As Fourth of July weekend approaches, Keep Tahoe Blue is encouraging residents and visitors to help protect Lake Tahoe by making responsible choices during one of the basin's busiest times of the year.
The nonprofit is inviting volunteers to take part in the 13th annual Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue Cleanup on Sunday, July 5. Participants can choose from six cleanup locations around the basin, from Commons Beach in Tahoe City to Nevada Beach, to help clean and refresh Tahoe's beaches and surrounding areas.
Keep Tahoe Blue is also encouraging everyone to help protect the lake throughout the holiday weekend and the rest of the summer by cleaning, draining, and drying all water gear before entering the lake to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, including golden mussels.
The organization also recommends disposing of all trash, including pet waste, even if it is not your own, and taking it with you if trash bins are full. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bottles, utensils, and trash bags to reduce single-use plastic waste, one of the most common types of litter found around the lake.
People are also reminded to give wildlife plenty of space and properly dispose of food scraps to avoid attracting animals.
To reduce traffic and parking congestion, Keep Tahoe Blue encourages visitors to use transportation options including free buses, microtransit shuttles, e-scooters, bike paths, park-and-ride lots, and shuttle service to Emerald Bay.
The organization also recommends checking fire restrictions, road construction, and alcohol restrictions before traveling, including restrictions along the Truckee River, at Zephyr Cove and Shoals, Nevada Beach, Meeks Bay, and Chambers Landing. Visitors are encouraged to have a backup plan if destinations reach capacity.
Keep Tahoe Blue also encourages people to slow down, be patient, and respectful while visiting the basin.
In addition, the organization is working with beach managers, concessionaires, and businesses through its Tahoe Blue Beach program to "raise the bar for beach management." Participating locations include Zephyr Cove Resort, Tahoe Beach Club, Kings Beach, Meeks Bay Resort, and Camp Richardson Resort, where visitors can expect to see signs with tips on protecting Lake Tahoe during the holiday weekend.
