A couple of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are growing rapidly in Lake Tahoe with most of them being found in the Tahoe Keys area.
The good news is scientists, volunteers and residents are collaborating to gain control of these weeds.
Dr. Lars Anderson, a Consultant & Biologist for the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association says "They've spread much further than they have in the past years, partly because we've got warmer winters and the plants can take off quickly in the spring."
The AIS are a growing threat to the water quality in Lake Tahoe.
Dr. Anderson explains "The whole problem here is how do we control this, how do we manage the problem in the Keys but also Lake Tahoe itself."
He adds "It's really becoming a problem, not just in the Keys but it's spreading to the Lake Tahoe proper."
But the issue is complex and the progress is slow.
The scientists say the cutting of the weeds is no longer enough, cutting them only spreads them further when their fragments break off and float in the lake.
Dr. Anderson elaborates "When you cut these plants it produces fragments, and the fragments float around and starts new populations and never stops."
The scientists are looking into several other methods such as UV light treatment, aeration systems, using divers for removal and herbicides to subdue the invasive species.
Dr. Anderson says "We're looking at all these methodologies to try and find the best on to give us a solution."
And finding answers takes a team effort.
Peter Wolcott, a Resident & Volunteer of the Tahoe Keys Water Quality Committee tells us "The most remarkable thing I've learned in the last 90 days in my deep dive in aquatic invasive weeds in Lake Tahoe, is how remarkable the collaboration effort is."
The Tahoe Keys Homeowners Association is working to gain permission from the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board in order to move forward with dealing with the AIS in the area.
Harry Dotson, a Resident from the Tahoe Keys Homeowners Association tells us "Aquatic herbicides are safe and only effect plants. They've been used for the last 50 years around the country, and very successfully without harming fish or wildlife in any way."
Before they can take action against the AIS, they first have to receive approval from the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board.
Dr. Anderson adds "But there is a prohibition against using any pesticides in Lake Tahoe that's been in place for the last 50 or so years or more."
But the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board does have an exemption to the prohibition.
Wolcott says "I think we've got all the best people working on it and we need to get a yes. We need to get approval on this test so we can make some progress."
Dr. Anderson mentions "The Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association has put together an application to meet that exemption."
They say a decision should be made by January.
