Get ready for an exciting new chapter in conservation efforts at Marlette Lake! After years of planning and dreaming, Clean Up The Lake is thrilled to kick off its first-ever backcountry cleanup at Marlette Lake this week. The initiative, aimed at removing submerged and shoreline litter while performing environmental research, marks a significant milestone for both the organization and the preservation of this stunning backcountry lake.
The clean-up event will take place over two days, on Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25, starting at 7:00 AM. Volunteers and adventure enthusiasts are invited to join the project, which promises to be an impactful and rewarding experience. Supported by Travel North Tahoe Nevada and permitted by Nevada State Parks and the Nevada Division of State Lands, this ambitious effort will see volunteers, dive teams, and support crews converge at Marlette Lake to help clean up hundreds of pounds of waste.
🚶♀️ How You Can Get Involved:
Whether you’re a SCUBA diver, snorkeler, or just love outdoor conservation, there’s an opportunity for you to lend a hand. Volunteers will hike, bike, or e-bike from the Spooner Lake Backcountry Visitor Center to Marlette Lake—a 4.2-mile journey (one way)—to participate in both underwater and shoreline cleanups.
Camping is available at North Canyon Campground for those who wish to stay overnight between the two cleanup days. It’s a first-come, first-serve opportunity to camp in this beautiful backcountry area before winter sets in!
🌿 What Will Volunteers Be Doing?
Participants will work alongside Clean Up The Lake’s conservation dive team to:
- Clean up submerged litter and debris.
- Perform pilot research on litter hot spots.
- Observe and report aquatic invasive species.
- Investigate potential historical artifacts.
- Record any algal bloom sightings.
The project isn’t just about cleaning up—it’s also about gathering valuable data to inform future environmental efforts in the region. Clean up the Lake mission is pure gold. When we spoke with the director Colin West earlier in 2024, the expansion of the teams mission was clear and exciting.
🚛 Logistics and Transportation:
While hiking and biking are the recommended methods to access the cleanup site, Clean Up The Lake has also received special permission to transport heavy equipment, such as steel tanks and lead weights, by truck. Volunteers with 4WD vehicles are also encouraged to help shuttle gear.
For those who own inflatable kayaks, paddleboards, or snorkeling gear, your equipment is welcome, but please ensure it’s Clean, Drain, and Dry to protect the lake from invasive species. If you plan to dive, SCUBA positions are limited and nearly full, but snorkelers and shore support volunteers are still needed.
🌄 Prepare for the Adventure:
As temperatures at night are expected to drop to 39-42°F, volunteers should come prepared with warm clothing, backcountry camping gear, food, and water. The weather is in our favor for the next few days, but this cleanup is happening just before winter arrives, so be ready for colder conditions.
🛶 Want to Join?
There are still spots available for last-minute volunteers! Whether you’re a diver or ready to help along the shore, now is your chance to get involved in this historic event. RSVP by emailing info@cleanupthelake.org or calling (530) 562-7131. Be sure to include your desired position, gear you have, and whether you plan to camp overnight. RSVPs will be accepted until 9:00 PM the night before each cleanup day.
🌎 Stewardship in Action:
This cleanup marks a new chapter in Travel North Tahoe Nevada’s commitment to conservation. As a key partner in this event and a member of the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council, Travel North Tahoe Nevada has been working hard to expand its stewardship capabilities in the region. Their support has helped make this backcountry cleanup at Marlette Lake possible, reinforcing their dedication to sustainability and preservation of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
This is your chance to take part in an adventurous, hands-on project that makes a real difference in preserving one of the Tahoe Basin’s most beautiful areas. Join the Clean Up The Lake team and help protect Marlette Lake for generations to come!
