Sustainability

Sustainable Travel at Lake Tahoe

There’s no denying that South Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the majestic scenery, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, and all the other ways to have fun 24/7. Travelers have an impact everywhere they go – Tahoe included. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy everything in South Lake Tahoe respectfully and sustainably.

Adventure and Explore Responsibly

Pristine beaches, immaculate trails, and spotlessly snowy ski runs are what draws thousands of people to South Lake Tahoe every year. To ensure you and others have that same experience today or next year, embrace the idea of being a good visitor. It can be as simple as taking your trash with you, drinking tap water while here, or exploring the outdoors safely and responsibly.

Preserving and protecting Lake Tahoe’s irreplaceable scenic beauty is something everyone can get behind. One way you can do so is by following the California Responsible Travel Code, courtesy of Visit California.

California Responsible Travel Code

Roam Responsibly. I will explore California thoughtfully and responsibly, maintaining the utmost respect for everyone and everything I encounter.

Educate Myself. I will do my research before traveling across the state, familiarizing myself with local regulations and community concerns, which may have changed over time. This is especially important in rural communities with limited healthcare resources.

Safety First. I will follow public health directives from government officials, including physical distancing measures. I will take all necessary steps to minimize health risks to myself and others and stay home if I’m sick.

Preserve California. I will protect and nurture the Golden State’s pristine outdoor spaces and cultural icons by maintaining a light footprint at every turn and paying special attention to delicate ecosystems.

Embrace Community. I will support local businesses and do my part to ensure the long-term prosperity of the places I visit.

Celebrate Culture. I will immerse myself in California’s diverse local cultures and embrace the traditions and practices I encounter.

Teach Others. I will lead by example and share these practices with fellow travelers, acknowledging that we all share the responsibility to protect California.

Sustainability Success Stories at Lake Tahoe

Want to be more than a responsible visitor? There are many opportunities to get involved with sustainability in South Lake Tahoe. Think citizen science projects, beach cleanups, park volunteers, trail days, and much more.

Tourism Cares at Lake Tahoe

In May 2022, over 140 travel leaders from around the country came together on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe for the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit. Connecting industry professionals with local changemakers

Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan

Taking Care of Tahoe

An unprecedented group of Lake Tahoe destination management, land management, and non-profit organizations launched the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan  Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Round Hill Pines Resort with the signing of an agreement to create the first destination stewardship council for the greater Tahoe region.

The plan outlines a comprehensive framework and sets in motion action priorities to better manage outdoor recreation and tourism and ensure the sustainability and preservation of an iconic natural treasure and its local community.

Today’s event capped an extensive stakeholder engagement and community visioning process that began in 2022 after the community felt immense challenges initially brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan’s vision and actions were developed in collaboration with 17 regional organizations and participation of over 3,000 residents, visitors, and businesses through surveys, interviews, and workshops.

By implementing this plan, member organizations, and Lake Tahoe communities will reinforce their commitment to responsible recreation and tourism practices, ensuring the continued enjoyment of this national treasure for generations to come.

Shared Vision

The region created this shared vision to address these critical challenges and improve the Tahoe experience – for all – through a comprehensive, collaborative approach. This shared vision was shaped over the past year by extensive public engagement,

research tools and approaches, and a thorough analysis of how Tahoe’s famed tourism and outdoor recreation experience impacts the region. This vision represents the desired outcome of the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan.

Action Priorities

To implement the plan, partners agreed today to establish a Lake Tahoe Stewardship Council that will actively engage with stakeholders, residents, and visitors to foster a collective sense of responsibility towards the destination’s sustainability. The plan will be continuously reviewed, updated, and adapted to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

This summer, visitors and residents at Tahoe will see destination stewardship programs already working at popular recreation sites. Key programs include Take Care Ambassadors at recreation sites and trailheads, expanded litter clean ups, solar compacting trash cans, and coordinated stewardship education campaigns focused on visitors and outdoor recreation users.

For more information about the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan and to access the full plan document, please visit www.stewardshiptahoe.org.