72 boats with invasive species intercepted before entering Lake Tahoe

(FOX40.COM) — Quick actions by boaters and paddlers so far have helped prevent golden mussels and other aquatic invasive species from entering the Lake Tahoe watershed, according to agencies leading the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species program.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Tahoe Resource Conservation District manage the watercraft inspection program, which reported that inspectors performed more than 4,700 decontaminations in 2025, a 60% increase compared to the previous year.

Officials said inspectors attribute the dramatic jump in decontaminations to actions taken this year in an effort to confront the threat of the golden mussel in Northern California.

“Our inspectors were on the front lines of defense against golden mussels, which brought a strong sense of purpose and exceptional teamwork,” Thomas Boos, AIS prevention coordinator at TRPA, said. “We are grateful to our inspectors, boaters, and partners for keeping Lake Tahoe and surrounding waterbodies protected as we face this new threat.”

This season trained watercraft inspectors intercepted 72 watercraft traveling to Tahoe with aquatic invasive species, 14 of which had invasive mussels onboard.

2025 results so far:

• 4,700 motorized vessels decontaminated
• 72 vessels intercepted with aquatic invasive species on board
• 14 interceptions of invasive mussels
• 60% of boats arrived clean, drained, and dry

Officials stated there have been 123,000 watercrafts that have been inspected since 2008.

The golden mussels have made their way as far south as Silverwood Lake near San Bernardino.

So far into the year, the free Tahoe Keepers training program has seen one of its biggest years for new certifications. The addition of a fourth roving inspector has helped thousands of recreators learn how to Clean, Drain, and Dry their gear.

“It wasn’t until I worked at the watercraft inspection station that I saw how vulnerable the lake is to invasive species,” Leland Li, a watercraft inspector turned roving inspector, said. “The folks I talk to are the same—people care and want to protect the lake but may not be aware of all the threats. When beachgoers are educated, they spread the word to others and amplify the effect of our work.”

Officials reminded boaters to “clean, drain, and dry” their gear.

“Protecting the Tahoe Basin from invasive species extends beyond the watercraft inspection stations. Agencies and partner organizations rallied this season to augment non-motorized outreach and stewardship programs to reduce the risk of transport on kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment.”