Going Deeper for Tahoe:
Exploring the Unseen in Clean Up The Lake’s Latest Pilot Project
After successfully cleaning Lake Tahoe’s 72 mile perimeter just a couple of years ago, we’re gearing up for an even bolder mission. This time, we’re diving to depths of 35-55 feet around Tahoe’s North Shore to survey and conduct pilot research on areas that have remained untouched for decades.
We are excited to share that the Deep Dive Pilot Cleanup Project and Litter Education Awareness Program has been funded through TOT-TBID Dollars At Work. This project is more than just a cleanup effort—it’s a commitment to reinvesting in the heart and soul of North Lake Tahoe. Our approach is to tackle litter at depths while also engaging and educating the next generation to ensure environmental stewardship and vitality of Lake Tahoe for decades to come.
Not only are we going deeper, but we’re also integrating a more technical approach with highly trained divers. With the help of the NTCA, our divers will use cutting-edge technology like Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) to move faster underwater and enriched oxygen (Nitrox) to extend their working time at greater depths while reducing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS).
Our team is embarking on this pilot project in the Placer County portion of Lake Tahoe to test the feasibility of these methodologies for removing litter accumulations at depth. At the same time, we’ll gather critical data to optimize efficiency for deeper-water cleanups across the lake. Data collected will also be used in lesson plans designed for K-12 schools in Placer County, helping to foster a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness in students across the Lake Tahoe basin.
This pilot project will help us map out the requirements for a full-scale cleanup of these deeper waters, ensuring that Lake Tahoe stays as pristine below the surface as it is above. With this innovative approach to cleaning at such depths, even Jacques Cousteau would be impressed!
We’re diving deeper into Lake Tahoe because it’s worth it, and we’re excited to continue our work with programs like TOT-TBID Dollars at Work and your incredible support!
TOT-TBID Dollars at Work funds projects aimed at fostering community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic health, ensuring that every effort and resource is utilized to make a tangible difference in our community. For more information about the project and how you can get involved, please visit northtahoecommunityalliance.com
Does this project sound like your kind of adventure? Click the link below to sign up for volunteer opportunities in the Lake Tahoe area—whether you’re up for kayak surface support, free diving, diving, or litter data management, we’d love to have you on board.
