WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced $3.4 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to prevent and combat the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe. This grant award is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, and it will support continued collaboration with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in the Basin. Additionally, in 2020, Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto created the Invasive Species in Alpine Lakes Pilot Program to protect lakes like Lake Tahoe.
“Lake Tahoe is a crown jewel of the West with an ecosystem like no other, and we must do everything we can to preserve it for generations to come,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped secure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect the Lake Tahoe Basin from invasive species and preserve one of our state’s most beautiful natural wonders.”
“I’m doing everything I can to make sure Lake Tahoe is protected for generations to come, and I’m glad to see these federal dollars I secured will help to restore native wildlife habitat and stop the spread of invasive species threatening the lake,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I will keep working to deliver more resources for Nevada to protect our beautiful national treasures.”
The Lake Tahoe Basin faces significant threats from aquatic invasive species, including the Eurasian watermilfoil. This invasive weed disrupts aquatic ecosystems and outcompetes native plants. This year’s funding will support three key areas:
- Continuing to remove Eurasian watermilfoil in the Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes, which are infested with approximately 17 acres of the invasive species.
- Working with the Washoe Tribe to curb the spread of aquatic invasive species and restore the habitat of native species like the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which holds cultural significance for the Tribe.
- Investing in permanent inspection stations that prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Lake Tahoe.
Senator Rosen and Senator Cortez Masto have been advocates for federal funding that protects Lake Tahoe. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen introduced the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act to promote conservation and provide economic opportunities around Washoe County, including in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Last year, both Nevada senators joined the Nevada Congressional delegation in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act to fund environmental protection efforts and habitat restoration programs across the basin. Senator Rosen and Senator Cortez Masto also helped write and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided $17 million in federal funding for the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.
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