Presented by: Chelan County Natural Resources and Meadow Run Environmental

information released; City of Chelan photo — Lakeshore Marina

The community is invited to learn more about aquatic invasive species, Lake Chelan, and watercraft inspections. The presentation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 6:00 pm at the Chelan County Fire Station #7: 232 E Wapato Ave, Chelan, WA 98816 (Upstairs Meeting Room)

Lake Chelan, the namesake of Chelan County and a treasure of Washington State, holds great cultural, environmental, and economic value. 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, since 2023 Chelan County has implemented a voluntary inspection program designed to detect and prevent aquatic invasive species on boats transported into the Lake Chelan watershed. Currently, the Lake Chelan Collaborative, a Chelan County Natual Resources’ sponsored technical working group, is also undertaking a feasibility study for a mandatory aquatic invasive species inspection program intended to prevent future AIS introductions.

Come learn more about these watercraft inspection programs, aquatic invasive species, and Lake Chelan.

Agenda

6:00 p.m.: Attendance and Introductions (Stephen Lesky, Chelan County Natural Resources, and Nate Hough-Snee, Meadow Run Environmental)

6:10 p.m.: Introduction to AIS in the Lake Chelan Watershed (Nate Hough-Snee)

6:30 p.m.: Chelan County Natural Resources AIS Inspection Efforts (Stephen Lesky)

  • Program overview
  • Methods
  • Findings
  • Costs and Timelines
  • Next Steps
  • Questions and Discussion

7:00 p.m.: Proposed Mandatory AIS Inspection Program (Nate Hough-Snee)

  • Introduction
  • Impetus for a mandatory program
  • Program Scope
  • Locations
  • Inspection Procedures
  • AIS Detections, Prevention, and Control Measures
  • Compliance and Enforcement
  • Proposed Funding and Alternative Budget Pathways

7:30 – 8:00 p.m.: Questions and Discussion (All)

More Information:

https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/news/article/boating-on-lake-chelan-get-your-inspection-sticker
https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/news/article/voluntary-boat-inspections-re-start-at-lake-chelan-this-memorial-day-weekend