Stewardship

As a Water Trail user, you can help protect Lake Tahoe by following a few simple steps.

• Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds.
• Fires are permitted only in established campgrounds or day use areas. Check fire restrictions.
• Dispose of waste properly, including dog poop bags.
• Leave what you find. Take only photos. Leave No Trace.
• Respect and enjoy wildlife from afar.
• Watch your step. The small fragile Tahoe Yellow Cress mustard plant only grows on the sandy beaches of Lake Tahoe and nowhere else in the world. Please avoid walking or dragging your boats and boards over any shoreline vegetation.
• Before you launch, make sure your gear is Clean, Drained and Dry to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that can ruin the clarity and health of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding lakes. Learn how to self-inspect and decontaminate your gear at TahoeKeepers.com or better yet, rent gear from a local paddle shop.
• Take the bus. Find transportation and bus options here.

Share the Trail

• Respect residential property rights.  Do not land on private property. Read More About How to Respect Private Property.
• Reduce sound level around Osprey nests and wildlife, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
• Be considerate of other users and show courtesy and respect to other users in the area.

Protect Lake Tahoe From Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) contribute to the decline of Lake Tahoe’s famous water clarity and healthy ecosystem.

Invaders spread through the transport of water and/or debris that can collect in cockpits and hatches, cling to outer hulls, rudders and paddles. Spreading AIS violates local, state, and federal laws.

Self-Inspect and Decontaminate: The Tahoe Keepers program demonstrates how to Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft and gear every time you haul out and move between water bodies. This is important if you bring your boat to Tahoe, or if you move it between waterways within the Tahoe Region. It only takes a few minutes to protect Tahoe and your gear.