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Solving Tahoe's Butt Problem

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The League to Save Lake Tahoe is organizing a massive beach cleanup on Tuesday, one of the largest of the year. Our Tahoe-based reporter Amy Westervelt has the story.

For the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the annual beach cleanup isn’t just about keeping Tahoe beautiful.

“We’ve been doing this the last five years, and collecting data, with a plan," says deputy director Jesse Patterson. “The plan was to find solutions to the hot spots and the most common trash, to hopefully avoid them continuing to show up on our beaches.”

Patterson says the hot spots tend to be anywhere with parking and easy beach access. The most common types of trash are disposable plastic items and cigarette butts. One solution to the butt problem will be rolling out this summer.

“I know our beaches have sand but it doesn’t mean they’re ashtrays. I think what would help with that is if people had convenient disposal options.”

To that end the League has partnered with local businesses to set up disposal canisters and signage around the lake this summer.

Volunteers are encouraged to RSVP online.

Amy Westervelt is a former contributor at KUNR Public Radio.
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