MANDATORY WATERCRAFT SELF-INSPECTIONS AT DONNER LAKE
Prior to a watercraft being launched into Donner Lake for the first time for the season, the owner or operator must submit a self-inspection form to the Town of Truckee and obtain an inspection sticker for the watercraft.
You do NOT need a Donner Lake 2024 sticker if you have a current, valid Lake Tahoe sticker and have not entered any other body of water.
Watercraft self-inspections are mandatory for all motorized and/or trailered watercraft launching on Donner Lake through the Town of Truckee ordinance Title 14. Inspections are to help prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into Donner Lake. Non-motorized watercraft may be subject to an inspection prior to entering Donner Lake if determined necessary by the Town of Truckee or its designee.
Once established in local waters, aquatic invasive species such as, invertebrates (New Zealand mudsnails, quagga mussels, and Asian clam), plants (Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla, and curlyleaf pondweed), and warm water fishes degrade aquatic ecosystems, inhibit recreation, damage infrastructure and equipment, and cause depreciation in property values.
“The health of local waters continues to be extremely important to the character, natural beauty, and economic vitality of the Town of Truckee”, said Deverie Acuff, Police Administrative Manager. “We believe that boaters, anglers, and others who recreate on Donner Lake will continue to embrace the efforts to protect this precious natural resource.”
Watercraft identified as high risk will be required to be decontaminated before being able to launch in Donner Lake.
Below are the steps in place to launch your watercraft at Donner Lake this summer:
Print the self-inspection form
If you do not have a printer or need assistance, email policedepartment@townoftruckee.com
Inspect your boat at its current location – you do not need to bring your boat to the Truckee Police Department.
Bring your completed form into the Truckee Police Department between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (no appointment needed). * TRUCKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS THE ONLY AGENCY WITH 2024 DONNER LAKE STICKERS. YOU WILL NEED TO COME TO THE PD LOBBY DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS TO OBTAIN A STICKER.
Once you receive your Donner Lake 2024 sticker from the Police Department, place it on your boat, and keep your completed, current inspection form in your boat.
Your boat is now ready to launch at Donner Lake!
Pay launch fees to launch ramp staff and launch your boat. For details on where to launch, lake amenities, and the cost go to: https://www.tdrpd.org/
Donner Lake Sticker Options:
- Donner Lake 2024 Sticker – No Fee
- Current, existing valid Lake Tahoe sticker ($80-$100)
Donner Lake Self Inspection Form
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Partnership with Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Tahoe Resource Conservation District – How to Clean, Drain, Dry Your Watercraft
For questions, email policedepartment@townoftruckee.com.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
Hours of Operation for Watercraft Inspection & Decontamination Stations:
Truckee-Tahoe Station- No longer operating.
Alpine Meadows Station – May 26th – September 30th – operation hours will be 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily.
Lake Forest Station – Impending winter storms will impact ramp hours at Lake Forest. Winter weather will be assessed daily and updates will be posted here.
*Please note that the watercraft inspection stations do not have 2024 Donner Lake stickers. You must obtain a sticker from the Truckee PD lobby during normal business hours.