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April 22 marks the 50
th
anniversary of Earth Day, a huge milestone for the global environmental movement and an important date to reflect on why we work so hard and care so deeply for natural wonders like Lake Tahoe.
This beautiful po
em by the pioneering “Godfather” of Lake Tahoe science, Dr. Charles Goldman, always does the tri
ck.
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With shelter in place rules in effect, there has been much less travel and activity of all kinds. If there’s a silver lining to be found, it’s that the Earth is getting a much-deserved break.
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Venice's water clarity has improved due to a stoppage of boat traffic. Photo: Manuel Silvestri
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This situation offers us a chance to learn. After all, from crisis comes opportunity. Recently, we’ve fielded lots of questions about how restrictions on travel, work, hotels and vacation rentals have impacted the Lake. Specifically, will Tahoe’s clarity improve, like the water quality in the canals of Venice?
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The answer is, we’ll have to wait and see. In these unique conditions, Lake Tahoe can serve as a living laboratory. The ski resorts are shut down, boat launches are closed, and people are being asked to postpone their trips to Tahoe. With this huge reduction in use, we will be watching the scientific data collected before, d
uring and after the COVID-19 crisis to see how the Lake environment responds. There are sure to be lessons learned from this challenge, and we are on the job to keep you informed.
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A marmot heeding all health and safety orders. Photo: Pontla/Flickr
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Keep Tahoe Blue while you shelter in place
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Our in-person events and activities have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.
That certainly doesn’t mean you can’t pitch in to Keep Tahoe Blue.
Throughout April, we’ll be rolling out online activities, videos and engaging webinars that you and your family can join from home. We’re focusing on different themes throughout the month: Lose the Litter, Climate Action, and New Habits for a Healthier Environment. Follow us on
Instagram
,
Facebook
and
Twitter
so you don’t miss out. Encourage your friends to do the same and
subscribe to our email list
.
Below are a few dates to mark on your calendar. There are plenty more, so keep an eye on our social media feeds and
events page
.
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Join us next
Tuesday, April 7
for
litter bingo
. Compete with other Lake Tahoe-lovers to find specific types of litter and keep your neighborhood clean. Share your success with us on Instagram and Facebook.
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On
Saturday, April 11
we’ll show you an easy and fun DIY project to reduce plastic pollution by
recycling old t-shirts into reusable shopping bags
.
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For
Monday, April 13
we’ll show you how to reduce your own pollution footprint by
conducting a trash audit
. Our video will include an easy how-to guide.
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On
Thursday, April 16
our team will host a live-streaming
mini-Tahoe Blue Crew training
. We'll show you how to collect litter data while you conduct your own local cleanup. Tune in to learn how to keep your favorite local spot pollution-free.
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Nature's finest programming. Photo: Nick McMahon
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Lake-friendly alternatives to binge-watching
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There's only so much streaming a person can handle. Here are some fun, enriching and beneficial things you
can do instead. Of course, please make sure to follow all COVID-19 guidelines from the local, state and federal governments. We appreciate your passion to Keep Tahoe Blue, but above all else, stay safe and healthy.
- Support local restaurants offering meals for take-out and delivery, but say “no thanks” to single-use plastic utensils, cups and bags. Use the dishes and napkins you have at home to reduce plastic trash that can end up in Lake Tahoe as microplastic pollution.
- Try a DIY project to help reduce household waste. Make a beeswax sandwich wrap out of old fabric or bandanas to eliminate the need for single-use bags, foil or plastic wrap. Or create your own napkins and save yourself the stress of hunting for paper towels at the store.
- Going for a walk in your neighborhood is a good way to break the monotony. Embrace the nature at your doorstep, but if your dog is joining you, remember to pick up after him or her. Don’t let the emissions you’re preventing from not driving be displaced by other forms of pollution.
- Build your science knowledge. Dig into this awesome list of free environmental education resources for kids, parents and teachers.
- Check out this interview with the League's Jesse Patterson as he offers some insight on using our time at home to form new Lake-friendly habits.
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Suspension of boat traffic leads to clearer waters in Venice
Mar 20, The Guardian
Venetians have noticed huge improvements in water clarity with a halt in boat traffic. Scientists note that while water and especially air quality have seen improvements, water clarity gains are primarily a result of calmer waters.
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Lake advocacy creates protections and progress through redevelopment
Mar 25, League Media Statement
After months of intense negotiations with stakeholders, the League's policy experts added strong environmental protections and transportation improvements to the final plan for the Tahoe South Events Center, which was approved on March 25.
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Tahoe communities urge visitors to postpone trips
Mar 27, Tahoe Daily Tribune
Highlighting the Tahoe Basin's limited medical resources and shelter in place orders, local governments and visitors authorities urge Tahoe-lovers to stay home and stay safe. When the coast is clear, Tahoe will be here to welcome you once again.
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We can’t thank you enough
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Over the past few weeks, members and friends have continued to give generously to support our Jewel of the Sierra, despite the circumstances. We can’t tell you how much it means to have your support. And we depend on it to keep protecting Lake Tahoe, just as we have for 63 years. Thank you for standing by us and the Lake you love.
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Recently, the way we work, care for one another and stay connected has been turned upside down. Yet, even as the world changes in unexpected ways, the League’s commitment to Keep Tahoe Blue remains strong.
We’ve made some
adjustments to how we work
for safety, but our team of experts hasn’t missed a beat. We’re hard at work to Keep Tahoe Blue so the Lake is here for you to enjoy when this is all over.
Stay safe, everyone.
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