Placer County is reminding residents and visitors that boat launching into Lake Tahoe must be done at an authorized location. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency now requires that all watercraft and trailers launched into Lake Tahoe be inspected for aquatic invasive species. Unless an inspector is present, watercraft cannot be launched into the lake.

Quagga and zebra mussels are a main concern due to their tendency to rapidly multiply. First brought to the Great Lakes in the 1980s by ships from Eastern Europe, the mussels have moved west and have been found in multiple lakes including Lake Mead, located near Las Vegas.

“We have to do whatever we can to protect the quality of Lake Tahoe.” said Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery, whose 5th District includes Placer County's portion of Lake Tahoe. “If the mussels get into the lake, they will damage not only boats but affect water clarity.”

It is estimated that it would cost millions of dollars in equipment damage and attempts at removing the mussels, if they infests the lake. Mussels can clog cooling systems on boats, causing marine engines to burn up. Their sharp edges on the mussels can cut feet when washed ashore. The mussels also destroy fish and native organisms.

With the recent closure of a popular boat-launching beach that did not have inspectors present on the lake's West Shore, Placer County wants to remind boaters that they must use alternative launch sites. The following list consists of public and private sites where a boat can legally be launched into the lake.

Obexer's Boat Company 
5355 West Lake Blvd.
Homewood, CA 96141
(530) 525-7962

Homewood Marina 
5190 West Lake Blvd. 
Homewood, CA
(530) 525-5966

Lake Forest Boat Ramp 
2390 Lake Forest Rd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145 
(530) 581-4017

Tahoe City Marina 
700 North Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA
(530) 583-1039

North Tahoe Marina 
7360 North Lake Blvd. 
Tahoe Vista, CA  96148
(530) 546-8248

Sierra Boat Co.
5146 North Lake Blvd.
Carnelian Bay, CA
(530) 546-2551