invasive species
Tahoe Fund looking for ideas that help solve Lake Tahoe's challenges
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/14/2018 - 1:09amThe Tahoe Fund is actively seeking new project ideas to help solve the challenges facing Lake Tahoe. The nonprofit is interested in projects with fundraising goals of $5,000 to $1,000,000 that will improve lake clarity, outdoor recreation, forest resilience, transportation and stewardship.
Organizations are invited to submit project ideas by January 31, 2019 at tahoefund.org/challenge.
Big day at TRPA: Development rights changed and Shoreline Plan adopted
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/24/2018 - 11:09pmLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Years of collaboration with a variety of partners have brought to completion two major initiatives for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). During their governing board meeting on October 24 a new Shoreline Plan was unanimously approved as was a comprehensive package of changes to the agency’s development rights system.
Column: Collaboration key to new Tahoe challenges
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/18/2018 - 7:43pmWarming temperatures pose major challenges for Lake Tahoe's environment, communities, and the outdoor recreation that drives its economy. Research by University of California, Davis's Tahoe Environmental Research Center, University of Nevada, Reno, and Desert Research Institute clearly shows Lake Tahoe is warming.
Volunteers restore streambanks and protect native species to Keep Tahoe Blue
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/24/2018 - 10:52pmAlmost 100 volunteers participated in the League to Save Lake Tahoe's 21st annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day on the first day of Fall, September 22, 2018. They restored crumbling stream banks, worked to protect native species and removed litter from Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe.
“Hands-on restoration work is one of the most important actions we can take to Keep Tahoe Blue,” says Marilee Movius, the League’s community engagement manager, “and many hands make for lighter work to help out our busy land managers.”
Ten years of fighting aquatic invasive species at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/21/2018 - 5:00amLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - This year marks the tenth anniversary of Lake Tahoe’s Watercraft Inspection Program. Under the program, every motorized watercraft is inspected to ensure it is clean, drained, and dry and not carrying aquatic invasive species before launching at Tahoe. Thanks to diligent boaters and watercraft inspectors, no new aquatic invasive species have been detected in Lake Tahoe since the program began 10 years ago.
Column: Decisions nearing for Shoreline Plan and Development Rights
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 6:18pmThis September and October, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board will move forward with hearings and final milestone decisions on two significant initiatives: A new Shoreline Plan and an overhaul of the agency’s transferable development rights system.
TRPA will hold hearings for both these initiatives at the Governing Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 26, and could hold final votes on them as early as Wednesday, Oct. 24.
Forest Service to host public tour for Meeks Bay Restoration Project
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/11/2018 - 11:11amEvent Date:
October 10, 2018 - 2:00pm
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will host a public tour to announce the proposed action and public comment period for the Meeks Bay Restoration Project on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The public tour will take place from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Meeks Bay Resort, 7941 Emerald Bay Road (Highway 89), Meeks Bay, CA 96142. The 45-day comment period begins with the publication of the Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register on Tuesday, Sep. 11, 2018. Comments are most helpful if received by Friday, Oct. 26, 2018.
Column: 10 years of fighting invasive species at Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 3:47pmThis summer marks the tenth anniversary of Lake Tahoe’s Watercraft Inspection Program. Under the program, every motorized watercraft is inspected to ensure it is clean, drained, and dry and not carrying aquatic invasive species before launching at Tahoe.
#TeamTahoe focus of Lake Tahoe Summit
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 9:38amThe annual Lake Tahoe Summit held this week at Sand Harbor State Park marked the 22nd time government officials, public agencies, non-profit environmental groups, the public and other groups came together to renew their focus and commitment on preserving the beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Column: Time is now to prepare Lake Tahoe for our changing climate
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/06/2018 - 9:55amLast month, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center released the Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, which included their finding of an average of 59.7 feet depth of water clarity for 2017, the lowest since they began taking measurements. In advance of the 2018 Lake Tahoe Summit, the following is from Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, chief executive officer for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, on the findings:
22nd annual Lake Tahoe Summit to bring together senators, the public and agencies
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/03/2018 - 8:17amEvent Date:
August 7, 2018 - 10:00am
U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) will host the 22nd Annual Lake Tahoe Summit at Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village, Nevada on Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Beach and park operations will be closed until 1:00 p.m. that day.
Lawmakers from Nevada and California will meet on the shores of Lake Tahoe to discuss how to protect a national treasure as it faces continued threats to water clarity, invasive species, wildfire and drought.
Column: Lake Tahoe Summit-recommitting to collaboration
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 1:04pmNearly 25 years ago, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and dozens of partners embarked on an unprecedented mission to conserve and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin’s treasured natural resources through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP).
New issue of Tahoe In Depth now available
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 12:10pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has published the summer 2018 edition of Tahoe In Depth. The award-winning newspaper, in its sixth year of publication, strives to provide residents, visitors, and policymakers with information about protecting, enjoying, and exploring the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The summer 2018 edition includes a special report on 10 years of fighting aquatic invasive species at Lake Tahoe, as well as the 10th anniversary of the watercraft inspection program that has successfully prevented any new introductions of aquatic invasive species over the last decade.
Tahoe Keys testing new Technology to combat spread of weeds
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/24/2018 - 12:16pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – As part of ongoing efforts to control aquatic invasive plants, the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association, working with the League to Save Lake Tahoe, is testing out new technology never used before in Lake Tahoe.
Lake Spirit Awards celebrate dedication to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 8:14pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) recognized four people for their commitment to protecting and enhancing Lake Tahoe’s environment with Lake Spirit Awards on Wednesday.
People whose passions include building new paths and trails led the way in nominations this year, with improving mountain biking routes, creating new multi-use paths, and advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety among the interests of the award winners.
Tahoe Shoreline Plan released; Decade-long moratoriums could be lifted
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/08/2018 - 1:48pmLAKE TAHOE, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) today released a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed Shoreline Plan for Lake Tahoe. The draft report is available for two months of public review and comment that will conclude Monday, July 9.
Lake Tahoe area boat inspection stations opening for 2018 season
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/30/2018 - 11:56amThe successful Lake Tahoe roadside boat inspection stations are reopening for the 2018 boating season. The fight against aquatic invasive species (AIS) has gone on for the last ten years, and officials say a large part of their success in keeping the lake clear are the stations located around the lake.
Since 2018, Tahoe Resource Conservation District (RCD) inspectors have performed over 70,000 vessel inspections, decontaminated 32,576 of them using hot water, and have found hundreds of vessels containing foreign species such as mussels, snails and plant material.
Tahoe Fund expands advisory board
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 10:56pmThe Tahoe Fund has expanded its Advisory Council to include the Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Jeff Marsolais, and the Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Joanne Marchetta. Marsolais and Marchetta add federal and regional agency representation to the council that already includes Patrick Wright, Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy and Jim Lawrence, Deputy Director of Nevada’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Column: Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan on track
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 5:10pmLake Tahoe’s shoreline is a place of majestic beauty with sandy beaches and secluded, boulder-strewn coves. It’s where residents and visitors alike go to enjoy Tahoe’s famously cold, clear water, whether they are dipping their toes in for the first time or launching their boat, kayak, or paddleboard for a daily outing.
Column: Working together for a healthier Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 3:13pmEarth Day at Lake Tahoe has a special meaning. Working together through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, more than 50 local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners are implementing projects and programs to conserve the Tahoe Basin’s environment and fix past environmental harms.
Conservancy approves funding for ED raise and several projects
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/15/2018 - 11:24pmDuring this week's California Tahoe Conservancy board meeting, funds were not only approved for the Greenway shared use trail in South Lake Tahoe, but also for grants to be used on the lake, a forest health project and a 10 percent raise for Executive Director Patrick Wright.
Bottom barriers for Lake Tahoe to be purchased after Tahoe Fund challenge
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/13/2018 - 4:08pmThe Tahoe Fund and the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association (TWSA) are pleased to announce the successful completion of fundraising efforts to purchase 150+ bottom barriers, and other necessary supplies, for the control of aquatic invasive species at Lake Tahoe.
Opinion: Working together on traffic and parking at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 5:00pmThe rural mountain lifestyle we all enjoy at Lake Tahoe is not isolated from the major urban areas nearby. On a typical holiday weekend, the Tahoe Basin turns into a recreation thoroughfare as tens of thousands of day and overnight visitors who sustain our local economy drive up from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Reno.
Have an innovative solution to solve the environmental issues facing Tahoe?
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 10:28amLAKE TAHOE - The Tahoe Fund is looking for those with solutions to help solve environmental challenges at Lake Tahoe, particularly those helping to reduce the risk of wildfire, addressing climate change impacts, and innovative ideas.
Over $3.3M awarded to Lake Tahoe area projects
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/22/2017 - 3:58pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy Board yesterday awarded up to $3,359,081 in Proposition 1 funds for eight projects to improve the Lake Tahoe Basin’s forests, lake clarity, and water quality.
New executive director for Tahoe Resource Conservation District
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/21/2017 - 6:00amAfter an extensive search and interview process the Tahoe Resource Conservation District board of directors has unanimously appointed Nicole Cartwright as its Executive Director to lead the agency.
Ms. Cartwright has been with the agency for ten years and has served the Tahoe RCD in a variety of increasingly responsible positions.
Guest Columnist: Restoring Lake Tahoe’s Clarity
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/13/2017 - 1:44pmLake Tahoe is known around the world for its crystal-clear water. For several decades, Tahoe’s clarity, which measured more than 100 feet in 1968, was declining each year because of stormwater pollution from poorly planned development and the lingering effects of historical activities such as cattle grazing and logging.
Lake Tahoe Summit: Bi-state, bipartisan effort to preserve Tahoe never complete
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/22/2017 - 10:15pmAchievements in preserving Lake Tahoe were celebrated August 22 during the 21st Lake Tahoe Summit at Tallac Historic Site, but it was clear there is a lot more to do and the job will never be over.
Started by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, this annual gathering of government, public agencies and private partners highlights what has been done, what is being done, what what still needs to be done in keeping Lake Tahoe clean and clear.
Governor, senators and others to speak at 2017 Lake Tahoe Summit
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/18/2017 - 12:44pmEvent Date:
August 22, 2017 - 10:00am
California Senator Diane Feinstein is hosting the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at Vahalla in the Tallac Historic Site from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The theme for the day is "2017- A Pivotal Point for the Future of Lake Tahoe.”
The event will examine successful restoration projects and ways to address new challenges facing the lake. A key focus will be combating the effects of climate change in the Lake Tahoe basin.
Opinion: Confronting climate change at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/15/2017 - 10:01amFor 20 years, every August we’ve paused to reflect on our collective commitment to Lake Tahoe’s restoration at the Lake Tahoe Summit. This year, with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein hosting the event, the issue of climate change will be front and center. Climate change poses incredible challenges for Tahoe, affecting not only the health of its famously cold, clear waters, but the health of its expansive forests and what is to become of our $5 billion outdoor recreation-based economy.
Reward offered to find who illegally reintroduced pike to Comins Lake
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/14/2017 - 7:09pmIn 2015, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) spent more than $250,000 to remove illegally stocked northern pike that had decimated the trout fishery at Comins Lake, and now that work, time and money were for naught.
The voracious predator has again been illegally planted in the lake south of Ely, Nevada.
Eyes on the Lake volunteer training
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 2:20pm
Event Date:
August 16, 2017 - 4:00pm There is an upcoming fun opportunity to help protect Lake Tahoe at the next Eyes on the Lake training with the League to Save Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, August 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
As part of the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program, Eyes on the Lake is returning through September 2017. League staff will host trainings all summer where you can learn how to identify and report aquatic invasive plants found in Tahoe’s lakes and streams and help to Keep Tahoe Blue.
Report: Lake Tahoe is getting warmer, trees are dying and algae is increasing
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/27/2017 - 6:47pmClimate change has brought major changes to Lake Tahoe including warmer water, an increase in dying trees and a reducing summertime lake clarity.
These and other findings were released today in the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report for 2016. The year was marked by the hottest temperatures on record followed by a winter of unprecedented levels of rain and snow in the Sierra Nevada.
TERC Director Geoffrey Schladow presented the report at a free public talk July 27 in Incline Village.
Opinion: Shoreline Plan Coming Together – More Work To Do
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 10:10pmSchool is out and summer is in full swing at Lake Tahoe. Visitors and residents are heading to beaches and launching boats, kayaks, and standup paddleboards to get out and enjoy the jewel of the Sierra. Millions of people visit Tahoe each year and the shoreline is where they go to experience its famously cold, clear, blue water.
USFS to start chemical treatment of invasive species in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 1:46pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting later this month, the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start using chemical treatment to try and eradicate, control and contain known infestations of invasive plants. Their focus will be on 90 sites covering 18.25 acres of sites inside the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Jack Johnson to match donations to League to Save Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/08/2017 - 9:36amJack Johnson is not only an entertainer, but he is also an environmentalist doing what he can to reduce his impact on the earth. When Johnson comes to Lake Tahoe this summer on July 28 and 29, one can not only expect great music, but also a zero waste tour.
His All at One initiative is a social action network where everyone can make a positive change in their local and world community. As he tours, Johnson will connect with non-profit groups, take environmental action, and receive rewards. All At Once promotes Sustainable Local Food Systems and Plastic Free Initiatives.
Angora Fire 10 years later: Water suppliers complete $1.6M in water infrastructure projects
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/07/2017 - 10:30pmIgniting on June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire rapidly spread to over 3,100 acres, destroying 254 homes, 75 commercial structures and resulting in more than $141 million in damages. In response to this disaster, an Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission was formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the laws, policies and practices that affect the vulnerability of the Tahoe Basin to wildfires.
72 Miles of Pure Liquid Fun along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 06/07/2017 - 3:20pmIt’s going to be a paddler’s paradise this summer.
Quagga mussels found on boat during inspection near Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/26/2017 - 3:23pmThe watercraft inspection spots around Lake Tahoe once again proved their valuable service when a boat at the Alpine Meadows station was found to have quagga mussels on board May 14.
The boat was quarantined for several days and Tahoe Resource Conservation District staff performed multiple decontaminations to ensure all invasive species were removed before the boat was released to the owner.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board voted to increase prevention methods by requiring motorists towing boats to remove drain plugs from their watercraft after leaving the lake.
Lake Tahoe roadside boat inspection stations open for season
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/29/2017 - 7:51amBoating season in Lake Tahoe is here, and with it comes the return of roadside stations that will inspect and decontaminate motorized boats and watercraft heading to the lake.
All motorized watercraft require inspection for aquatic invasive species (AIS) prior to launching into Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and Echo Lake. Invasive species, such as quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and hydrilla, are known to multiply quickly and colonize underwater surfaces, including docks and piers, water supply and filtration systems, buoys, moored boats, and even the beautiful rocky shoreline.
Winners of TRPA Lake Spirit Awards announced
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 3:00pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) honored four people with Lake Spirit Awards Wednesday who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting Lake Tahoe and fostering a spirit of collaboration in their work and volunteer time.
This year’s award winners do everything from helping protect Lake Tahoe communities from wildfire and aquatic invasive species to promoting alternative transportation and sustainable lifestyles.
Help protect Lake Tahoe’s environment
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/23/2017 - 5:40pmAs we celebrate Earth Day this April, let’s remember how important environmental stewardship is to the health of Lake Tahoe, and how important our individual actions are.
Over the last two decades, public, private, and nonprofit partners have made significant progress conserving and restoring Lake Tahoe’s environment through the Environmental Improvement Program.
Grant awarded to test ultraviolet light in killing aquatic invasive plants in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/18/2017 - 5:23pmThe Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) was awarded a $260,128 grant to conduct a pilot project to kill invasive weeds at Lakeside Beach and Marina in South Lake Tahoe with ultraviolent C (UVC) light. The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) awarded the grant during their board meeting held in Tahoe City Thursday, March 16.
TRCD will use innovative new technology that uses ultraviolet light to kill aquatic invasive species (AIS). The technology was successfully demonstrated in a laboratory and this project seeks to determine its effectiveness in Lake Tahoe.
Guest Columnist: Time to ramp up invasive species control projects at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/16/2017 - 5:19pmOver the last two decades, the Lake Tahoe Region has become a national leader in fighting the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) that threaten to harm its world-renowned environment and the $5 billion recreation-based economy it supports.
The Lake Tahoe Region is working with other partners throughout the American West to better safeguard waterbodies and improve national invasive species policies. We are also working with the boating industry to help manufacturers design watercraft that are less likely to carry AIS and are easier to inspect and decontaminate.
Seven Principles of Leave No Trace program; Team in South Lake Tahoe to teach and inspire
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/15/2017 - 2:24pmLeave No Trace is a national program that teaches and inspires people to enjoy the outdoors while also helping to protect it.
While protecting the outdoor environment and keeping it clear and free of trash and debris should be commonplace, it isn't.
The Leave No Trace team was recently in South Lake Tahoe on a vacation but stopped by South Tahoe High to talk to members of Generation Green. Many may remember the team as community members who left last year to travel the country and teach and train along the way.
Tahoe Keys property owners apply for 2018 herbicide trial
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 01/23/2017 - 11:37amIn their ongoing battle with aquatic invasive plants in the Tahoe Keys, the area's property owners association has applied for a permit to test herbicides in the lagoon in 2018.
Guest Columnist: Let’s keep Tahoe’s progress going
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/19/2017 - 6:20pmTwenty-five years ago, I finished my graduate work in Oregon and moved to Northern Nevada for a planning position at TRPA. Having spent a large part of my youth hiking and camping at Tahoe and in the Sierra, the move felt like coming home.
Opinoin: Passage of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act caps year of progress
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/16/2016 - 4:50pmFour years ago this month, TRPA approved the 2012 Regional Plan. The landmark plan charts a course to restore Lake Tahoe’s environment and revitalize our communities and it was forged through Herculean work by California, Nevada, local governments, the public, and dozens of other partners.
Many Tahoe Basin stakeholders once questioned if we could work together, but the Regional Plan ushered in an era of collaboration. Today, the answer is how can we work together more efficiently. By building and strengthening partnerships we have made remarkable progress. This year was no different.
Late night vote in Washington brings $415 million to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/10/2016 - 10:28pmLate Friday night, the U.S. House of Representatives joined the U.S. Senate in passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, which will bring $415 million in future funding to Lake Tahoe over the next seven years. The decision brought cheers from many local agencies, including the League to Save lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
Lake Tahoe Restoration Act gets renewed support from Congress
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/05/2016 - 4:47pmThe House and Senate have agreed to include the bipartisan Lake Tahoe Restoration Act in the final bicameral Water Resources Development Act, titled the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Nevada Sen. Dean Heller announced Monday.