LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — Keep Tahoe Blue invites residents and visitors to show their love for the Lake by cleaning up, refreshing, and revitalizing Tahoe’s sandy shores and surrounding areas on Sunday, July 5 as part of the 13th Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue Cleanup. Participants can choose from six locations ringing the Basin, from Commons Beach in Tahoe City to Nevada Beach.

Beyond the July 5 event, everyone is encouraged to do their part to protect Tahoe this holiday weekend and all summer:

• Clean, Drain and Dry every piece of gear you plan to put in the water to stop harmful aquatic invasive species, like golden mussels, from spreading.
• Leave Tahoe better than you found it. Dispose of all trash — even if it’s not yours — in a trash can or dumpster, including pet waste. If the bins are full, take it with you.
• Bring your reusables. Pack your Tahoe beach bag with a reusable bottle, utensils, and a trash bag for waste, and avoid buying single-use plastics, which are one of the most common types of litter found in Tahoe.
• Respect wildlife. Give animals plenty of space and remember that food scraps are dangerous for wildlife. Make sure it all goes in the trash. 
• Travel Car-Free and Care-Free. Take advantage of lake-friendly transportation options, from free buses and microtransit shuttles to e-scooters, bike paths, park and ride lots, and shuttle service to Emerald Bay. Skip the traffic and parking hassle — let someone else do the driving.
• Know before you go. Be aware of fire restrictions, road construction (nvroads.com and quickmap.dot.ca.gov), and alcohol restrictions, including on the Truckee River, at Zephyr Cove and Shoals, Nevada Beach, Meeks Bay, and Chambers Landing. Check with your destination before you head out and always have a backup plan in case your first choice is full.
• Embrace the pace. Slow down and enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world. Please be patient and respectful to others.

In addition, Keep Tahoe Blue is working with beach managers, concessionaires, and businesses through its Tahoe Blue Beach program to “raise the bar for beach management.” Members and participating beaches — Zephyr Cove Resort, Tahoe Beach Club, Kings Beach, Meeks Bay Resort, and Camp Richardson Resort — are taking steps to make responsible, Lake-friendly recreation the easy and obvious choice for everyone who comes to the shore. This Fourth of July weekend, expect to see bold, consistent signage with helpful tips on how to protect Tahoe while you play.

Keep Tahoe Blue is aligned with and taking action to implement the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan in collaboration with over 20 regional organizations. The award-winning plan, developed with the participation of over 3,000 residents, visitors, and businesses, establishes a shared vision for the region’s outdoor recreation and tourism and encourages everyone to help take care of Tahoe’s cherished communities and environment. Visit www.stewardshiptahoe.org to learn more and read the plan.