What is the Aquatic Invasive Species Program?
The Tahoe RCD is the co-chair of the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Coordination Committee (LTAISCC), designed to collaborate on prevention, control and early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The LTAISCC shares resources and information, standardizes methods for treatment and data collection, performs coordinated education and outreach activities, obtains grants, prioritizes projects and organizes effective control efforts. The Tahoe RCD leads the implementation of the prevention program and control program for aquatic invasive weed removal.
The Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program is our number one defense against the introduction of new invasive species entering our waterways. Through boat inspections, decontaminations, and continuous education to our users, we have effectively prevented any new species from entering Lake Tahoe since the program’s inception. Tahoe RCD continues to coordinate and manage the inspection program with the technical assistance and support from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
For information about the Watercraft Inspection Program and Tahoe Keepers, go to TahoeBoatInspections.com
The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Control Program is working to control aquatic invasive species that have already been introduced to Lake Tahoe. Species under current management are Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myrophyllum spicatum), Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) and a variety of warm water fish including large mouth bass, black crappie and bluegill. At the helm of our accomplishments has been a near eradication of over six acres of invasive aquatic weeds in Emerald Bay. Without the help and support of our partner agencies, local business and general public participation, none of this control work would be possible.
For more details about this program, videos and specific project information, click here
What are the impacts of AIS?
Lake Tahoe’s original ecosystem consisted of only one predominant predator. Over time, some non-native species have been intentionally introduced to increase sport fishing or enhance ecosystem resources. Invasive species, non-natives that are harmful to the ecosystem, have also been introduced through unknown vectors.
Aquatic Invasive Species Harm Lake Tahoe by:
Severely decreasing recreational uses, such as swimming, boating, water-skiing, and fishing
Degrading boats by clogging propellers and cooling intakes
Facilitating invasions of other non-native species
Altering nutrient cycles and increasing algal growth in the lake by adding phosphorous to the water column, thus contributing to overall clarity decline
Species of Concern:
Present in Lake Tahoe:
NOT Present in Lake Tahoe
New Zealand mudsnail
Spiny water flea
Didymo (rock snot)
And many more