Become a Tahoe Keeper

Tahoe Keepers are responsible and informed paddlers who understand how to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and gear before and after launching in Tahoe regional waterbodies. These paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers are committed to protecting Lake Tahoe’s pristine watershed from the devastating effects of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Leer en español

Becoming a Tahoe Keeper is Easy and Free!

Here’s what to do:

  1. Watch the video.
  2. Take the quiz.
  3. Once you have passed the quiz, register.
  4. Pick up your decal from the TRPA office or any watercraft inspection station.
  5. Go paddle on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.

Follow @TahoeKeepers on social and tag us in your #CleanDrainDry adventures!

Important Update: Invasive New Zealand mudsnails were discovered in Lake Tahoe in September, 2023. Click here for information on what you can do to prevent the spread of these mudsnails.
Clean all equipment that touches water. Use a brush or a towel to dislodge material that could harbor AIS. Dispose of any plants, mud, and sand in the trash.
Drain water from your craft and gear. Be sure to drain all hatches, cockpits, paddles, buckets, and storage bags. Even one drop of water can contain AIS.
Dry all areas with a towel. Sunshine and dry-time helps to kill AIS. If you’ve properly Cleaned and Drained, 7 days of Dry time significantly reduces the risk of spreading AIS.

Did you know?

Hand launched watercraft with electric motors like hydrofoils, require an inspection prior to launch. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, are subject to inspection, but you are encouraged to be inspected for free at any watercraft inspection station, or if you are instructed to do so by trained staff at popular launch locations. We encourage all paddlers to become Tahoe Keepers and arrive Clean, Drained, and Dry.

Why worry about non-motorized watercraft?

Invasive species are spread through the transport of water and debris that can collect inside and on watercraft and gear. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, pose a threat of spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS). The threat has increased with the popularity of inflatable watercraft and easily transportable gear.

Fallen Leaf Lake, Echo Lakes, Spooner Lake, and most of the smaller lakes, streams, and rivers in the Tahoe Region do not have some of the invasive species present in Lake Tahoe. It’s up to us to keep it that way!

For more information, visit Frequently Ask Questions, or call 888-824-6267.

CD3: A Clean, Drain, Dry Machine

CD3 = Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose

Have you seen this solar powered machine around the lake? Equipped with pressurized air, brushes, and a vacuum, this mobile cleaning station makes it easier than ever to clean, drain, and dry your non-motorized watercraft.

Learn how to use the CD3 here:

Where can you find CD3?

Echo Lakes
Meeks Bay

Paddler Launch/Landing Sites and Mapped Paddle Routes

Lake Tahoe Water Trail

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a 72-mile water route along the shoreline that connects launch and landing sites that include restrooms, wayfinding signage, parking, transit, and trash cans. Paddlers can plan their safe, fun, and eco-friendly paddle trip on the website that includes mapped paddle routes, water safety, Tahoe Boating app, wind and weather conditions, Tahoe paddle outfitters, and videos to become a Tahoe Keeper and how to Clean, Drain, and Dry your paddle gear.