Agencies launch 'Eyes on the Lake' volunteer program to identify aquatic invasive plants

In June, several Lake Tahoe agencies are kicking off a new volunteer effort called “Eyes on the Lake” in which water recreationists of all types will be identifying and reporting on the locations of aquatic invasive plant species that threaten Lake Tahoe.

“There’s just too much water for us to survey to keep these weeds at bay,” said Nicole Gergans, natural resources manager with the League to Save Lake Tahoe. “We need more ‘eyes on the lake,’ so we’re inviting the public, whether they are swimmers, fishermen, snorkelers, paddlers, boaters or SCUBA divers, to help us locate infestations, small or large, while they enjoy a day on the lake.”

This effort will be led by the League, in partnership with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, as well as other organizations that make up the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program.

Eyes on the Lake’s two main targets will be Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed, which are already established in several locations throughout the lake, and are difficult and expensive to control.

“Finding new infestations of these plants when the populations are still small is very helpful for future control efforts,” said Jim Brockett, AIS control program coordinator with the TRCD. “When populations are small, removal is relatively easy and inexpensive. However, once a large population is established, removal becomes very complicated and expensive.”

The Lake Tahoe AIS Program occasionally contracts with aquatic ecologists to conduct surveys in areas around Lake Tahoe that support suitable habitat for aquatic plants. Volunteer reporting will help enhance information about these infestations as well as potential new ones that may not be currently identified.

“Tahoe’s shoreline is immense and the growing season long, so having the public available to watch and report on new plant establishments is very helpful,” said Patrick Stone, senior wildlife and fisheries biologist with the TRPA.

Eyes on the Lake will offer formal instruction in both classroom and field sessions scheduled for mid to late June to educate water recreationists on how to identify these aquatic invasive plants. When dates have been finalized, they will be posted at www.keeptahoeblue.org. Identification training materials will also be available online but formal trainings are highly recommended to provide the most accurate and useful data.

“This effort aims to engage recreationists already enjoying a day out on the water by asking them to spend a few moments looking for new infestations,” Gergans said. “Lake communities from Wisconsin to Maine have similar programs. Establishing one for Lake Tahoe will be an important and cost-effective step in controlling these aquatic weeds.”

For more information about joining Eyes on the Lake, contact the League at protect@keeptahoeblue.org.

— Writer Jesse Patterson is the Deputy Director for the League to Save Lake Tahoe