This project includes implementation of aquatic invasive species control at the taylor and tallac creek ecosystems, development of permanent watercraft inspection stations to prevent introductions…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $2,716,744 Cooperative Agreement under the Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance (CFDA 15.608) program to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to implement a comprehensive aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention and control program in the Lake Tahoe region. Key project elements include:

• Establishment of permanent watercraft inspection and decontamination stations to prevent new AIS introductions
• Implementation of AIS control measures at the Taylor and Tallac Creek ecosystems
• Development of Spanish language outreach materials and public education campaigns on AIS identification and prevention
• Commissioning a feasibility study for marina redesign to reduce AIS habitat
• Implementing prevention strategies for non-motorized watercraft to address this vector for AIS spread

The project aims to protect the region's sensitive native aquatic habitats and species, including the Lahontan cutthroat trout, from the threats posed by AIS introductions. Preventing new AIS invasions will also enhance the climate change resilience of the Lake Tahoe ecosystem. The award has a project period from June 21, 2023 to July 31, 2028.

This project includes implementation of aquatic invasive species control at the taylor and tallac creek ecosystems, development of permanent watercraft inspection stations to prevent introductions of harmful aquatic invasive species, development of spanish language outreach materials, commissioning a feasibility study on marina redesign to reduce habitat for aquatic invasive species, and implementing prevention strategies for non-MOTORIZED watercraft.objective B: prevention, strategy B2: non-MOTORIZED inspection and decontaminationpriority species habitat benefited: the AIS prevention program prevents the introduction of new and harmful aquatic invasive species. A new invasion can impact most native aquatic species and the nearshore environment of lake tahoe and deter efforts for lahontan cutthroat reintroduction.benefits for climate change resilience: preventing new introductions of aquatic invasive species protects native populations that help retain resilience.objective B: prevention, strategy B1: MOTORIZED inspection and decontamination, actions B1A., and B1B. Summer and winter inspection and decontamination implementation.priority species habitat benefited: the watercraft inspection program prevents the introduction of new and harmful aquatic invasive species. A new invasion can impact most native aquatic species and the nearshore environment of lake tahoe and deter efforts for lahontan cutthroat reintroduction.benefits for climate change resilience: preventing new introductions of aquatic invasive species protects native populations that help retain resilience.objective B: prevention, strategy B4 education, actions B4A. MOTORIZED inspection education, B4B. Tahoe keepers (non-MOTORIZED), B4C. AIS public stewardship, and B4D. AIS identification.priority species habitat benefited: the non-MOTORIZED watercraft inspection program prevents the introduction of new and harmful aquatic invasive species. A new invasion can impact most native aquatic species and the nearshore environment of lake tahoe and deter efforts for lahontan cutthroat reintroduction.benefits for climate change resilience: preventing new introductions of aquatic invasive species protects native populations that help retain resilience.objective D: long-term control, strategy D2: aquatic plant control, action D2D. Nearshore aquatic plant controlpriority species habitat benefited: the taylor-tallac creeks and marsh areas are characterized by a variety of sensitive habitats such as barrier beaches, wetlands, meadows, and stream channels. The AIS control project is the first stage of an overall restoration of the site which will have the potential to provide habitat for every native species residing in the tahoe basin. Invasive species threaten native species by altering the habitat of tahoe yellow cress and lahontan cutthroat trout.benefits for climate change resilience: wetland and marsh environments are carbon sinks, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Wetlands can store more carbon than any other of earths ecosystems. Restoration of this area is crucial for climate change resiliency.objective D: long-term control, strategy D1: provide for all appropriate treatment and control measures, D1A. Coordinate with regulatory agencies on requirements for utilizing treatment methods and appendix J: key management questionspriority species habitat benefited: marina RE-design can improve the nearshore habitat for native species, and reduce unsuitable habitat for invasive species.benefits for climate change resilience: increased and improved habitat for native species help retain and improve resilience.