Our History

Since its founding in 1957, the League has been monitoring development and recreation plans, and working with local, state and federal lawmakers to take action to save Lake Tahoe. For instance, in 1998, the League spearheaded the effort to launch the Environmental Improvement Program, which has leveraged over $1 billion in public and private funds to protect and restore Lake Tahoe. Read more about the EIP.

Our focus has been consistent for over 60 years: We urge policy makers to do what is best for the lake over the long-term. We try to persuade them to protect the public's interest in a pristine lake, rather than acquiesce to short-term political, economic or private interests.

As author Scott Lankford wrote in a 2013 Tahoe Quarterly article, the successes of the League and its sister organization in San Francisco, Save the Bay have been instrumental in saving the planet's lakes, bays and beaches: "Their influence on national water policy soon became truly international in scope, triggering a global tsunami of water-conservation legislation worldwide." The League started as a small movement of concerned citizens, but the organization quickly grew to be the most influential voice for environmental protection at Tahoe.

Accomplishments

The League has an impressive record of accomplishment. For over 60 years, we've stood up for the lake, sometimes in the face of long odds, tough opposition or political unpopularity. Because of a steadfast commitment to our mission, we have been instrumental in every environmental success story here. For example, the League persuaded policy makers to adopt an urban boundary, thereby halting the spread of urban development into Tahoe's forests and meadows, and initiated the very successful effort to bring public funds to Lake Tahoe to protect and restore its watershed.

Photo caption: CEO of the League Darcie Goodman Collins, Ph.D., with Senator Dianne Feinstein in Washington, D.C.

Outreach and Volunteerism

The League conducts extensive outreach and education on the environmental challenges facing Lake Tahoe.

We host numerous volunteer days and social events throughout the year. Our newest programs, Eyes on the Lake and Pipe Keepers, were launched to help safeguard shoreline beauty by monitor what's flowing into the lake from storm drains and tracking the spread of invasive species. Throughout the summer, we engage the community to help tackle weeds on land and in the water. Our annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day brings together hundreds of volunteers in an effort to promote forest health and fire prevention. We participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, host storm drain stenciling events and we can be found at Earth Day festivals throughout the Basin. Read more about our volunteer programs and education initiatives, or visit our events page to find out this year's dates and locations.

Inspiring stewardship

The League aims to inspire an ethic of environmental stewardship among all who love Tahoe. The Fritzi & David Huntington Environmental Education Center in South Lake Tahoe is open year-round and serves as a hub for thousands of visitors, providing information on Tahoe's ecology, history and scenic beauty, as well as merchandise to help spread the message to "Keep Tahoe Blue."

Our online presence allows audiences across the world to be stewards of Lake Tahoe. Learn more about our work on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The League also issues print newsletters, enewsletters and action alerts. Join our email list!

The Iconic Sticker

Last but not least, there's the sticker. The League has used the "Keep Tahoe Blue" slogan since its inception. These words have graced its newsletters and annual reports for over 50 years. The League has distributed over one million stickers since the 1980s. "Keep Tahoe Blue" stickers have been spotted worldwide and have become an iconic symbol of love and protection for Lake Tahoe. The sticker is available for purchase in our online store, our South Lake Tahoe office, or at our sticker business partners across the Tahoe Basin.