Clean Up the Lake heads to Marlette Lake for backcountry cleanup

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - After over a week of winds that were up and down, the forecast is finally in favor of Clean Up The Lake's first backcountry cleanup, beginning on October 24 at 7 a.m.

If you are interested in joining them on Thursday or Friday, use the RSVP information below.

This is "yet another crazy idea the group dreamed" up a couple of years ago and said they could not be any more excited to see it come to fruition. Thanks to partners Travel North Tahoe Nevada for stepping in and helping give Marlette Lake the support it truly needs!

You may be wondering, how on earth are they going to get hundreds of pounds of lead weight, steel tanks, and dive gear, along with twenty or more volunteers out for a two-day dive trip miles into the backcountry? Well, there is one way to find out - join them!

"While we loved the idea of training for the upcoming winter ski season, and hauling in the lead and steel weight on our backs - our friends at Nevada State Parks and Nevada Division of State Lands were able to get us permitted to get into Marlette Lake with our dive truck and load in the equipment we need to make this project happen," Clean Up the Lake said in an email.

For the adventurous folks, they will be gathering volunteers for one final campout before winter comes at North Canyon Campground halfway between Spooner Summit parking lot and Marlette Lake. There are 'first come-first serve' campsites available there for those who want to join us and stay overnight between clean-up days.

"We could not be any more thankful for the support of Travel North Tahoe Nevada, who is going above and beyond in its efforts to expand its stewardship capabilities within the region. Since their organization joined the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council, their commitment to stewardship has included supporting our non-profit in launching our second annual Lake Tahoe Litter Summit and now funding this backcountry clean up where we are performing our formal pilot research program on Marlette Lake," the groups said.

Check out the details below for more information!

Overview of the Operation:

What: Clean up submerged & ground litter and perform an environmental pilot research program at Marlette Lake with the non-profit Clean Up The Lake 501(c)3. Work with their volunteer conservation dive team to report on
(A) litter observations
(B) litter hot spots
(C) aquatic invasive species
(D) possible historical artifacts
(E) report any algal bloom observations
When: 10/24 - 10/25 (participants can choose to stay for one or two days).
Times: 7:00AM meeting time on 10/24 at Spooner Lake Backcountry Visitor Center parking lot, look for the CUTL dive truck. Expect a full day of cleanup on both the 24th and the 25th; or whichever day you join on. The group will have early morning meeting times and due to the complex nature of the project it will probably be mid to late afternoon completion times. On 10/25 we will be meeting at 7:45AM and leaving the parking lot by 8:00AM. Punctuality is key as there is no service in most of the backcountry.
Where: Meeting at Spooner Lake Backcountry Visitor Center Parking Lot.
Method of Transportation: Hiking, e-biking or biking into Marlette Lake is recommended. (please visit this website here for specifics on the classifications of e-bikes allowed on these trails).

Distance: Please keep in mind we would encourage biking into the campsite and lake and back if you can, as the distance is +/-4.2 miles to the lake from spooner summit. The campsite is just under half way, roughly 2 miles from the parking lot.

Volunteer Opportunities
4WD Truck with ample bed & seat space + Driver to shuttle gear + volunteers
Experienced SCUBA divers to reach out (yet diver positions are about full)

Freedivers or snorkelers
Shore Support (litter clean up along shore + trail, support in bagging, sorting litter, safety positions to watch divers & free-divers & more)
Inflatable kayak or inflatable paddleboard owners encouraged to join
Also please note anyone bringing any type of non motorized gear or equipment in or on the water needs to ensure gear is CLEAN DRAIN DRY, please visit the Tahoekeepers website to learn more.

(Please note some positions are limited and require a certain level of experience0

What You Need:

Transportation: Hike or bike in with your gear and food for the duration of your stay.

Equipment: If you own an inflatable kayak or paddleboard, please bring it along as our supply is limited. Also if you have your own snorkel gear or are an experienced diver with your own gear, please get in touch to discuss the possibility of joining the team in the water. Remember to visit the website above to ensure your gear is clean drain dry.

Clothing: Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and bring any personal items you might need including water, meals, environmentally friendly sunscreen, towels, hats, warm clothes, etc.

Camping Supplies for Overnight: Weather is changing! We are sneaking this in before winter, and currently it's scheduled to be highs of 60 and lows of 39-42 at night, so please bring appropriate clothes, camping equipment and supplies for the weather and the time you join us for. That includes proper sleeping equipment (backcountry tent, temperature-appropriate backcountry sleeping bags, backcountry-appropriate pillows, etc), bear-safe food canisters + FOOD & WATER, flashlight, etc. We will have 1-2 vehicles and can help pack out as much gear as possible; yet depending on attendance our ability to pack gear out may be limited, so we suggest that you try to be as self-sufficient as possible. Any questions please reach out.

Special Note: If you have scuba diving or free diving experience, please contact us directly. We can discuss whether it would be safe and appropriate for you to participate in that part of the operation.

To join them as an official volunteer for this project, please RSVP, as a formal registration with our organization is required. If you don't sign up and would like to pass by Marlette Lake on October 24th or 25th; you're welcome to see us in action and hang out with volunteers on shore!

RSVP: info@cleanupthelake.org -- +1 (530) 562-7131