rthrough it again. I think it's a small price to pay to keep Tahoe mussel free.

[skiswm]

As I understand it this year they are actually inspecting the boats further from the lake, which include places like Alpine Meadows and Northstar Resort. I agree on saving the lake, it's the drinking water for many people plus it's obviously the major tourist attraction for the entire area. Looking at the webpages it looks like this will expand to Truckee next year....I would think that includes Donner Lake, Boca Dam, and Stampeed Dam.

[BKinSoCal]

Coming from a waterway with the mussels (Colorado River, Parker Strip), I completely understand them wanting to keep them out. It is amazing how quickly they multiply and grow.

However, from my experience, I haven't had any issues with the mussels when the water is cooler. I don't tend to see them until the water gets to be >70 degrees. But I guess they made it to the West Coast from one of the Great Lakes and I know they are pretty cold so I guess they can live in that environment.

I think Tahoe tops out at about 63 during the summer, doesn't it? I skied there for many years during the summers of high school. Cold mornings with wetsuits, but a beautiful sheet of glass!!!