Keeping Lake Tahoe Blue Is More Than A Bumper Sticker

Paddling out onto the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe is an amazing way to connect to the environment and the surrounding mountains. It is up to us who venture out to not just enjoy them but to become stewards of them. Here’s a few ways you can help Keep Lake Tahoe Blue.

Before you launch – you must be a Tahoe Keeper and clean, drain and dry all of your gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Watch this video on How to Protect Lake Tahoe and Your Paddle Gear and follow the steps.  Better yet – Rent a paddle board or kayak or take a guided eco-paddle tour from a Tahoe paddle shop.

Leave No Trace

We all love the great outdoors so the highest priority when you head out onto the beautiful glassy water is to remember to “Leave No Trace.” The idea is simple. Leave nature as unchanged as possible by our presence, or better yet, leave things even better than when we came. For example, even if you weren’t the one that littered, if you see a piece of trash, pick it up. For more about the seven principles, check out the Leave No Trace website.

Ride A Bike With A Rack To The Beach

Popularity of Lake Tahoe’s beaches has skyrocketed and as such parking spaces are in high demand. Instead of driving to one of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail trailheads, consider getting a side-rack for your bike cruiser from one of our sponsor shops. You’ll skip the traffic, save some money, and reduce the pollution. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll get your body warmed up! For more about the paved bike trails in the region, check out the interactive bike map on the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition Website.

Prevent Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species are attempting to infiltrate and destroy “Big Blue”  by unsuspectingly hitching a ride on paddle gear – Yikes! Luckily, visitors AND residents alike can help by joining “Eyes On The Lake.” This League to Save Lake Tahoe volunteer citizen program gives us users a chance to identify and report invasive plants so that the League and TRPA can stop the spread before it’s too late. To help protect Lake Tahoe while you play, head over to the Eye’s On The Lake Program page.

Be A Tahoe Keeper

Just like Smokey Bear with forest fires, YOU can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species or AIS for short. How? By becoming a Tahoe Keeper. It’s simple, just clean, drain, and dry your watercraft & gear every time you haul out or move between bodies of water. In addition, if you do find any plants or debris when cleaning, be sure to dispose of them in a trash can or take them home with you.  For more on why it’s important, read our How to Protect Lake Tahoe and Your Paddle Gear and watch the video.

Watch Out For Yellow Cress

Last but not least, when you do finally arrive at the beach, be cognizant of where you’re stepping. The valuable shoreline is home to a delicate endangered native plant that only exists on the beaches of Lake Tahoe: The Tahoe Yellow Cress. It’s pretty easy for you to keep these native plants thriving. All you need to do is:

• First, watch your step. Avoid walking on any shoreline vegetation, and keep Fido under control.
• Second, make sure to launch and land your kayak, paddleboard, or any boat away – far far away – from all shoreline vegetation.
• Third, don’t enter the fenced areas to get a better look.

Remember, stewardship is A LOT more than just the “Keep Tahoe Blue” bumper sticker. It’s your commitment to be part of Tahoe culture; to actively participate in conservation every day. If you follow these simple conservation rules, we’ll make sure that these waters can be enjoyed for future generations!