BOAT INSPECTION FEES TAKE EFFECT IN JUNE AT LAKE TAHOE

Wow $60 for a big Boat plus $10 per each tank,well or Bladder     $10 for us

Beginning in June, boaters launching at Lake Tahoe will pay a nominal fee to help fund an inspection program aimed at preventing the introduction of such aquatic invasive species as the quagga and zebra mussel.

The fee, which was authorized March 26 by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board, is needed because grant funding that has been used to finance the inspections is running out.

Inspections will expand to more facilities for the summer season May 1 while fees will take effect June 1. This will give boaters the opportunity to have their vessels inspected at certain locations free of charge; boats that stay in Tahoe need only be inspected once if an inspection seal is kept intact. Locations will be announced this month.

Inspections began at Tahoe ramps and launch facilities last May. Since November, boaters have been able to launch only at facilities where qualified inspectors are present.

Fees will range from $10 to $60 depending on vessel size. Most boaters will pay $30. A $10 surcharge will apply for vessels with ballast tanks, live wells and bladders. When a vessel comes out of the Lake, an inspection seal will be attached to boats so that they do not have to be inspected or pay a fee again as long as the boat returns with the seal intact. This method will save boaters time and money at the boat ramps.

Boat inspection fees to protect water bodies from aquatic invaders are not unique to Lake Tahoe. Other water bodies in the West have begun charging for boat inspections as well.

Up-to-date information on boat ramp hours, lake conditions and procedures will be available through the spring by calling
1-888-TAHO-ANS.