Record Volunteer Turnout Discovers Surprisingly Clean Lake Tahoe Beaches on July 5th

In an impressive display of community spirit, 774 volunteers gathered across more than a half dozen beaches around Lake Tahoe early this morning to clean up after the Fourth of July holiday. Fortunately, their task was made easier by the relatively clean state of the beaches, trails, and streets.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe, along with 15 event partners and members of the Destination Stewardship Plan, successfully organized the 11th annual “Keep Tahoe, Red, White & Blue” July 5th Beach Cleanup. The smaller amount of trash compared to previous years highlighted the community’s growing commitment to preserving Tahoe’s natural beauty.

“Look around at all these volunteers,” said Naomi Morgan, a long-time participant in the annual cleanup. “There are so many smiles and such positive energy. I think people are happy to be here, pitch in, and protect Tahoe.”

This year’s event, supported by generous donors and partners including Aramark Destinations, Bally’s Lake Tahoe, and California State Parks, saw a record turnout. Despite the large number of volunteers, the total amount of trash collected was 1,866 pounds—significantly less than the previous year’s cleanup.

“Today, we saw clear evidence that people went out of their way to protect Tahoe,” said Marilee Movius, senior community engagement manager for the League to Save Lake Tahoe. “Thank you for helping to Keep Tahoe Blue. Now, let’s keep this going through the weekend and all summer.”

Zephyr Shoals, a focal point of attention in 2023, saw significant improvements this year. Families enjoyed a clean and well-managed beach, thanks to additional trash receptacles, portable restrooms, signage, and staffing. The beach improvements were part of the new Tahoe Blue Beaches program, a collaboration between the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).

“We are thankful to all our team members and partners who worked together to create a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience,” said Aramark Destinations District Manager Kevin Schiesz.

The Tahoe Blue Beaches program aims to provide customized solutions to each beach’s challenges, ensuring responsible enjoyment of Lake Tahoe. The collaborative efforts of various organizations and volunteers made the holiday a success and showcased the power of community in preserving natural treasures.

For more information about the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan, visit stewardshiptahoe.org.