Keeping Lake Chelan clear of invasive species is topic of study and community meeting

As pristine as Lake Chelan appears, it is susceptible to aquatic invasive species (AIS) brought in by watercraft from other water bodies.

To prevent new biological invasions, Chelan County has spearheaded a voluntary inspection program since 2023 that is designed to detect and prevent invasive mussels and more coming in on boats into the Lake Chelan watershed.

Additional grant funding from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife is allowing Natural Resources to expand the program this year. Inspections for aquatic invasive species (AIS) are beginning more than a month early and will go through September. Holiday weekends will be expanded to five days.

“Inspections are still voluntary, but the more participation from the public, the better to protect against the spread and introduction of aquatic invasive species and keep the lake clean and healthy,” said Stephen Lesky, senior natural resource specialist with Chelan County Natural Resources.

Voluntary boat inspection began last weekend, and will be offered at various locations around the lake, Thursdays through Sundays, through the summer.

Currently, the Lake Chelan Collaborative, a Chelan County Natural Resources-sponsored technical working group, is undertaking a feasibility study for a mandatory aquatic invasive species inspection program intended to prevent future AIS introductions.

Learn more at a community informational Lake Chelan Boat Inspection and AIS Town Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Chelan Fire and Rescue headquarters, 232 E Wapato Ave. in Chelan.