Taylor Creek invasive species project at Lake Tahoe nears completion
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 09/27/2024 - 10:10am
The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will begin removing specialized mats, called bottom barriers, from Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes in early October, the agencies said today. They have been working together since 2021 to remove a 17-acre infestation of aquatic invasive plants in the marsh in the Southwest portion of the Tahoe Basin.
“This marks an exciting step in the ultimate restoration of this invaluable habitat,” said TRPA Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager, Dennis Zabaglo. “This is one of the basin’s largest wetlands and its restoration is a cornerstone of the collaborative work to restore the Lake Tahoe Region.”
The Taylor and Tallac Ecosystem Restoration Project is one of the largest aquatic invasive species control projects ever undertaken in the Tahoe Basin and is a priority project of the Environmental Improvement Program, or EIP. Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes provide critical habitat for many aquatic and riparian species and are popular recreational areas for locals and visitors. This first phase of the larger restoration project included the removal of existing aquatic invasive species infestations.
Left unchecked, aquatic invasive plants can have devastating impacts on Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem and recreational resources. Invasive plants reduce water quality and clarity by increasing nutrients and water temperatures and decreasing dissolved oxygen. Aquatic invasive plants also reduce habitat conditions needed for native and desired recreational fish.
The 17-acres of bottom barriers have successfully starved the invasive plants of sunlight, killing them before they can spread into Lake Tahoe. Beginning the first week in October 2024, the bottom barriers will be removed by a scientific dive team with assistance from top-side field staff. Visitors in the area should expect to see divers in the water with top-side crews assisting. Be aware that iron rebar used to tack the barriers to the stream bed may be loose or visible during removal. Bottom barriers are heavy, and some may be transported by helicopter. For the safety of divers, visitors, and the environment, always follow all restrictions while removal is underway.
Crews will work through the fall and potentially into early winter until weather pauses the removal. Any remaining barriers will be removed in early spring 2025. Divers and topside crews will be working day shifts and activities are expected to have minimal impacts on fish, which typically migrate during dusk and evening hours.
“The majority of native fish spawn in the spring,” said LTBMU aquatic biologist, Sarah Muskopf. “Kokanee salmon are nonnative fish that have historically used Taylor Creek and other tributaries to spawn between September through February depending on environmental cues such as light, water temperature, and stream flow. Barrier removal is expected to have minimal impacts to Kokanee, native fish and water quality.”
Additionally, crews will monitor any water quality impacts during barrier removal. If turbidity (the amount of disturbed sediment in a body of water) reaches the threshold established by the project permit, turbidity curtains will be installed at the mouth of the creek to protect Lake Tahoe. These curtains may have short-term impacts to migrating fish.
