CURRENT GENERAL CONDITIONS
ENVIORNMENTAL CONCERNS: I was doing some research on the threat of Invasive Species into Lake Tahoe so that I might be a safe boater on the lake when I happened upon some disturbing facts. I already knew about the problem with the introduction of the milfoil weed into the area of Emerald Bay and The Keys. I was also aware that there was a threat of introduction of the Zebra Mussel and Quagga Mussel into all of the waters this side of the Mississippi. A few years ago the mussels made an unexpected appearance in Lake Mead and have since spread throughout the Colorado River basin and into many of the lakes in Southern California on the other side of the Gravevine. I learned that someone had managed to import some of the mussels into the San Benito Reservoir located east of Monterrey Bay.
http://www.tahoercd.org/linkeddocs/AISpage/AISpage/Corbicula_Incident_Report5_7_08.pdf
Tahoe authorities have implemented an inspection procedure on boats being launched into the lake. You can expect a bit of a delay as inspectors go over your boat for evidence of possible contamination. You will have to fill out a form inquiring as to where and when your boat was last launched. You may be required to undergo a decontamination process at any of several locations around the lake. My best suggestion is to use your boat only at Lake Tahoe if that is a possibility. Allow as much time as possible between taking your boat out of foreign waters and trying to launch at Tahoe as possible.... seven days would be considered a minimum and longer would be desired. Make sure there in no water in the bilge or anywhere else for that matter. Wash your boat down with detergent and hot water if possible when you remove it from other waters and before transporting it to Tahoe. Expect delays at the launch ramp.