Local boaters to be first allowed on Lake Tahoe; Future phases to allow out-of-area boats

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - Local boats will soon be able to get into Lake Tahoe, but boaters from out of the area will have to wait until COVID-19 reopening phases allow them.

On Friday the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) announced a phased approach to boating that discourages out-of-area visitation as part of state and local coordination on recreation guidelines for Lake Tahoe this season.

"TRPA’s annual distribution of Lake Tahoe aquatic invasive species (AIS) decals to marinas and launch facilities will be in line with direction from state and local officials," the agency said Friday. "No visiting boats from out of the region can launch until public health orders are further relaxed."

This doesn't mean local boats that qualify for the "Tahoe Only" stickers will be able to launch in the next couple of weeks.

TRPA said they have been working closely with marinas, launch sites, public health officials, and the Nevada and California governors’ offices on a date to begin opening the lake, first to boats that have intact aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection seals. Vessels with an intact inspection seal, which are called “Tahoe Only” boats, are typically stored or trailered locally. Allowing them to launch would not invite widespread visitation to the Region, according to agency officials.

Marinas and boat ramp operations have to prepare their reopening plans in relation to COVID-19 protocols set by the states such as social distancing, contactless payment systems, and cleaning procedures. All staff must also be trained in the new procedures. Once they have those created and their local public health department has signed off on their plan they can start to reopen to the Tahoe Only boats.

"There has been a lot of cooperation between the marinas and agencies," said TRPA PIO Jeff Cowen. He said some marinas may be ready and able to open in two weeks.

“As some areas begin to see the COVID curve flatten, it is critical that boaters, government leaders, and marina managers follow a phased approach that addresses public health and environmental concerns.” TRPA Executive Director Joanne S. Marchetta said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation and encourage boaters to stay up to date on when facilities will open by visiting tahoeboatinspections.com.”

A Lake Tahoe invasive species seal shows that a boat does not need to be inspected or decontaminated to prevent an introduction of harmful invasive species. Inspection stations for AIS remain closed under COVID-19 orders. Owners of “Tahoe In & Out” vessels visit other water bodies during the boating year and approximately 85 percent of them are from outside the Tahoe Basin. These boats would only be considered to launch in future phases after health orders are further relaxed.

The Lake Tahoe Marina Association said over the next several weeks, marinas and launch facilities are tackling the significant amount of work necessary to ready customer boats and facilities. “The association appreciates the opportunity to work with TRPA, the states and counties in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the League to Save Lake Tahoe on a plan to restart operations and begin preparations of a phased opening for boating activities,” Marina Association Secretary Cathy Walsh said. “Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the entire Tahoe Community.”

Agencies remind boaters to practice safe physical distancing from others outside of their household and to follow local and state health guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19 disease. Boaters should also stay informed of recreation area closure orders and guidelines when coming ashore. For more information on when various marinas and launch sites will open, consistent with state and local COVID orders, visit www.tahoeboatinspections.com.

(This story was updated on May 9, 2020)