01.03 - Aquatic Invasive Species Program

Lake Tahoe and adjacent lakes face a constant and serious threat from the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS degrades water quality, degrades natural fish habitat and can affect the recreation opportunities that drive Lake Tahoe’s economy. Since 2008, the nationally recognized Watercraft Inspection Program has prevented new AIS from entering the lake.  The program calls for inspection of all motorized watercraft to ensure new AIS are not introduced. To control and eradicate existing AIS populations in the lake and, resource managers are implementing AIS control projects, testing new technologies and actively engaging with marinas and homeowners.

The AIS Control Action Agenda implements a suite of AIS control actions through the next decade to reduce the economic, environmental, and social effects of AIS in the Lake Tahoe Region. The Agenda describes a 10-year (2021–2030) two-phased effort. Phase 1 (2021–2025) aggressively treats and controls AIS throughout the Region for five consecutive years while containing AIS and completing AIS control planning for the Tahoe Keys. Phase II (2026–2030) focuses efforts on reducing aquatic invasive plants and invasive fish in the Tahoe Keys while continuing to maintain, reduce, or eradicate AIS in other parts of the Lake Tahoe Region.