SOLUTIONS TO CONTROL WEEDS IN THE TAHOE KEYS

A multi-partner collaboration to find solutions to control and prevent aquatic weeds in the Tahoe Keys lagoons and protect Lake Tahoe

The Problem

There is growing concern about the spread of aquatic invasive and nuisance plant species which cover over 90 percent of the Tahoe Keys lagoons.  Despite the considerable management and financial investment of the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) to control this problem, weeds continue to spread and management costs continue to mount.

History & Background

Tahoe Keys curlyleaf pondweed distribution map, 2018

Aquatic weeds have spread to many areas around Lake Tahoe, creating urgency that lake-wide collaboration is needed to control aquatic invasive species (AIS).  The 2015 Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Implementation Plan lists the Tahoe Keys lagoons as the highest priority areas for control of AIS in Lake Tahoe, as the largest and most persistent population of aquatic weeds grow in this location, infesting over 172 acres of waterways.  All other lake-wide infestations combined account for approximately 20 acres.

Map of AIS Control Work

Control Methods Test Approved

TKPOA submitted the Tahoe Keys Lagoons Aquatic Weed Control Methods Test Application, triggering the need for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Lahontan Water Board), and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).

In January 2022 both TRPA and Lahontan Water Board approved the Control Methods Test and the three year test is now underway.  Data from tests will inform a long-term management plan for the weed infestation in the 172 acres of the Tahoe Keys lagoons.

Access the most recent project updates and details HERE.

 

A Collaborative Multi-Stakeholder Process

The collaborative stakeholder group met regularly from 2018 to 2022 to refine project details and questions leading up to the January 2022 decision to approve the Control Methods Test.  Many of the stakeholders continue to meet regularly during implementation, data collection and analysis of the CMT.  For a timeline of the project click here.

Read the Stakeholder Committee’s December 2021 Final Report

This website is hosted by Zephyr Collaboration with the aim of sharing the work of the collaborative Stakeholder Committee, while serving as an information resource for the public. Please visit often for updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback.