LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. – Today, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Tahoe Resource Conservation District announced the discovery of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species, in Lake Tahoe. Click here for more information about the discovery. Click here to watch an investigative report from ABC10 in Sacramento.
The following is a statement regarding the announcement from League to Save Lake Tahoe CEO Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins:
“The recent discovery of New Zealand mudsnails in our Lake is disheartening, but not unexpected. Tahoe’s program to manage aquatic invasive species leads the nation, but it does have gaps and room for improvement – in the need for more frequent lakewide surveys and stronger inspection requirements for recreational equipment. This discovery shines a light on them.
Lakewide surveys for aquatic invasive species should be more thorough and frequent, but they are resource- and time-intensive. The League has worked to fill these gaps through our Eyes on the Lake program, where we train the public, marina staff and others to identify and report aquatic invasive species as a crowdsourced solution for monitoring.
Since 2008, every boat and jet ski must be inspected for invasive organisms before it can launch on the Lake. There is no uniform, matching requirement for non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) and fishing gear. Enforcing rules for every angler, paddler and swimmer would be nearly impossible, so every person who enjoys the Lake has to take personal responsibility to Clean, Drain and Dry their gear. The League has made that easier by funding and recently rolling out a mobile, free-to-use cleaning station for non-motorized watercraft – the CD3 – which can help prevent new invasives from getting in the water. Donations from our supporters make this work possible.
We clearly all need to double our efforts to prevent other invasive species, like quagga and zebra mussels, from getting into Lake Tahoe and turning its blue water green. The League will keep working to make sure the agencies charged with prevention, control, surveillance, and monitoring aquatic invasive species fulfill their responsibility – but they can’t do it alone, nor should they.
As Lake Tahoe’s popularity grows, and the effects of climate change make the ecosystem more vulnerable, everyone who enjoys Tahoe must do their part to protect it. That starts with cleaning, draining and drying every piece of equipment that touches the Lake, from your sandals and life vests, to your kayak and ski boat, including your waders and fishing gear.
We can keep this from happening again. It’s up to all of us to Keep Tahoe Blue. Please do your part.”
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Media Contact:
Chris Joseph, cjoseph@keeptahoeblue.org, 805.722.5646
Communications Director, League to Save Lake Tahoe
The League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known by its iconic slogan “Keep Tahoe Blue,” protects and restores the Tahoe Basin’s unique natural beauty and environmental health – today and for future generations. Guided by science, we develop innovative solutions to complex environmental problems, mobilize thousands of volunteers each year, and act as both watchdog and advocate for Tahoe’s well-being. Learn more about our 66-year-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at keeptahoeblue.org.