The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Coordination Committee will host a public forum on April 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the US Forest Service Building at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe.
Brief presentations will focus on aquatic invasive species prevention and control projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, invasive aquatic plant and Asian clam control efforts, and non-native fish removal. The evening will conclude with a question and answer period. Light refreshments will be served.
Aquatic Invasive Species pose a real and serious threat to the Tahoe Basin’s unique natural environment and economy. Prevention efforts such as the Watercraft Inspection Program aim to avoid introduction of harmful species, such as Quagga and Zebra Mussels and New Zealand mudsnails. However, efforts have expanded in recent years to include control projects for invasive species already present in Lake Tahoe, such as Asian clams, Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf pondweed, and non-native fishes. Primary funding for these projects has come from US Fish & Wildlife Service.
“Preventing and controlling aquatic invasive species matters to everyone who lives, works or plays here,” said Pete Brumis, Public Outreach Specialist for Tahoe RCD. ”
The AIS Forum offers the opportunity to interact with those leading the efforts to protect Lake Tahoe.” Presenters include scientists, research professionals and agency personnel from UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, TRPA, the U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe RCD and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Project partners also hope to host another forum in the fall to summarize activities and lessons learned over the summer.
