Lake Tahoe has been exposed to several invasive species over the years, and officials are strongly encouraging people to clean, drain, and dry all watercraft to prevent contaminating the lake.
Launching a boat into Lake Tahoe is a summer tradition for many. However, before each vessel enters the lake, they must undergo a strict inspection for invasive species.
Due to the long distance between some of the existing mussel beds and access roads, crews are using ATVs as needed to transport the mussels to reduce stress the mussels.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife has announced that the reservoir at South Fork State Recreation Area has tested positive for quagga mussel DNA. No adult quagga mussels or veligers (larval stage quagga) were found in that waterway.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency says inspectors intercepted a boat on Wednesday coming from Lake Mead with quagga mussels and an unidentified snail species.