We’ve heard community voices speaking out on the proposed use of glyphosate as part of the Caldor Fire Restoration Project. Protecting the Lake Tahoe Basin’s water quality, environmental health, and community wellbeing are at the core of Keep Tahoe Blue’s mission — and are also at the core of the public’s questions and concerns. 

As a science-based organization, we rely on facts. Keep Tahoe Blue is requesting greater transparency and specificity from the U.S. Forest Service before the project moves ahead. The detailed information we’re requesting includes where herbicides would be applied, why they are necessary, what alternatives were considered, and what site-specific safeguards and monitoring would be used to protect Lake Tahoe’s waters, streams, wetlands, and wildlife. 

The Forest Service has told us directly that there are no plans to apply glyphosate in the Basin until 2028 as part of the Caldor project. The project plan makes clear that there would be no aerial application or use near streams, creeks, ponds, or lakes.  

Lake Tahoe is one of only two waterbodies in California and Nevada designated as an Outstanding National Resource Water under the Federal Clean Water Act — because of its exceptional water clarity and purity. That’s a distinction we must all protect.  

We will continue asking questions, working with our partners, and advocating for strong environmental protections every step of the way.