WHAT KEEPS TAHOE RESILIENT? |
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Lake Tahoe's future has never depended on one solution.
It depends on collaboration that lasts, science that guides action, and people who keep showing up when the next threat reaches the shoreline, forest, or boat ramp.
That spirit will be on full display today, August 19, when the 30th annual Lake Tahoe Summit returns to Sand Harbor. Hosted this year by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, the Summit marks three decades of leaders, scientists, Tribal voices, environmental advocates, agencies, and community members working across boundaries for the Lake. Keep Tahoe Blue is proud to have been deeply involved from the start.
The annual tradition began in 1997 with a visit from President Clinton and Vice President Gore that helped launch a new era of bi-state collaboration at a time when Lake Tahoe's clarity was in decline. Today, that partnership continues through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, which brings together more than 80 partners and has delivered more than 900 restoration projects across the Basin.
That progress matters. So do the challenges ahead.
This month, we're looking at resilience in action, new tools to contain invasive weeds, stronger defenses against golden mussels, wildfire preparedness during a hot, dry summer, and a chance to double your impact for Lake-saving work. |
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A STRONGER LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST AQUATIC INVASIVE WEEDS |
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The Tahoe Keys are ground zero for the Lake's largest infestation of aquatic invasive weeds. In the channels that connect the Tahoe Keys to the Lake itself, weed fragments can cling to boats and drift toward open water, where they can spread the infestation. |
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This summer, Keep Tahoe Blue and partners are testing a stronger way to prevent those weed fragments from entering the Lake. The innovative, multifaceted approach includes UV-C light treatment, robotic plant collection technology, and twin bubble curtains that are operating in the Tahoe Keys Marina's boating channel.
Each tool plays a role. The bubble curtain helps dislodge fragments from passing boats and guide them toward a skimming device called the Collec'Thor, while UV-C light damages aquatic weeds, preventing them from reproducing.
Keep Tahoe Blue also commissioned an efficacy study to assess the system's overall performance. That data will help Tahoe's experts refine containment at one of the Lake's most important invasive species pressure points. |
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GOLDEN MUSSELS ARE STILL TOO CLOSE |
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Golden mussels are not in Lake Tahoe, and keeping them out remains one of Keep Tahoe Blue's most urgent priorities.
This summer has shown how real the threat is. Inspection and prevention efforts have already stopped six golden mussel-infested boats before they could reach the Lake, a strong reminder that Tahoe's defenses are working because people are paying attention.
But boat inspections are only part of the solution.
Anything that touches the water can move aquatic invasive species from one place to another. Before you bring a boat, paddleboard, kayak, fishing rod, water shoe, floatie, or beach toy into a new waterbody, "Clean, Drain, & Dry" it completely. You can also help protect the Lake while you are out enjoying it. |
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STAY READY DURING A HOT, DRY SUMMER |
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This fire season has already brought several close reminders.
A small fire near the Mount Tallac Trailhead on the South Shore was stopped quickly in July. The Talbot Fire started in the Tahoe National Forest near French Meadows this month.
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North of Reno, the Bug, Stallion, and Fred fires prompted evacuations and showed how fast conditions can change when heat, wind, and dry fuels line up.
For Lake Tahoe, smoke and ashfall can affect water quality, even if flames never reach the Basin. Fire preparedness helps protect homes, communities, forests, and Tahoe's clarity. It starts before smoke is in the air.
Here's how you can stay ready, so you do not have to get ready in an emergency: - Respect all fire restrictions and posted closures
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Never leave a fire, grill, or cigarette unattended
- Avoid parking on dry grass or dragging trailer chains
- Report illegal fires or unsafe behavior immediately
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Keep a fire go-bag ready
Stay alert when conditions are hot, dry, and windy to prevent fire ignitions. |
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DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT FOR
LAKE TAHOE WITH JACK JOHNSON |
Jack Johnson's Lake Tahoe concert is on September 6, and Keep Tahoe Blue is proud to be an All At Once nonprofit partner for the 2026 SURFILMUSIC Tour.
Leading up to the show, the Johnson Ohana Foundation will match donations to Keep Tahoe Blue up to $2,500, helping your gift go twice as far for Lake-saving work.
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Summer isn't over yet. Gear up for the season's final adventures, and everything in between. -
Royal Keep Tahoe Blue Tee: Our best-selling tee, for good reason. Super soft, classic, and made to show your support for Lake Tahoe.
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Stainless Steel Pint: Ditch those plastic cups and sip sustainably with our shatter-proof Stainless Steel Pints. Perfect for festivals, camping, and outdoor adventures.
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Organic Cream Market Tote: Made from 100% organic cotton, our Market Tote combines sustainability and style. Durable and versatile, It's perfect for everything from the farmers market to the beach.
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Keep Tahoe Blue at the Makers Market at Tahoe Backyard | August 22, 2026 |
Meet Keep Tahoe Blue’s North Shore Liaisons at Tahoe Backyard’s Makers Market and learn how to help protect Lake Tahoe. |
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| Keep Tahoe Blue x Wilderdog: Tahoe Trails & Tails Cleanup | August 26, 2026 |
Don't miss your opportunity to help clean up the dog-friendly Lam Watah trail and help keep dog-friendly areas around Tahoe open and beautiful. |
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Keep Tahoe Blue at Truckee Music in the Park | August 26, 2026 |
Meet Keep Tahoe Blue’s North Shore Liaisons at Truckee Music in the Park and learn how to help protect Lake Tahoe. |
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Speaker Series: The Tahoe Rim Trail Expedition | Tracking Plastic Pollution from Trail to Lake | August 27, 2026 |
Join us to explore how high-elevation science, outdoor recreation, and watershed protection collide on the 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. |
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Eyes on the Lake Training | September 6, 2026 |
Join us at Echo Lake Chalet for our free Eyes on the Lake training to identify invasive aquatic species early and help protect Lake Tahoe’s clarity and shoreline health. |
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Jack Johnson at Lake Tahoe: Double Your Impact for Lake Tahoe | September 6, 2026 |
Come say hello to the Keep Tahoe Blue team at The Village Green at Caesars Republic on Sunday, September 6. Leading up to the concert help us double your donation impact for Lake Tahoe. |
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| 12th Annual Labor Day Cleanup | September 7, 2026 |
Help us clean up Kings Beach after the Labor Day festivities and help preserve Tahoe's beauty for all to enjoy. |
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| Clearly Tahoe x Keep Tahoe Blue Takeover | September 15, 2026
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Join us for a special one day takeover event in collaboration with Clearly Tahoe where adventure meets purpose. |
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