President Obama urges all to protect the national treasure, Lake Tahoe

"I've never been here," President Obama told the crowd at the 20th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Wednesday. "Its not that I didn't want to come, but nobody invited me."

The President said he'd be sure to be back. "I'll be coming here more often through my transportation won't be as nice," the President said to a crowd appreciative of his humor.

"I'll be back not because its beautiful, not just because Godfather II happens to be my favorite movie, but because this place is spectacular because its one of the highest, deepest, purest lakes in the world," said the President.

Obama said he thought of the movie's character Fredo as he flew over Lake Tahoe on his way to the Summit. Fredo was given the kiss of death as he left the family compound on the West Shore to go fishing, never to return.

Kidding aside, the President spoke of the seriousness of climate change and the need to protect Lake Tahoe.

Climate Change
"You don't have to be a scientist to know that climate change is caused by humans," said the President.

"Our conservation effort is more critical now than ever," he said. "2016 is on pace to be the warmest ever."

"We shouldn't be the last to enjoy Tahoe," said the President. "We share a sacred connection to those that follow. They deserve clear air and clean water."

Obama, along with other speakers Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Harry Reid and Janice Schneider, talked of the needed partnership to Keep Tahoe Blue, and to reduce emissions and protect the earth.

"The most important changes are those that are made by us."

Senator Reid praised Obama for doing more for the environment than any other President by protecting 260 million acres of land.

Washoe
“Just as this space is sacred to native Americans, it should be sacred to all Americans," said the President. He said a Washoe Elder told him, "What happens to the land, happens to the people."

"No wonder Tahoe is the center of the Washoe People," said Obama. "It should be sacred not only to Native Americans, but to all Americans."

Economy
President Obama told the crowd that treasures like Lake Tahoe need to be preserved. "Economies like this one (Lake Tahoe) live and breathe tourism, nature and being a place to restore the soul," he said. If the lake and Sierra aren't protected, then there won't be tourism to keep the community alive.

"The health of the land is tied to the health of the people," Obama said.

He talked of being smart about the environment in order to keep a strong economy.
"We need to keep it going," he said.

"The most important job is that of citizen," the President said as he closed the Summit.

He left Lake Tahoe for his home state of Hawaii where he'll announce the expansion of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands marine national monument and speak at a global conservation conference. From there he'll head to China to work with world leaders on what needs to be done in creating a cleaner future.