A complete inspection would be just that. Livewells dry, bilge dry, motors drained and dry, and any place else that could hold the mussels.
And that’s exactly my point with this whole issue. No matter how many stickers we have, or how many we pay for, or how many inspections are performed, or how many “I’m clean” slips we put in our windshields; the things are coming, and they’re spreading.
Lets focus dollars and sense on how to deal with them because they won’t be stopped from spreading in the long run. No inspection is perfect. Much of the country has already tried and failed.
Since I haven’t ever had a “complete inspection,” all I can do is tell you what the Colorado guys are saying. And lots of those guys say the same thing as you, a quick glance and waived on through.
As for sterilization, I think there are ways outlined on the little forms we fill out here. Since my boat never leaves the Gorge, I haven’t had to do it. Something to the effect of a certain solution, or a certain number of days dry, or a certain number of days in below-freezing temperatures. I believe all of the warning signs and propaganda has instructions if you’re moving around a lot.
in case anyone was wondering here is how they do it in CO.
we pull up to 11 mile res to the little stand… they make me scrub down the outside of the boat from the road grime and dirt… they look inside the live well/s. they make sure the plug is out and the bilige is dry. every little nook and cranny is inspected. the whole process only takes about 15 minutes, and they end up getting there fairly early.
at pueblo res. they actually give you this little card that you have to return at the end of the day. i guess a few months they busted a few people that dident get their boat inspected and recieve the plastic card got a nasty high fine, some where in the hundreds of dollars (just soemthing i heard in passing).
after labor day at 11 mile they only have the inspection station on the other side of the lake, but its still done even after the summer crowds are gone.
here is another question i pose for every one… would you (every one) be willing to support a $2.50 increase in your fishing liscense to have a manned shack at the more popular lakes? or would it be easier to pay 20 bucks for one year for your boat, during registration, to have the same thing?
me personally, i would pay the extra 20 during registration because not all people that fish in Utah do so off a boat.
I can’t speak to how well Utah or any other state is doing in preventing these little monsters. However, I would like to say that more needs to be done by Utah and most states about finding a way to eliminate mussels from waters that have already been infested.
I had a work colleague from Michigan and others from the Chicago area. They showed me pictures and told me about what the mussels have done in the Great Lakes.
Entire fish species are now threatened. Vegetation that those fish used to control are now destroying shoreline areas. Some areas in Michigan are so overrun that people are selling their shoreline cottages because the vegetation is so thick they can’t even get into the water anymore.
The prevention efforts are important, but they only slow what seems to be inevitable. They need to figure out how to eradicate the little monsters.
Ill second the thought about Utah not doing enough..
When I went too lake Powell at the end of October
Which just ROCKED BY THE WAY before I got there I totally cleaned my boat but whats new I like my boat its 21 feet of bling.. Bass Boat Bling… When we got there the station manager inspected my boat no finds of any kind of course but when I asked what do I do when I leave Powell what should I do??? Should I come back here sir too decontaminate my boat??? THE LOGICAL ANSWER TOO THIS QUESTION IS YESSSSS if they actually cared.
The answer too this was a firm NO we do not decontaminate your boat when You Leave The Lake This should be done at your Home or CAR WASH…
IF you do not understand the FOLLLY of this Logic then READ AGIAN AND AGAIN… You go to a place that is contaminated and they say take it home and clean it or take too a car wash can these things live in our swears or water collection drains of our car washs can they live in our fresh water delivery systems…
HOW dumb can the peeps in charge be…
IF there was an OUT BREAK what do you do You Decontamiate what ever you bring out of the contaminated area at the contaminated area..
Heres a totally new idea You use your boat or any kind of water craft in the affected water you decontaminate at the contaninated site… NOT 200 miles or more from ground zero…
PS im not busting anyones chops on this post
I agree with TarponJim, the muscles WILL be here. I don’t know when or where it will show up next but the State needs to start planning and preparing for them NOW not a year or two after they show up. Yes we should be responsible and try to prevent being the one who spreads them but, all the attention and blame is being placed on boaters, and even more specifically fisherman. If a float tube can spread these things then so can a PELICAN, GOOSE, DUCK, or anything else that can fly from lake to lake, and swim in the water when it gets there. It’s fullish to think that the spread of these pests can be controlled by charging every boat owner $10 or $20 dollars to use their boat, or by filling out a paper and sitting it on your dashboard. Do they really think that someone who just drove from Arizona or even farther to fish in Utah will just go back home when they find out that need to clean and inspect their boat before fishing, I doubt it, they will just check the box that says they are all clean and go fishing.
I’m from California and bring my boat to Utah to fish the various fine lakes you have here. I do the self certification and answer the questions accurately and know that there is no risk that my boat presents to your waters and also am a responsible boater.
In others like Cachuma all boats must be inspected and they also charge $15 for the inspection and do a hot water (140F) pressure wash of all boats that are not regular visitors to the lake.
In some like Castaic Lake they do not inspect at all or require any form. The only question you are asked upon entry is what was the date and location of your last time on the water. I’m assuming they will stop me and inspect if I replied with some known body of water that is infested. But in the summer it can be a 19-20 something at the gate for the summer and as we know probably doesn’t give a crap about what they are doing as long as they can punch the clock and get a check.
In California we have very few lakes that have 24hr access to the public with access control.
When I return going through three other states UT, AZ and NV… I will not be stopped an checked when entering or leaving the state. As soon as I get to Yermo, CA off I15 my boat will be inspected when entering back into California. If I don’t pass the inspection my boat will go no further until it is cleaned and free of what ever issue flagged it.
I just know that if the State of Utah doesn’t start doing this water agencies or counties or whatever agency wants to feel important and get more money will get involved further. What will most likely happen is you won’t be on the water at daylight or predawn. You will be in the parking lot with the inspection people or worse yet your boat launching will not be 24hr any longer.
For what its worth I hope this adds some value to this thread and good luck fishing.
I agree that most people clean their boats, but it is impossible to clean inside the tubing of a trailer, it is impossible to clean the carpet on the bunks when the boat is sitting on them, yet both of these places can harbor those little cling-ons. Our good efforts may help slow down the spread, but I think it is going to be impossible to ever stop the spread of them.
Warchild…sorry, I am not seeing this. They cleaned before you entered, but you want them to clean so you can leave?
I agree to clean it where it is at, but it isn’t really their job and maybe they have limits.
A self serve would be cool, but the hot water and any solution costs…maybe like a car wash that you can insert coins before you leave.
I mean I agree with you, but there might be reasons on their end as well.
As far as the fee, I think it needs to be in boat registrations and even hunting and fishing licenses, as our foot wear and clothing can transmit also.
People that don’t have a boat can bring it.
I agree that most people clean their boats, but it is impossible to clean inside the tubing of a trailer, it is impossible to clean the carpet on the bunks when the boat is sitting on them, yet both of these places can harbor those little cling-ons. Our good efforts may help slow down the spread, but I think it is going to be impossible to ever stop the spread of them.
I don’t think a trailer spends enough time in the water to pick up any mussels or IS.