LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – From Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear water to the surrounding forests and unparalleled backcountry, the Tahoe Basin is a world-class natural and recreational treasure. Every year, proceeds from the sale and annual renewal of Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plates are invested in projects that help preserve and restore Lake Tahoe’s unique natural environment.
This year, the Nevada Division of State Lands (NDSL) announced that more than $1.2 million in Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate proceeds will support the following critical environmental improvement projects:
- Bourne Meadows Basin Biochar Effectiveness Project:
- NDSL will work with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and other partners to test innovative ways to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff. The project will evaluate the use of biochar—a charcoal-like material produced from forest biomass during prescribed burns—to determine the most effective methods for improving water quality in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
- Lam Watah Boardwalk Project:
- NDSL will partner with the National Forest Foundation to build 800 feet of elevated boardwalk in Rabe Meadow to reroute part of the Lam Watah Trail. This boardwalk will provide an accessible pathway similar to the existing Burke Creek boardwalk and is part of the larger Burke Creek Restoration project. Construction is planned for Fall 2026.
- Spencer’s Cabin Historic Restoration:
- NDSL will partner with the Nevada Division of State Parks to design and restore the historic Spencer’s and Hannah’s Cabins in Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park. Design will begin this year, and restoration will be completed in 2027.
- Guiding Whitebark Pine Restoration in the Lake Tahoe Basin:
- NDSL will fund UC Davis in this research and monitoring project to determine priority areas for Whitebark Pine restoration in the face of threats from blister rust, beetles, and changing habitat characteristics.
- Sand Harbor State Park Boat Dock Repair:
- NDSL will partner with the Nevada Division of State Parks to design and repair three existing and failing docks at the Sand Harbor State Park Boat Ramp. Construction will be completed by Summer 2026.
- Tahoe AIS Defense Team & Eyes on the Lake Golden Mussel Prevention:
- NDSL will partner with Keep Tahoe Blue to expand its Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) programs by incorporating training and outreach for non-motorized recreational users and by focusing on new threats such as the Golden mussel.
- Chipmunk Genetic Analysis and Land Management Implications:
- NDSL will partner with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the University of Nevada, Reno to analyze chipmunk DNA to determine species distribution, habitat use, health status, and population density. This study will provide the first documented data on Allen’s chipmunk and will begin in Spring 2026.
- Tahoe in Depth Publication – Summer & Winter 2026:
- NDSL will provide the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency with funding to print and circulate 42,000 copies of the Summer (June 2026) and Winter (December 2026) editions of the Tahoe in Depth basin-wide newspaper.
- Lake Tahoe Recreation Threshold Update:
- NDSL will support the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to update the Recreation Threshold, which has not been addressed since 1982. Components of this update will entail recreational site mapping and the development of a checklist and scoring system which land managers can utilize to ensure recreational sites are meeting modern standards of sustainability.
- US 50 Summit Wildlife and Trail Crossing Study:
- NDSL will support the Tahoe Rim Trail Association in using Trail Ambassadors to collect data from Tahoe Rim Trail users, which will be used in combination with animal crossing data in order to determine the feasibility, location, and structure of a possible Highway 50 pedestrian and animal crossing.
This important work is made possible by over 36,000 Nevadans who have purchased or renewed their Nevada Lake Tahoe license plate. Since the first license plates were sold in February 1998, the Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate program has generated over $14 million and funded more than 197 preservation and restoration projects on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. You can help, too! A Lake Tahoe License plate is $61 with an annual renewal fee of $30. To help protect Lake Tahoe by purchasing a plate, please visit: dmv.nv.com/platescharitable.htm.
To learn more about the projects funded by the Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate program, visit lands.nv.gov/tahoe-plate and follow @NevDCNR on Facebook and Instagram using #EveryPlateCounts.