Protect While you Paddle: Be a Tahoe Keeper
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as New Zealand mudsnails, Asian clams, Eurasian watermilfoil, and curlyleaf pondweed have changed Tahoe’s ecosystem and threaten Lake Tahoe’s famous water clarity. The most serious AIS threat is the golden mussel found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024. While golden mussels, and zebra and quagga mussels, are NOT in Lake Tahoe, we must remain vigilant to protect Tahoe from these harmful invaders.
To prevent the spread of AIS, all watercraft must be Clean, Drained, and Dry before and after launching, or moving to different parts of Lake Tahoe and surrounding lakes such as Fallen Leaf, Angora, Echo, and Spooner that Do Not have AIS.
Invaders spread through water, mud and weeds that collect in inflatable SUPs and kayaks, carrying bags, cockpits and hatches, cling to hulls and rudders, paddles, SUP leashes, and life jackets. It only takes 1 drop of water or mud, or tiny weed fragment to transport AIS.
Be a Tahoe Keeper and Clean, Drain, and Dry your gear.
Free Paddle Gear Decontaminations
If you find weeds, mud, or snails on any of your paddle gear or you have recently paddled in mussel-infested waters like the Sacramento Delta, your gear MUST be decontaminated at a Tahoe boat inspection station. It’s free and you’ll get decontaminated ASAP.
AIS Can Destroy Lake Tahoe and Paddling
Luckily the AIS below are not in Fallen Leaf, Angora, Echo, and Spooner lakes. Help keep it that way.
The Tahoe Keepers 
