The Lake Panorama Association has officially released its new set set of boating rules geared toward preventing zebra mussels, silver carp and other invasive species from finding their way to the lake.

General Manager John Rutledge says the new rules are primarily for the 10% of Lake Panorama boaters that sometimes take their vessels to other lakes and rivers.

“Really what it comes down to is if you’re bringing your boat in from another lake, you need to let it air dry for a period of time–the better part of a week–and make sure that you’ve drained everything when you come out of that other lake.  We feel it is just a huge awareness campaign for us, and we feel most people will comply.”

For any boaters that do occasionally leave Lake Panorama, an invasive species questionnaire will need to be filled out, and boats may also be subject to inspection prior to being given a permit to be back on the lake. Boat inspections will look for plant parts, mud, animal specimens on the boat or fishing equipment itself, and for water in the boat’s live wells, bilge tanks, ballast tanks and engine cooling systems.

Members with “non-resident” boats found boating without inspection could face substantial penalties this year, such as a $500 fine and revocation of their boating permits.  Rutledge explains why such harsh penalties could be imposed as it pertains to bringing invasive species to the lake.

“We’re fortunate to have some very nice properties out here and some very nice boats, and the hard reality is a $50 fine for something of this nature just doesn’t carry enough weight.  So, we’ve put in place some significant fines because we want to send a message that this is important, we take it seriously, and we want it to mean something to our members.”

Any lake members with “resident boats”–boats that never leave Lake Panorama–can call the LPA Office to register their boats as such.  These boats will have no limitations.

Any residents needing more information about the new invasive species boating rules can CLICK HERE.