Aquatic invasive plants were successfully removed from 17 acres of the Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes in South Lake Tahoe. 

Tahoe’s largest invasive species removal project to date began three years ago with the installation of large tarps across Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Known as bottom barriers, these tarps are designed to block all sunlight and starve invasive plants. The barriers were a success—the Eurasian watermilfoil infestation was removed. This marks the end of the first phase of a much larger restoration effort toward the recovery of this critical wetland. 

Thanks to the support of the Merrill Family Foundation, our Tahoe Fund donors, and the collaborative effort among the project partners, including the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Marine Taxonomic Services for making this possible.

Funds generated by the ‘Plates for Powder’ license plate program in California and Nevada protect and enhance Tahoe’s extraordinary natural resources

Right on the heels of this weekend’s dusting, ‘Plates for Powder,’ the program that offers free skiing and riding opportunities to those who purchase a Lake Tahoe license plate, returns for the 2024-25 winter season. Proceeds from plate sales and renewals support environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and help protect Tahoe’s clear blue waters, mountain forests, world-class recreation, and public beaches.

“Revenue from Lake Tahoe license plates has long been an important funding source for our work to restore and enhance Tahoe’s natural and recreational resources,” said Jason Vasques, Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy. “We are grateful to the contributing ski areas, and we hope the skiers and snowboarders who participate in ‘Plates for Powder’ have a great time on the mountain.”

Through the Plates for Powder program, California and Nevada drivers who buy a new Lake Tahoe license plate before April 1, 2025 receive a free lift ticket or trail pass valid at one of 11 Tahoe-area resorts, while supplies last. The ticket must be used during the 2024-25 winter season (some restrictions apply). Participating resorts include: Boreal, Diamond Peak, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Tahoe Donner XC, and Tahoe XC. 

The Tahoe Fund has organized the Plates for Powder program on behalf of the California Tahoe Conservancy and Nevada Division of State Lands for more than a decade. Over 96% of the funds generated by plate sales and renewals go directly back to projects aimed at protecting Lake Tahoe for future generations.

“For years, the Plates for Powder program has been an easy, effective way for California and Nevada residents to give back to Tahoe,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “With the ongoing support of our local ski areas, there’s added incentive to buy a Tahoe license plate this winter and enjoy a day of skiing or riding in the mountains.”

New Tahoe license plates cost $50 in California, with a $40 annual renewal fee, and $61 in Nevada with a $30 renewal fee. Personalized plates are also available for an additional fee. Find information on how to purchase a plate and redeem the free lift ticket at tahoeplates.com.