Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors have intercepted a vessel with invasive golden mussels at the Alpine Meadows, California inspection station. This marks the first detection of this species by Lake Tahoe inspectors since its discovery in North America in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in October 2024.
Dennis Zabaglo, aquatic invasive species program manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), emphasized the importance of vigilance and following protocols to protect regional waters. "Golden mussels pose an extreme threat to Lake Tahoe and the waters of the region and it is critical that everyone stay vigilant and always Clean, Drain, and Dry all watercraft and equipment when visiting new areas," Zabaglo stated. He praised the efforts of highly trained inspectors and partners at marinas and boat ramps but noted that protecting Tahoe's waters requires collective effort.
In response to the proximity of golden mussels, TRPA and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) have enhanced inspection procedures since March. Mandatory decontaminations are now part of inspections for all motorized watercraft entering Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Echo Lake.
The Alpine Meadows station inspectors performed an initial decontamination on a 65-foot vessel, which will remain under quarantine per California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations until deemed safe. The Watercraft Inspection Program managers are coordinating with Nevada Division of Wildlife and other agencies to share information on detections across states.
Chris Killian from Tahoe RCD stressed maintaining Clean, Drain, Dry protocols as vital to preventing invasions by golden mussels. "With the support of boaters and paddlers, we have kept Lake Tahoe safe from many invasive species," he said. However, due to their survivability and proximity to Tahoe, golden mussels pose a significant threat.
Since being found in Port of Stockton, California, golden mussels have spread as far south as Bakersfield through connected waterways. Regions outside Tahoe have responded with prevention programs, temporary closures, and quarantine measures.