Last week, after more than a decade-long journey, we announced that we reached a historic agreement to limit and cap future development at Palisades Tahoe, together with our partners at Sierra Watch.
After months of good faith — and sometimes hard-nosed — negotiations, all three parties agreed to substantially reduce the size of the project, cutting the number of bedrooms allowed by 40% and commercial square footage by 20%, ensuring Olympic Valley will not be home to an indoor waterpark, and permanently protecting land in Shirley Canyon from development. Crucially, the agreement also cuts upwards of 38% of daily car trips, preventing traffic, air pollution, and water pollution from impacting our Lake and region.
“Tahoe is important enough that we're going to fight for it no matter what, with any tools available to us. But the best solutions come when we can sit down and talk together about how to get there," said Jesse Patterson, chief strategy officer for Keep Tahoe Blue.
We are thinking and acting Bigger Than Tahoe to protect the Lake for future generations. With your support, we will continue to carry out our role as Tahoe’s environmental watchdog. |
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A Tahoe tradition with
cleaner beaches and big hearts |
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This year’s July 5th “Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue” Cleanup showed something truly encouraging: cleaner beaches after the holiday. Thanks in part to our Tahoe Blue Beach program, proactive outreach, and individuals leaving Tahoe’s beaches better than they found them, 669 volunteers collected 26% less litter than last year from Tahoe’s shores and surrounding areas. The success of this July 5th tradition is about more than data. It’s about people — from long-time residents to first-time visitors, coming together to protect the Lake. -
Ashley Mau and Liz Gustafson drove up from Reno after seeing videos of wrecked beaches on social media in 2023. They didn’t join in Tahoe’s Fourth of July festivities, but wanted to help clean up afterward.
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Julie, Nick, and Klay Abbatelli, campers at Zephyr Cove Resort, made volunteering part of their family vacation.
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Heather and Steve Plumb and their kids, who were visiting Kings Beach with friends, have always wanted to come to Lake Tahoe for the Fourth of July weekend and attend the cleanup on July 5th. This year they did and even stuck around to help move bags of collected litter to dumpsters.
Their stories and hundreds more like them show how powerful small actions can be to Keep Tahoe Blue. |
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A smarter way to
and from Emerald Bay |
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The Emerald Bay Shuttle is rolling, and this pilot program is already changing how visitors experience one of Tahoe’s most iconic destinations. Launched July 15th and running through October 15th, the shuttle connects Sugar Pine Point, Camp Richardson, and the South Tahoe “Y” to Emerald Bay. For just $10 roundtrip, riders can skip the traffic, reduce pollution that threatens the Lake, and enjoy stunning views without worrying about parking tickets. Why ride? Parking at Emerald Bay is extremely limited, with many spaces blocked to protect the environment and public safety. CHP is actively patrolling and ticketing illegally parked vehicles.
Funding for the pilot program is being provided by Keep Tahoe Blue and the Tahoe Fund, with a project team of transportation planning and implementation experts, local government officials, and a range of other agencies and organizations. Success this season could pave the way for future expansion and make it easier to access and protect one of Tahoe’s treasures. Plan your trip: - Book your roundtrip ticket in advance.
- Bring your bike or e-bike (space is limited).
- Well-behaved pets are welcome.
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Ride a bike or take public transportation to the shuttle stops and do even more to protect the Lake.
Choosing the Emerald Bay Shuttle is the easiest, safest, and most Lake-friendly way to visit Emerald Bay and help Keep Tahoe Blue. |
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Defend Tahoe from
invasive golden mussels |
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Golden mussels continue to spread across California; most recently they were discovered as far south as LA County. In May, these aquatic invaders were intercepted at the Alpine Meadows boat inspection station — and if they reach Lake Tahoe, the damage could be devastating and irreversible. That’s why we’re calling on volunteers now through August to join the AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) Defense Team.
Becoming part of this critical effort is simple: - Watch a short training video.
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Sign up for a shift at one of 12 high-traffic beaches and lakes around Tahoe.
- Show up and help educate visitors how to Clean, Drain, and Dry their gear — paddleboards, fishing tackle, even water shoes — to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The AIS Defense Team is the front line for stopping golden mussels and other threats from reaching Tahoe’s pristine waters. We need your help this summer to protect the Lake we all love. |
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Lead cable removal final phase |
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For years, the League and community organizations have supported efforts to remove lead-sheathed telecommunications cables from the Lake.
Following the removal of nearly eight miles of lead cables from below Tahoe’s waters last November, project partners are preparing to pull the final stretch of cable from Baldwin Beach in September or October, once the USDA Forest Service deems the operation can continue without endangering Tahoe yellow cress, a native and endemic plant.
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Keep Tahoe Blue Store: Shop for a plastic-free summer |
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July is Plastic Free Month, and these Keep Tahoe Blue-approved products make it easy to reduce single-use plastic and protect the Lake:
Trail Marker Bottle – Stay hydrated sustainably.
Market Totes – Your reusable shopping companion.
Solution Straws – Ditch plastic straws for good.
Every purchase supports our mission to protect and restore the Lake.
🛍️ Shop Online or visit us in person at:
📍 2877 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA |
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Eyes on the Lake Training July 23 | 10 am - Noon Kings Beach
Learn how to identify Tahoe’s various native and invasive aquatic species, and how to report observations that allow the League and our partners to control new populations of aquatic invaders before they do lasting damage to Lake Tahoe. |
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2025 Lake Tahoe Summit August 6 | 10 am - 2 pm
South Lake Tahoe
Join us on August 6th for the 29th annual Lake Tahoe Summit hosted by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff. The theme of this year’s event is “Protecting Lake Tahoe: Balancing Sustainable Recreation and Conservation.” The Summit will also honor U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s commitment to Lake Tahoe. |
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Tahoe Blue Crew Training August 12 | 4 pm - 5 pm Virtual At this training, you will learn how to become a Tahoe Blue Crew Leader, adopt a litter hotspot, and collect data for your site. We will also help you develop your personal approach for planning and executing your Blue Crew efforts. |
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Speaker Series: Cousteau x Keep Tahoe Blue: A Legacy of Protecting Our Waters August 23 | 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Incline Village A once-in-a-lifetime evening with Jean-Michel Cousteau. Discover how ocean and lake conservation are deeply connected, and why protecting Tahoe’s clarity has never mattered more. |
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28th Annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day – Fall Sept 20 | 9 am - 1 pm
Marlette Creek, East Shore, Lake Tahoe
This is the League's longest-running event and Tahoe's largest ecosystem restoration volunteer effort. People of all ages and skill levels join in hands-on, outdoor work like native tree planting, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and more. |
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