TRPA unanimously approves Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Following approval from the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board on January 13, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board voted unanimously on Wednesday to certify the Final Environmental Impact Statement and approve the Tahoe Keys Lagoons Aquatic Weed Control Methods Test Project.

The agency’s vote clears the way for a multifaceted test of methods to control aquatic invasive weeds. The range of proven and innovative weed control methods will be tested in targeted areas within the Tahoe Keys.

The Control Methods Test (CMT) will combine the use of various approaches including targeted herbicides and UV-C light to reduce and control the abundant growth of invasive and nuisance aquatic weeds. The herbicides in the CMT are specifically chosen to control the target aquatic weeds while minimizing impacts to desirable native plants that are currently being suppressed by the invasive weeds. This approach has been used successfully in lakes throughout the U.S. that have the same species of invasive and nuisance plants.

“TRPA and the Lahontan Water Board’s unanimous decisions highlight the strong scientific basis for the project’s methods, monitoring, and safeguards for Tahoe’s natural environment,” said Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, CEO of the League to Save Lake Tahoe (Keep Tahoe Blue). “This test will provide essential information for developing a long-term strategy to address the Tahoe Keys infestation and stop its spread to Lake Tahoe.”

The Tahoe Keys are ground zero for the infestation of aquatic invasive weeds in the Basin, which has spread beyond the Keys’ shallow lagoons, infecting more than 100 acres of the Lake itself.

“Environmental study shows that continuing with the status quo, and not testing possible solutions, would result in the worst harm to Lake Tahoe’s water quality,” said the League’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jesse Patterson. “For 65 years, the League has worked to protect water quality, which means tackling the Keys’ infestation is our priority.”

"We will monitor the project closely and raise a red flag if the health of the Lake or those who enjoy it is ever in question,” added Goodman Collins. “We’ll also continue using our full set of tools to keep weeds contained in the Keys, and knock back infestations that pop up in the Lake."