THE CURRENT SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS
??? = Call 805- 286-5359.  Appointments = Call 805-227-6560
 

1 - Appointments: Monday thru Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5.00 / Inspection)

2 - At the Main Gatehouse: Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($3.00 / Inspection)
 

NO INSPECTIONS AT THE RECREATION BARN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!!!

 

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Help keep our waters at Lake Nacimiento clean of invasive mussels!

 

How serious is the threat of invasive mussels?  The zebra mussel and its close cousin, the quagga mussel, have become the most serious non-native biofouling pests to be introduced in to North American fresh waters!

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED!!!

  

 

 

The Heritage Ranch Owners Association (HROA) is working with both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties to protect Lake Nacimiento from the spread of invasive mussels.  Lakes throughout California are constantly being monitored, and there are numerous lakes infected.  Some of them have been closed to boating traffic.  This year the program has become stricter requiring HROA to monitor our own launch ramp and related facilities.

 

All vessels must undergo a screening process and receive a 2011 Vessel Permit from an HROA Certified Screener indicating the vessel was inspected prior to launching at the Heritage Ranch launch ramp.  All vessels moored in the water, and tied to property owned or controlled by HROA also must be inspected.  The HROA Certified Screener must sign and stamp the 2011 Vessel Permit for it to be valid.  HROA personnel will be monitoring vessels attempting to launch at Heritage Ranch and will be turning away all vessels which do not have a current HROA decal (or guest receipt) and a current 2011 Vessel Permit.  The launch ramp will be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until further notice.

 

 

If my vessel has never left Heritage Ranch, will it have to be inspected?  Yes, all vessels using the Heritage Ranch launch ramp or on Lake Nacimiento must be inspected.  Vessels in dry storage do not need to be inspected.

 

How often does my vessel need to be inspected?  The 2011 Vessel Permit is valid for a maximum of 14 days.  When your 2011 Vessel Permit expires, a new one must be obtained.  Any time your vessel leaves Heritage Ranch it also needs to be re-inspected. 

 

What types of vessels require an inspection? Vessels include every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water (with limited exception), including motorized and non-motorized vessels, such as power boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, canoes and kayaks.

 

Where can I go to get my inspection? HROA will be setting up an Inspection Station at the HROA Recreation Barn, which will be manned on Friday through Sunday under further notice. On Friday and Saturday the times are 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  On Sunday the times are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  (As long as you are in line by scheduled time, an inspection will be completed.)  HROA will also be making appointments at residences within Heritage Ranch beginning Monday, May 23rd.  Appointments will be scheduled Monday through Wednesday each week, between 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  (Appointments are scheduled 15 minutes apart by calling (805) 226-7648.)  Group appointments of at least 5 or more, by Tract are encouraged, and may be scheduled separately.  Vessel owners must be present during the inspection.

 

Do I need an inspection if my vessel stays in Lake Nacimiento?  Yes, all vessels moored in Lake Nacimiento must be inspected every 14 days.  The vessel can be inspected on the water through an HROA Certified Mussel Inspector if in an HROA owned slip, or at the public launch ramp at Lake Nacimiento Resort.  Limited inspections might also be available at the Main Marina depending on the availability of HROA personnel.

 

How much does it cost to get an inspection?  There will be no charge for inspections through June 30, 2011.  Beginning July 1, 2011 a small fee will be charged to recoup costs associated with this program.  The rates are: $3.00 / Inspection at the Inspection Station or other Designated Areas and for Group Appointments of 10 or more; $5.00 / Inspection by Appointment and for Guest Vessels; and $75.00 / Annual Inspection Fee (for slip lessees).  The property owner responsible for the inspection must sign a release form authorizing the fee.  (This can be pre-arranged if the property owner is not present during the inspection.)

 

How long will the inspection take?  HROA will only accept vessels for inspection that are clean, drained and dry and have not been at any infested lake within the last 30 days.  Because of that, an inspection should only take a few minutes of your time.  To save time, you will be requested to complete the 2011 Vessel Permit form in advance.  Rejected vessels will be routed to the public marina at Lake Nacimiento Resort for a full inspection, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

 

What is the penalty for launching a vessel without an inspection?  San Luis Obispo and Monterey County peace officers will be issuing fines up to $2,000.00 for non-compliance.

 

Where can I obtain additional information about the inspection program?  Additional information can be obtained by visiting the HROA website at www.hroa.us, or by contacting the HROA Mussel Inspection Manager, Martin Rowley at (805) 226-7648.  The 2011 Vessel Permits can be downloaded from the website or obtained at the Main Gatehouse, North Gatehouse or at the HROA Office.  HROA is actively seeking volunteers to reduce costs to the members and their guests for this program.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Terry Chavis at (805) 239-9220.

 

This program will be reviewed by the HROA Board of Directors on June 10, 2011 and is subject to update.