LAKE COUNTY – With the onset of summer and the lure of boating activities, all are reminded that the Lake County Invasive Species Inspection Program requires that all vessels have inspection stickers prior to launching on any Lake County water body.

Residents are encouraged to go through an inspection process to obtain their inspection stickers by June 30, 2008, when the initial no-cost phase of the program ends.

Residents with local vessels may obtain their inspection stickers at the following locations:

Department of Public Works

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

Lake County Courthouse (third floor), 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport; 707-263-2341

Lake County Visitor Center

Walk-in hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday

6110 E. Highway 20, Lucerne; (707) 274-5652; (800) LAKESIDE

Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce

Walk-in hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday

875 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport; (707) 263-5092

“Local vessels” include those vessels that are registered in Lake County and non-registered vessels that are owned by residents of Lake County. Proof of a “local vessel” must be provided; this may include 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.

As part of the inspection process, an inspection application form, which includes an affidavit, must be completed, signed, and submitted. In addition, for registered vessels, owners/operators also must have the registration number (CF#) of the vessel.

For those from out of the area, several local bait shops and marine-related businesses offer this vessel inspection service to visitors, and many resort owners and marina operators offer this service to their guests and customers.

For information about this program, call the Lake County Mussel Hotline at 707-263-2556, or for information and to download the application form and instructions, go online to the Lake County Mussel Web Site at www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels.

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