Divers begin removing invasive aquatic plants from Emerald Bay

(FOX40.COM)-- Scuba divers began eliminating invasive plants from Lake Tahoe Monday, the Tahoe Regional Preparation Agency (TRPA) stated.

According to TRPA, a one-and-a-half-acre problem of Eurasian watermilfoil was found in Emerald Bay in 2015.

The agency said divers will be "suctioning and hand pulling" the plants from Monday to Sept. 22 and asked that boates look out for workers listed below the water.

Map of invasive plant removal operate in Emerald Bay (Credit: Tahoe Reginal Planning Agency).

TRPA said that 6 acres in Emerald Bay were treated for aquatic weeds 10 years ago and since then the area has actually had yearly monitoring of invasive weeds.

" This popular location draws in boaters from around the lake, and the undersea California State.
Park is under consistent hazard of reintroduction," said Courtney Rowe, Senior Environmental.
Researcher with California State Parks. "When boats bring fragments of Eurasian watermilfoil from.
other parts of the lake, they can quickly become a problem without ongoing tracking and.
reaction.".

The firm stated the weeds can impact water quality and, marine communities if not removed quickly.

According to TRPA, funding for the plant removal was taken from the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act and the Tahoe Fund.

" Lake clearness is at the center of what makes Tahoe iconic, and improving this famed clarity is a.
significant concern for the Tahoe Fund," stated Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. "We were pleased.
to provide $50,000 for the removal of these weeds in Emerald Bay and will continue to support.
water invasive types removal efforts that positively impact the health of our lake.".