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.
I for one am thankful there are folks and agencies trying to preserve the lake. Sad thing is, whatever forces are at work; man made climate change, natural climate change, over population in the basin leading to increased pollution due to runoff… Lake Tahoe as we know it, as it has existed as the ‘Jewel of the Sierra’ may only exist in its pristine state for a relatively geological blip in time. Any of us lucky to have witnessed it should be humbled by it. It may be replaced by a desert similar to the Black Rock Desert.. But that is the way of things.
Great stuff…. What about boats?? We put marinas in our wetlands and ruined natures filters. Marinas have invasive fish of all kinds we will never fully control ever. Boats travel and constantly spread the invasives like milfoil to every nook all over the lake. They have the potential to introduce quagga and the like. They create wakes and chop up the nearshore. They require a bilge pump that has potential to directly pollute the lake. Marinas dredge…. Marinas require a high lake level. But on the other hand boats sure are fun and we are lucky we can still get after it Havasu style.,, Sorry hippies! Tomorrow it’s on… I did my BMPs…