Tahoe Keepers: Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Protect your favorite place. Protect your favorite pastime. Clean, Drain and Dry your gear Every time.

Aquatic invasive species like Asian clams and Eurasian watermilfoil are already changing Tahoe’s ecosystem and threaten Lake Tahoe’s famous water clarity. Luckily, these AIS are not yet established in Fallen Leaf Lake, Echo Lake, and Spooner Lake. Let’s keep it that way.

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

When paddling in an area infested with AIS or if you find contaminants on your boat or board, implement additional decontamination measures, such as spraying with pressurized water and keeping your watercraft completely dry for at least 5 days.

Prevent In-basin Transfer of AIS

If you only paddle within the Lake Tahoe basin, it is still very important to inspect your watercraft and gear to ensure you are not inadvertently transporting invaders found in Lake Tahoe to other Tahoe-Truckee area water bodies.

Taking these few minutes before and after paddling will help protect Lake Tahoe, your gear, and your freedom to launch at undeveloped sites.

Asian Clams

Eurasian Milfoil

Become a Tahoe Keeper and help protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invasive species (AIS) that can ruin our pristine waters and gear.

Learn how to stop the transfer of AIS to Tahoe and Truckee water bodies by self-inspecting and decontaminating your boats and gear after each use. It’s easy and it matters.

Take the Online Training Program

The Tahoe Keepers online training program demonstrates how to Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft and gear every time you haul out or move between water bodies, and properly Dispose of any plants or debris. Paddlers who successfully complete the free program will become members of the Tahoe Keepers stewardship community, and will receive “Proof of Training” credentials and a cool sticker!

Help stop the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into Lake Tahoe

Protect your favorite place. Protect your favorite pastime.

1) CLEAN

Clean watercraft with pressurized water, removing all dirt, plant, and animal material from your rudder, hull, cockpit, and fishing gear. DISPOSE of foreign matter above the waterline on dry land or in a trash can.

2) DRAIN

Drain the water from your hatches and cockpits on land before you leave the immediate area.

3) DRY

Dry your watercraft before launching it again.

Free Decontaminations for Kayaks, Canoes and Paddle Boards:

Free kayak, canoe, paddle board, and non-motorized watercraft inspections and decontaminations are available at each roadside watercraft inspection station located at Truckee, Alpine Meadows, Spooner Summit, and Meyers. Directions to these roadside stations, a list of water bodies containing aquatic invasive species, and answers to frequently asked questions, are also available at tahoeboatinspections.com.

If you plan on paddling in Nevada, you are required to purchase a NV AIS Decal.