In The News – Positive results from Clean Up The Lake’s recent pilot study
September 6, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Sierra Sun, 09/05/24, Written by Zoe Meyer
A promising outlook for reservoir health
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nevada – In a recent update that’s good news for local water bodies, Clean Up The Lake (CUTL), in collaboration with The Martis Fund, has wrapped up a pilot research project with encouraging results. The study, which took place from June 26 to July 3, involved underwater surveys and cleanups in Stampede and Boca Reservoirs. The results show very low levels of litter and no troubling infestations of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
During the pilot project, CUTL’s volunteer dive team carried out eight survey dives, assessing 1.76 miles of underwater terrain. The team removed a total of just 20.57 pounds of litter, which consisted of 100 individual items. The results indicate minimal litter accumulation despite potential collection zones influenced by dams, human activity, and wind patterns. The only AIS observed were the signal crayfish, known locally as ‘crawdads,’ with no significant concerns regarding other invasive species commonly seen in the region.