The Lake Tahoe Visitor Authority developed the Traveler Responsibility Pledge to protect and preserve Lake Tahoe.

STATELINE, Nevada – Lake Tahoe Visitor Authorities have teamed up to promote responsible business practices and travel as the pool continues to grow in popularity.

The partnership will send the common message regarding attempts to protect and preserve endangered ecosystems and residential communities using a new Traveler Responsibility Pledge, which will be introduced this spring.

The pledge consists of six principles, aligned with the region’s key sustainability initiatives, and describes measures visitors and local residents can take to immediately reduce their travel-related impact.

“The Traveler Responsibility Pledge is designed so that visitors can responsibly enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of our region,” said Andy Chapman, President and CEO of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. “Lake Tahoe has always been a popular travel destination. As more people visit or refer to the Sierra as” home “, it’s important for them to appreciate the expectations of locals so that they can leave them better than they found them. “

“The Six Elements of the Promise will be helpful for first-time guests to see what personal responsibility is like and the importance of having a positive impact on the mountain communities they visit,” continued Jeffrey Hentz. CEO of, Fort North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.

The six pledges visitors must make include:

Become a Tahoe Truckee steward. Be committed to exploring the region responsibly and preserving valuable places by leaving them better than you found them. Take a cleanup day, download and use the Citizens Science Tahoe app, ride public transit, and support small businesses and events.

Respect the environment. Make sure you don’t leave a trace by unpacking what you brought with you, disposing of the trash properly, and staying in ways to reduce the impact on the environment. You can also participate by saying no to plastic and bringing your own reusable water bottle.

Stay educated. Check the regional resources “Know Before You Go” and be prepared for changing weather conditions and operational changes. Sign up for city, county, and state text notifications to stay connected with real-time travel advisories and emergency updates.

Keep wildlife wild. It is important to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and not to feed any wildlife. If you remember, you are safe and the wildlife is wild.

Be fireproof. Before lighting a campfire or starting a barbecue, learn about fire restrictions and understand the rules allowed before burning anything outdoors. If you are using charcoal or wood in approved areas, be sure to fully soak, stir, and feel the ashes to make sure they are gone.

Demonstrate mindful travel. If an outside area looks too crowded, go ahead and explore a new location. Speak kindly to people you meet and remember to be a good neighbor by keeping noise down and parking in designated areas. Travel consciously and be mindful of the effects of your actions.

“Our role in tourism is shifting to educate our guests about its impact and encourage them to become ambassadors for the area,” said Carol Chaplin, President and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “These behavior change efforts are paramount and require ongoing collaboration between visitors and locals.”

The ongoing work to preserve the local environment is highlighted and the opportunities for ‘volunteering’ are regularly shared across regional digital channels.

For more information and to take the pledge, visit gotahoenorth.com and tahoesouth.com.