Our Accomplishments

Expanded hands-on ecosystem restoration efforts with new partnerships

Welcomed new sites and partners to our long-running Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days events, including the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Deployed a mobile, solar-powered cleaning station to fight aquatic invasive species

The CD3 – short for “clean, drain, dry, dispose” – gives paddlers and anglers a free tool to make sure their gear is free of invasives before it hits the water.

Introduced a motorized, aquatic robot to prevent the spread of invasive species

The PixieDrone was tested in the Tahoe Keys to capture floating plant fragments and prevent the weed infestation from continuing to spread.

Celebrated 10 years of Tahoe’s largest litter cleanup event

Every year since 2014, our “Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue” July 5th beach cleanup has rallied hundreds of volunteers and partners to remove trash following the busiest summer holiday.

Pilot tested a beach-cleaning robot

The BEBOT, an electric robot that collects litter buried beneath the sand, was used to remove tiny bits of hidden trash before they enter Lake Tahoe.

Kicked off an innovative test to control aquatic invasive weeds

The three-year Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test is a science-based, comprehensive program to identify a safe, long-term solution to control Tahoe’s largest weed infestation and protect water quality lakewide.

Launched a free, on-demand microtransit shuttle service for the South Shore

Lake Link provides free rides, allowing people to keep their cars parked and avoid contributing to pollution that clouds Lake Tahoe’s waters.

Important legal precedent set in court victory against Martis Valley West development project

Developers are deemed accountable for impacts to Tahoe, even if projects are located beyond the Basin, thanks to the League’s legal action.

Aquatic invasive species detection net expanded with surveys of eight Truckee water bodies

Eyes on the Lake volunteers scouted the lakes and ponds to identify infestations and prevent cross-contamination.

Proposed development on sensitive ridgeline replaced by U.S. Forest Service property acquisition

League advocacy pushed a property owner to abandon development plans at Brockway Summit and agree to sell 120 acres into conservation.

Bolstered containment of aquatic invasive weeds in the Tahoe Keys

Helped develop, fund and implement double bubble curtains in the only two outlets connecting the Keys to the Lake.

Advanced a solution for traffic-related pollution

Provided funding for continuing service of the TART Connect microtransit program on the north and west shores.

Research into the impacts of wildfire smoke and ash

Funded rapid response scientific research on the effects of smoke and ash on Tahoe’s waters with UNR and DRI.

Cutting through bureaucracy to advance ecosystem restoration

Co-led an initiative with the CA Secretary of Natural Resources to “cut the green tape” that delays critical restoration projects.

Removing Tahoe’s largest invasive weed infestation

Kickstarted removal of 100+ acres of weeds outside the Tahoe Keys through initial funding and continued fundraising.

Lake-friendly enhancements for Tahoe South Event Center

Successfully advocated for a parking management plan for the casino core and a south shore microtransit program.

First-ever detection of microplastics in Lake Tahoe

Pipe Keepers citizen scientists gathered data that led to the discovery by the Desert Research Institute.

League awarded Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar

Earned the nonprofit watchdog’s recognition for sharing the metrics that matter most to our supporters and donors.

Lake-friendly bike & scooter share service expanded

After Lime’s successful 2017 pilot, the service expanded on the south shore thanks to League advocacy.

Shoreline Plan approved

Steered the creation and passage of a plan to enhance recreation, protect the environment and plan for the future.

“Styrofoam” ban goes into effect on the south shore

Used data gathered at community cleanups to convince the City of South Lake Tahoe to ban polystyrene.

Voters approve Prop 68, sending $27 million to Tahoe for environmental projects

Advanced a successful California campaign to pass an initiative that delivered funds for Tahoe restoration.

Loop Road – US 50 / South Shore Revitalization Project

Ensured the project must meet requirements to reduce traffic, restore the environment and improve transportation.

South Lake Tahoe becomes first city in the nation to host dockless bikeshare

Worked closely with Lime and the City to usher in a Lake-friendly, alternative mode of transportation.

Eyes on the Lake Survey of the Upper Truckee River

Led an aquatic invasive species survey that laid the ground work for a large-scale restoration of the Upper Truckee Marsh.

Tahoe residents and visitors empowered to preserve the Lake with Citizen Science Tahoe app

After UC Davis launched the app in 2015, the League helped expand the project’s citizen science data gathering.

Tahoe Blue Schools expands, citizen science programs grow

Programs to educate Tahoe’s youth and engage the public in preservation grew to reach thousands of community members.

$600,000 to tackle invasive species

Advocated to secure funding through CA Senate Bill 630 for invasive species monitoring and control projects.

Preserving the 1969 bi-state Tahoe Compact and unified protection for the Lake

Advocated for CA and NV to reaffirm their commitment to abide by mutual environmental goals and policies protecting the Lake.

Volunteer citizen science program launched – Eyes on the Lake

Alongside the Tahoe AIS Program, created a system to train and enlist the public to help report aquatic weeds.

Plastic grocery bags banned in South Lake Tahoe

Used data gathered at community cleanups to convince the City of South Lake Tahoe to ban plastic bags.

Bi-state working group helps strengthen and pass new Tahoe Regional Plan

Helped ensure rules to protect Tahoe from development were included in the long-delayed Regional Plan update.

Volunteer citizen science program launched – Pipe Keepers

Created to monitor water quality and draw awareness to stormwater pollution flowing from pipes into the Lake.

League prevails in shorezone appeal – requires TRPA to curb boat pollution from illegal buoys

The US 9th Circuit Court of Appeal agreed with the League, holding TRPA to account and preventing environmental impacts.

League scores court victory halting dangerous precedent on subdivisions at Tahoe

A successful federal appeal closed a potential loophole that would have allowed large lots to be subdivided and developed.

Tahoe Keepers launches online tool to help prevent invasive species introductions

The League planned and implemented outreach for watercraft “clean, drain, dry” education campaign to avoid new infestations.

Upholding Tahoe’s two-stroke jet ski ban

Prevented a TRPA code change that would have ended the rule from slipping through the cracks, fulfilling our watchdog role.

Protecting Tahoe’s shoreline – Judicial decision sets high standard for regulators

Sued TRPA to ensure Tahoe’s environment is properly protected before allowing new piers, buoys or moorings.

Reducing pollution by establishing Tahoe’s “Total Maximum Daily Load”

Advocated to keep strong protections for Lake Tahoe in the TMDL, which sets limits on different pollution sources.

Aspen forest restoration

Developed a plan to mitigate infrastructure construction impacts and restore 60 acres of aspen groves on the south shore.

Sandy Beach lawsuit settlement

Prevented a sprawling ‘redevelopment’ project from turning a campground into luxury timeshares.

Kings Beach roadway reduction and traffic improvements

Collaborated to advocate for a three-lane roadway and roundabouts to replace a larger paved footprint and traffic lights.

Shaping the $415 million Lake Tahoe Restoration Act reauthorization

Promoted changes that restrict mining and committed USFS to achieve Tahoe environmental goals.

Creating Tahoe’s boat inspection program to fend off invasive species

Pushed for creation of Tahoe’s innovative and hugely successful boat inspection stations to prevent new invasive species introductions.

Angora Fire restoration – Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days

For two years, organized hundreds of volunteers to help restore the Angora Fire burn scar.

League celebrates 50th anniversary

Lawmakers recognize League’s 50 years of achievements in environmental preservation

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rep. John Garamendi commended the League for its dedication and success.

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the 1997 Tahoe Presidential Forum

Co-sponsored an event attended by former Pres. Clinton, Maj. Leader Harry Reid, Sens. Dianne Feinstein and John Ensign.

Heavenly Mountain Resort drops plan to cut down old growth trees

Pressured the resort to abandon a new chairlift project and preserve a rare stand of old growth trees.

$300 million in federal funds for restoration – Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act

Advocated for an amendment permitting $300 million from the sale of public lands to support restoration at Lake Tahoe.

Supporting research and education – Tahoe Environmental Research Center opens its doors

Donated the first $100,000 in 1995 to support the founding and construction of the center’s home in Incline Village.

Protecting Tahoe’s watershed with a victory in Meiss Meadows

Convinced the Forest Service to end cattle grazing in Meiss Meadows, the southernmost tip of the Lake Tahoe watershed.

Lake Tahoe Restoration Act passed – $300 million boost for environmental improvements

Worked closely with Tahoe’s delegation to pass the first LTRA, authorizing federal funding for the Environmental Improvement Program.

Two-stroke jet skis banned at Tahoe, protecting water quality and enforcing noise standards

Led the campaign to ban two-stroke jet skis on Lake Tahoe, sparking an industry-wide move to cleaner engines.

U.S. EPA recognizes the League with its Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award

Awarded to the Lake Tahoe Water Quality Coalition, including the League and local business leaders.

California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award

Awarded to the Lake Tahoe Water Quality Coalition, co-founded by the League, for forging an impactful environmental-economic partnership.

U.S. EPA Certificate of Appreciation

Awarded to the League “in recognition of commitment to the protection and restoration of the nation’s water resources.”

Start of Environmental Improvement Program, a framework to bring billions in funding to Tahoe

Advocated, lobbied and collaborated to bring national attention to Tahoe’s environmental challenges, resulting in the EIP.

First Lake Tahoe Presidential Summit

Brought international attention to Tahoe by helping orchestrate a visit by President Clinton and Vice President Gore.

Establishing urban growth boundaries to protect Tahoe’s sensitive lands and watershed

Thwarted a proposal to expand developable areas and established the principle that urban growth should be geographically constrained.

Strengthening Tahoe’s 1984 Regional Plan

After numerous legal interventions, the League shaped the Regional Plan with tougher controls on new development.

$85 million in bond funds to protect sensitive Tahoe lands

Organized a successful statewide campaign that delivered funding for the CA Tahoe Conservancy to acquire and preserve Tahoe lands.

Updated Tahoe Regional Planning Compact bolsters planning and protection for Tahoe’s environment

Succeeded in including provisions to increase environmental safeguards and ban new casinos and subdivisions.

Halting casino growth, reining in development and empowering environmental regulation

Litigated, lobbied and collaborated to control development, limit casino expansion and empower the TRPA.

Replacing unchecked development with uniform planning and regulation – creation of TRPA

The bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Compact created the agency charged with slowing urbanization and enacting environmental standards.

Uniting two states, five counties and one city for preservation of Lake Tahoe

Led the push in CA and NV, and advocated in Washington D.C. for creation of a bi-state compact to coordinate regulation across all Basin jurisdictions.

Preventing sewage dumping – passage of the Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act

Helped pass the law mandating that all treated sewage and wastewater must be exported out of the Basin.

Stopping Tahoe from becoming a “city with a hole in the middle”

Prevented construction of a bridge over Emerald Bay and killed an urbanization plan that would have brought 750,000 full time residents to Tahoe.