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by: Elizabeth Sedway, TahoeKidsGuide.com

To prevent the introduction of destructive aquatic invaders such as the quagga and zebra mussels to Lake Tahoe, boat inspections are being conducted at all launch facilities. To prevent an infestation at Lake Tahoe, every motorized vessel launching at the Lake must be examined by trained inspectors before being allowed in the lake.

Quagga and zebra mussels are carried between waterways on boat trailers and boats. Those who have recently launched at infested waterways such as Lake Mead and other waters of the Colorado River Drainage risk spreading the mussels to anyplace they launch next. The mussels reproduce rapidly, causing serious environmental damage. Additionally, they can cause serious damage to boats by clogging cooling system water intakes, causing motors to overheat.

Grant funding previously used to pay for the boat inspection program is running out. Now, at Lake Tahoe, as is the case at other water bodies, an inspection fee must be charged to keep the inspections going. Fees are based on the size of your boat and range from $10 to $60. The average fee is $30.

Inspection Fees: 
$10* Up to 16'
$30* Over 16' to 25' 
$40* Over 25' to 39'
$60* Over 39' Additional $10 for vessels containing ballast tanks/bladders/live wells.
* A 25% discount card will be available this summer for frequent launches.

The funds will be used only for the inspection program, which is needed in order to prevent serious damage to your vessel and immeasurable environmental damage to Lake Tahoe. Boaters may not need to pay this fee each time they launch their boat. When you remove your boat from Lake Tahoe, you will be given an inspection seal attaching the vessel to your trailer. If the seal is still intact the next time you launch, no inspection will be needed and no fee will be collected. By boating only at Lake Tahoe, one inspection and fee can last all summer or from year to year.

Public Boat Lauch/Ramp Hours
Cave Rock: 5a-8p, daily

Coon Street: t.b.d.

Sand Harbor: 6a-8p, daily
Ski Beach (Incline Village,NV):  7a-8p, daily
Lake Forest: 5a-11p, daily
Contact private launches directly for current hours.

When launching your boat at Lake Tahoe this summer, prepared to answer questions about your recent boating trips. The inspectors need to know where your boat has been and how recently. If your boat has been in storage all winter, bring the storage facility receipt with you. If your boat has been in an infested waterway, decontamination may be necessary. Also be prepared to pay inspection and launch fees.

The following video, made by biology class students, Maria Wolyn & Kirstin Zaloum, is a brief, but compelling look at what could happen to Lake Tahoe if these invasive species are allowed to enter the lake: