Lake Tahoe saw its first case of a boat carrying golden mussels after the highly invasive species was found during a mandatory watercraft inspection.

Inspectors at the Alpine Meadows Watercraft Inspection Station confirmed the presence of golden mussels on the exterior of a 65-foot boat on May 30, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. The inspection, which is required before a boat can be launched, is the first documented interception of golden mussels in the Lake Tahoe area.

The boat was decontaminated and is being held under quarantine until it is confirmed to be risk-free, according to the agency.

The TRPA stressed that watercraft owners need to stay vigilant about the invasive mussels, which were first discovered in North America at the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delt

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