Clean Up The Lake's next pilot project - going deeper for Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - After successfully cleaning Lake Tahoe's 72-mile perimeter just a couple of years ago, Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) is gearing up for an even bolder mission. This time, they’re diving to depths of 35-55 feet around Tahoe's North Shore to survey and conduct pilot research on areas that have remained untouched for decades.

CUTL has shared that the Deep Dive Pilot Cleanup Project and Litter Education Awareness Program have been funded through TOT-TBID Dollars At Work. This project is more than just a cleanup effort—it's a commitment to reinvesting in the heart and soul of North Lake Tahoe. Their approach is to tackle litter at depths while also engaging and educating the next generation to ensure the environmental stewardship and vitality of Lake Tahoe for decades to come.

Not only are they going deeper, but they’re also integrating a more technical approach with highly trained divers. With the help of the North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA), divers will use cutting-edge technology like Diver Propulsion Vehicles to move faster underwater and enriched oxygen to extend their working time at greater depths while reducing the risk of decompression sickness.

The CUTL team is embarking on this pilot project in the Placer County portion of Lake Tahoe to test the feasibility of these methodologies for removing litter accumulations at depth. At the same time, they’ll gather critical data to optimize efficiency for deeper-water cleanups across the lake. The data collected will also be used in lesson plans designed for K-12 schools in Placer County, helping to foster a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness in students across the Lake Tahoe basin.

This pilot project will help map out the requirements for a full-scale cleanup of these deeper waters, ensuring that Lake Tahoe stays as pristine below the surface as it is above. With this innovative approach to cleaning at such depths, even Jacques Cousteau would be impressed!

We’re diving deeper into Lake Tahoe because it’s worth it, and we’re excited to continue our work with programs like TOT-TBID Dollars at Work and your incredible support!

The North Shore TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program funds projects aimed at fostering community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic health, ensuring that every effort and resource is utilized to make a tangible difference in our community. For more information about the project and how you can get involved, please visit www.northtahoecommunityalliance.com