Multiple projects designed to protect Tahoe
Mats at Emerald Bay suffocated clams. Photo/LTN file
By Sarah Litz, Reno Gazette-Journal
Protecting Lake Tahoe is more difficult than it looks.
Tahoe’s clarity has decreased, non-native species have increased and algal blooms are threatening the beauty and productivity of the nationally known lake.
However, public agencies have teamed up with scientists, marinas and lakefront homeowners on a new strategy to protect, combat and restore near shore ecosystems in a joint effort between UNR and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District.
The focus of the new funding and strategy is Tahoe’s near shore, an area up to about 50 feet deep, where Tahoe’s 3 million annual visitors now interface with more than 30 non-native species including Asian clams, Eurasian milfoil and several warm-water fish. These species disturb Tahoe’s native ecosystem and food chain, impair the lake’s clarity and clog its marinas, piers and boat propellers.