Become a Tahoe Keeper.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Three easy, free steps can protect Tahoe regional waterbodies from the threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS), like the golden mussel. Invasive golden mussels, found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, pose the greatest invasive species threat to Lake Tahoe to date.

Help protect Lake Tahoe from golden mussels: Learn how to Clean, Drain, Dry all your gear, from kayaks to paddleboards to waders. Scroll down to become a Tahoe Keeper today!

STOP INVASIVE GOLDEN MUSSELS

Being 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. Opt-in to the 2025 Eyes on the Lake x Tahoe Keepers Chance to Win gear!
  5. Pick up your decal from the TRPA office, Tahoe Science Center, or any watercraft inspection station.
  6. Go paddle on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.

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

Tahoe Keeper (noun)

  • Responsible and informed paddlers who understand how to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and gear before and after launching in Tahoe regional waterbodies.
  • Kayakers, paddleboarders, canoers, anglers, and beachgoers committed to protecting Lake Tahoe’s pristine watershed from the devastating effects of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

eFoil? eSUP? eWake? Click here!

Hand-launched watercraft with electric motors like eFoils, eSUPs, and electric surfboards are required to be inspected every calendar year and display their sticker on their vessel. Individuals with hand-launched electric watercraft are encouraged to register as Tahoe Keepers to learn how to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft.
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.

Why do we Clean, Drain and Dry?

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, Angora 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!

Stop Golden Mussels: Invasive golden mussels, found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, are a major threat to Lake Tahoe. Keep them out of Lake Tahoe by following Clean, Drain, Dry protocol! Click here for more information about the invasive golden mussel.
Invasive Alert: Invasive New Zealand mudsnails were discovered in Lake Tahoe in September, 2023. Don't let them spread to Echo or Fallen Leaf Lake! Click here for information about the invasive mudsnail.

CD3: A Clean, Drain, Dry Machine

Learn how to use the CD3 by watching this video!

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.

Where can you find a CD3?

Elks Club
Meeks Bay
Sand Harbor

Love our Tahoe Keepers Community?

Check out more ways to get involved with AIS prevention and the Lake Tahoe recreation community!

Paddle routes, rentals, and launch locations

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.

Download the Tahoe Boating app
Download the Tahoe Boating App prior to your trip on the water. This FREE app includes interactive information about no-wake zones, aquatic invasive species infestations, points of interest, bathrooms, fuel stations, emergency contacts, and more!
Learn to identify invasive species

Eyes on the Lake

Become a Community Scientist! Attend an Eyes on the Lake training, hosted by the League to Save Lake Tahoe. Through this volunteer citizen science program, you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants in the Lake Tahoe region and do your part to Keep Tahoe Blue. Learn how to identify aquatic invasive plants, report your findings, and protect where you play!

This year, you can be entered for a chance to win gear for your next day on the water. Click here to learn more!

 

 

Follow us on social @TahoeKeepers!

Tag us using #TahoeKeepers

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X to stay up to date on events, giveaways, and AIS information.