Quagga and Zebra Mussel Inspections in Lake Tahoe

This blog post is not about South Lake Tahoe real estate, but is about quagga and zebra mussels and affects boat owners, and anyone that plans to visit Lake Tahoe in the future.

The TRPA is currently on a mission to keep the invasive quagga and zebra mussels out of Lake Tahoe. If you are planning on bringing your boat to Lake Tahoe, be prepared to have your boat inspected at the launch ramp. The inspection will be free at the Cave Rock launch ramp until June 1st, after that there will be an inspection fee.

If you plan to launch at the Tahoe Keys Marina, there is a $30 inspection fee for boats under 25 feet, $40 for boats from 26 to 40 feet, and $125 an hour for boats over 40 feet. If you tack on the $35 launch fee it could be an  expensive day on the lake!

 Here are some basic inspection and cleaning tips you should use every time you take your boat out of the water that will prevent you from spreading mussels and having your boat quarantined by an inspector.

• If your boat has been in another body of water, make sure to pull your drain plug and completely dry out your bilge. Quagga and zebra mussels can survive for up to 30 days out of the water in cool wet weather, or up to 5 days in hot weather. Make sure to let your boat dry for the appropriate amount of time prior to launching in any different body of water.
• Be sure to remove any mud or plants from your trailer.
• Inspect your boat for any rough or gritty spots, which may be young mussels that cannot be seen.
• Clean all water sports and fishing equipment including wetsuits.
• Wash, dry, and brush your pets.
• Wash your boat with hot water at a temperature of 140 degrees at the hull.

Photo provided by the USGS

The reason that the mussels must be prevented from entering Lake Tahoe is that they can completely change the ecosystem, damage boats and motors, clog infrastructure, and leave sharp shells on the beaches.

On Tuesday, a boat from Lake Pleasant, Arizona was found to have shells of the quagga mussels by an inspector at the Tahoe Keys Marina. This boat was decontaminated, and shows that the inspections are essential to keep the mussels out of Lake Tahoe.

Boating is a major part of the economy and lifestyle of Lake Tahoe, please do your part in preventing the spread of the quagga and zebra mussels so that we can continue to enjoy Tahoes crystal clear waters!