Record Number of Volunteers and Reduced Trash at Zephyr Shoals After Fourth of July Clean-Up

Some good news emerged after the Fourth of July celebrations at Zephyr Shoals as volunteers managed to pick up over three tons less trash compared to the previous year. Efforts to Keep Tahoe Beautiful The haunting images from last year's clean-up triggered immediate actions to prevent a repeat, leading to significant improvements at Zephyr Shoals. The addition of more management, fencing, restrooms, trash receptacles, signs, and increased security by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit helped in controlling the littering. Collaborative efforts through programs like Destination Stewardship and Litter Summit further emphasized the importance of stewardship. Successful Initiatives Organizations such as the League to Save Lake Tahoe and ECO-CLEAN Solutions promoted a stewardship narrative of 'This is how you Tahoe' ahead of the Fourth of July, resulting in a noticeable decrease in trash collected this year, especially at Zephyr Shoals. Measures like the prohibition of outside alcohol and increased staff also contributed to the cleaner beaches. Innovative Solutions ECO-CLEAN Solutions utilized their beach cleaning robot, BEBOT, to clean Zephyr Cove before and after the July 5th clean-up, significantly reducing the amount of litter. The ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam in South Lake Tahoe, along with initiatives like the League to Save Lake Tahoe's Blue Beaches program, played a crucial role in preventing litter from reaching the beaches. Community Engagement This year's clean-up saw a record number of volunteers participating in the event, showcasing the community's dedication to protecting Tahoe. The narrative of 'This is how you Tahoe' is gaining traction, reminding visitors to treat Tahoe with care and maintain its beauty year-round.