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Lake Tahoe EIP

Pope Marsh Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Project

Project Number
01.03.01.0050
Action Priority
Prevent, Control, or Eradicate Aquatic Invasive Species
Implementers
Tahoe Resource Conservation District
Supporting Agencies
Tahoe Fund, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, U.S. Forest Service - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Primary Contact
Mollie Hurt (mhurt@tahoercd.org)

Stage
Implementation
Duration
2025 - 2029
Total Project Cost
$800,000
Funding Request
$100,000
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Prevent, Control, or Eradicate Aquatic Invasive Species
The purpose of the project is to remove aquatic invasive plants (AIP) in Pope Marsh, and exclude plant fragments growing in Lake Tallac from flowing into and infesting the marsh and subsequently, Lake Tahoe. Pope Marsh is identified in the Lake Tahoe Region Aquatic Invasive Species Action Agenda 2021-2030 as a priority project. A survey conducted in July 2023 by Tahoe RCD’s contracted divers detected Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) growing at various densities within a 1.8-acre area. In 2025, survey and hand removal of AIP was conducted by contracted divers and a metal screen was installed on top of the weir separating Pope Marsh from Lake Tallac to prevent further infestation.

Targeted Performance Measures

  • Acres of Invasive Species Inventoried
  • Acres Treated for Invasive Species

Threshold Categories

  • Fisheries
  • Recreation
  • Scenic Resources
  • Water Quality
Surveyors from Tahoe Resource Conservation District and Marine Taxonomic Services identifying aquatic invasive plants in Pope Marsh, South Lake Tahoe, CA, July 2025. (Timing: During) (~7,361 KB) Credit: Sara Kendzior, Tahoe Resource Conservation District Surveyors from Tahoe Resource Conservation District and Marine Taxonomic Services identifying aquatic invasive plants in Pope Marsh, South Lake Tahoe, CA, July 2025.

Location

Targeted Funding

Secured Funding: Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (TRPA), $272,000

Secured Funding: Lake Tahoe Restoratio... (USFS - LTBMU), $200,000

Secured Funding: Tahoe Fund (Tahoe Fund), $3,500

Targeted Funding: SB630 Funds (CTC), $100,000

No Funding Source Identified

Photos

Before
Marine Taxonomic Services staff removing Eurasian watermilfoil from Pope Marsh, South Lake Tahoe, CA, August 2024. (Timing: Before) (~7,998 KB) Credit: Sara Kendzior, Tahoe Resource Conservation District
Marine Taxonomic Services staff removing Eurasian watermilfoil from Pope Marsh, South Lake Tahoe, CA, August 2024.
During
Metal mesh screen secured to weir separates Lake Tallac (Tahoe Keys) from Pope Marsh to prevent aquatic invasive plants from entering Pope Marsh and Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, CA, December 2025. (Timing: During) (~3,443 KB) Credit: Mollie Hurt, Tahoe Resource Conservation District
Metal mesh screen secured to weir separates Lake Tallac (Tahoe Keys) from Pope Marsh to prevent aquatic invasive plants from entering Pope Marsh and Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, CA, December 2025.
Project Fact Sheet Data as of 02/15/2026