Learn How to Prevent Your Kayak From Bringing Invasive Species into the Lake

	Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are spreading in waterways throughout the West. Non- native species, such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and New Zealand mudsnail, threaten the ecological balance of Lake Tahoe and its famous clarity. AIS can be easily transported through water in the bottom of kayaks or water in hand pumps. Aquatic weeds, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, can cling to a rudder and are also part of the problem. What can you do to protect Lake Tahoe from AIS? Become a Tahoe Keeper. A Tahoe Keeper is a paddler who is trained and certified to inspect and decontaminate their own boat and gear. This summer, paddlers will join the lake-wide protection effort to stop the spread of AIS. The multi-agency “Non-Motorized Watercraft Inspection Implementation Plan” has created a simple system to help compliance with Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and state requirements that address this serious threat while continuing to allow paddlers the freedom to launch at informal sites. Commencing in 2011, paddlers will be required to decontaminate their watercraft prior to launching in rivers or lakes in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Decontamination is accomplished by cleaning, draining, and drying watercraft and gear. A 10-15 minute training program that demonstrates the Clean, Drain, and Dry self- inspection and decontamination techniques is available at inspection stations and online. Boaters who successfully complete the program receive a Proof of Training card valid for one year and become a member of the Tahoe Keepers stewardship community. Tahoe Keepers will be required to carry the Proof of Training while boating in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Staff at developed launch sites such as Baldwin Beach and roving inspectors at informal launch sites will be checking for certifications and helping paddlers to comply. Non-motorized watercraft registration and inspections are free during 2011. As the core water stewards of Lake Tahoe, paddlers play an integral role in helping to protect our regional waterways and preserving our non-motorized culture.  Learn how to become a Tahoe Keeper at www.TahoeBoatInspections.com  or www.TahoeKeepers.org Please send us your email address and we will keep you up-to-date about this issue.