LAKE COUNTY – Beginning July 1, fees go into effect for the new phase of the Lake County Invasive Species Inspection Program.

Inspection stickers still are required prior to launching any water vessel on any Lake County water body, and beginning July 1, County-operated screening and inspection services will require fees.

The fee for initial screening performed by the County is $10. If a water vessel passes initial screening, an inspection sticker will be issued; if a water vessel does not pass initial screening, further inspection by a certified inspector will be required.

The fee for a certified inspection by County personnel is based on the length and type of water vessel. For vessels up to 12 feet in length, the fee is $15. For vessels from 12 to 18 feet, the fee is $25. For vessels 18 feet and longer, the fee is $40. In addition, any vessel that contains ballast tanks and/or bladders shall be charged an additional $20 per inspection.

If a water vessel passes certified inspection, an inspection sticker will be issued; if a water vessel does not pass certified inspection, the vessel will not be allowed to launch until the vessel has been decontaminated and re-inspected by a certified inspector.

For local water vessels, stickers are red and are not be subject to an expiration date, unless re-screening or re-inspection is required when they return to Lake County. Local vessels include any vessel registered in Lake County and any non-registered vessel owned by a resident of Lake County. Proof must be provided: a valid driver’s license with a Lake County address; the vessel registration certificate showing a Lake County address; or alternately, a utility bill showing a Lake County residence and/or a boat-slip lease agreement with a local marina.

For nonlocal water vessels, the sticker color will change each year; for 2008, the stickers are teal. These stickers will be valid through the end of the calendar year in which they are issued.

As part of this inspection process, an inspection application form, which includes an affidavit, must be completed, signed, and submitted, along with payment for initial screening fee. Application forms with instructions may be downloaded from the Lake County Mussel Web Site at www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels.

INSPECTION LOCATIONS

This fee-based program establishes nominal fees for those screenings and inspections performed by County personnel. Current County-operated screening/inspection locations include:

Department of Public Works

Walk-in hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lake County Courthouse (third floor)

255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport

707-263-2341

Department of Agriculture

Walk-in hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

833 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport

707-263-0217

Lake County Visitor Information Center

Walk-in hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 7 p.m. on Fridays); Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

6110 E. Highway 20, Lucerne

707-274-5652; 800-LAKESIDE

Several local bait shops and marine-related businesses will offer this vessel screening/inspection service to the public, and many resort owners and marina operators will offer this service to their guests and customers.

The Lake County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance to protect the water bodies of Lake County from the significant and imminent threat posed by invasive quagga and zebra mussel infestation. The ordinance:

• Requires all vessels to have inspection stickers prior to launching on any Lake County water body. This applies to all motorized and non-motorized vessels including boats, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, inflatable rafts, etc.

• Bans the disposal of live bait and any liquid that contains or has contained live bait into Lake County water bodies.

• Establishes the Lake County Invasive Species Inspection Program, which began April 8, with screening and inspections available at no cost through June 30, and a nominal fee structure beginning July 1.

Application forms must be postmarked by June 30 in order to qualify for no-cost screening.

For information about this program or to locate the most convenient inspection location, go online to the Lake County Mussel Web Site at www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels, or call the Lake County Mussel Hotline at (707) 263-2556.

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