Aquatic Invasive Species - Kayaks

[Message is from Lake Tahoe - but good idea for all Sierra Lakes]

Hello!  As we enter the 2012 field season, the water craft inspections have begun on motorized boats and vessels at the inspection stations around the lake (several articles have already been published in the local papers on this effort). For 2012, the AIS Coordinating Committee (which is made up of multiple agencies) along with the AIS Working Groups (which is made up of agencies and local citizens, and groups) have started a new venture in protecting the waters of the Lake Tahoe Basin in implementing roving inspectors that are specialized in non-motorized vessels (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, etc..).  The inspectors will be providing information and are a resource to help inform the public and staff on the risks of AIS.
“Paddlers” are encouraged to go online at the Tahoe Keepers website (www.tahoekeepers.org, also located on Facebook) and take the free self-inspection and decontamination training program which provides paddlers and hand-launched watercraft users with the information needed to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.  Widespread participation in this voluntary training program can also help prevent future restrictions on paddlers’ access to recreational opportunities in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
To learn how to Clean, Drain, Dry and Dispose every time, watch the training video or visit the Education page. Once you pass the Tahoe Keeper quiz, you may register as a Tahoe Keeper, request Tahoe Keeper decals for each of your watercraft, and receive your Proof of Training credentials that demonstrate your participation in the stewardship community.
More information on the AIS program and links to information on both motorized and non-motorized inspections can be found on the LTBMU external webpage under the link for Aquatic Invasive Species  (LTBMU AIS Website) and at the Tahoe Boat Inspections website (http://tahoeboatinspections.com/ ).

You can also contact the Aquatic Biologist’s on the Forest (Sarah Muskopf at 543-2835 and Maura Santora at 543-2622) or myself to find out more information.

Have a great season ahead and remember to Clean, Drain, & Dry every time!