In June, several Lake Tahoe agencies are kicking off a volunteer effort called “Eyes on the Lake” in which water recreationists of all types will be identifying and reporting on the locations of aquatic invasive plant species that threaten Lake Tahoe.

This effort will be led by the League to Save Lake Tahoe, in partnership with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, as well as other organizations that make up the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program.

Eyes on the Lake’s two main targets will be Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed, which are already established in several locations throughout the lake, and are difficult and expensive to control.

The Lake Tahoe AIS Program occasionally contracts with aquatic ecologists to conduct surveys in areas around Lake Tahoe that support suitable habitat for aquatic plants. Volunteer reporting will help enhance information about these infestations as well as potential new ones that may not be currently identified.

Eyes on the Lake will offer formal instruction in both classroom and field sessions scheduled for mid to late June to educate water recreationists on how to identify these aquatic invasive plants. When dates have been finalized, they will be posted at www.keeptahoeblue.org. Identification training materials will also be available online but formal trainings are highly recommended to provide the most accurate and useful data.

For more information about joining Eyes on the Lake, contact the League at protect@keeptahoeblue.org.