Public invited to free training on protecting Lake Tahoe from aquatic invasive species

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A team of Lake Tahoe's protectors, environmental partners from several agencies, will lead a free, public training on how to preserve the Lake’s blue waters from the threat of aquatic invasive species on Thursday, June 6. This training is being held as boating and paddling season kicks off and as part of California Invasive Species Action Week. The morning event at the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe will also include a demonstration of innovative aquatic robots—including a motorized drone and high-capacity skimmer—being used to contain the spread of invasive weeds in Lake Tahoe.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can outcompete native plants and animals, alter the Lake’s delicate ecosystem, and threaten to turn Tahoe’s famously blue waters a murky, unappealing green.

During the two-hour training, participants will learn how to identify aquatic invasive species and report their sightings through a web-based platform, understand the fundamentals of lake-friendly paddling and why it’s crucial to “clean, drain, and dry” gear before hitting the water, and gain awareness about harmful algal blooms.

The event is led by the League to Save Lake Tahoe in collaboration with ECO-CLEAN Solutions, Tahoe Keepers, Clean Up The Lake, the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, with generous support from the Tahoe Keys Marina. California Invasive Species Action Week runs June 1 – June 9.

WHEN
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 6

WHO
Volunteers of all ages are welcome. No prior experience is required. There is no fee to attend.

WHERE
Tahoe Keys Marina, 2435 Venice Dr E, South Lake Tahoe (map)

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Register for the free training at keeptahoeblue.org/eol2024.

WHAT
Lake Tahoe is known for its astounding water quality and clarity. Aquatic invasive species are the most dire threat to Tahoe’s famous water and delicate ecology. Everyone who enjoys the Lake is encouraged to protect it from aquatic invaders. Attending this free training is a great way to do your part to Keep Tahoe Blue.

Learn more about the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s Eyes on the Lake aquatic invasive species monitoring program at keeptahoeblue.org/eol.

Information about ECO-CLEAN Solutions’ aquatic robots is available at eco-cleansolutions.com.

Get lake-friendly paddling and invasive species prevention tips from the Tahoe Keepers at tahoeboatinspections.com/tahoe-keepers.

The Lahontan Water Board offers current information about harmful algal blooms and a place to report possible sightings at mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/what.

Find ways to take part in California Invasive Species Action Week at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Action-Week.