STATELINE — Volunteers stepped up to adopt and maintain the decorative gateway signs that were installed along the three Nevada highways that lead motorists into the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The gateway signs read, “Entering the Lake Tahoe Watershed ­— Help Protect It!”

They are meant to remind the millions of people who visit Tahoe each year that they are entering a special place and share a duty to help protect its famously clear waters and unique environment.

The signs are near Daggett Summit on Nevada State Route 207, Spooner Summit on U.S. Highway 50, and on Nevada State Route 431 the Mount Rose Highway. They were installed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency with grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, and Nevada Division of State Lands.

The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club has adopted the gateway signs located near Daggett and Spooner summits.

“Tahoe Douglas Rotary is pleased to support TRPA in its mission to lead land use planning and improve Lake Tahoe clarity. The signs placed at access points to the Tahoe Basin watershed are meaningful reminders of the natural wonder Lake Tahoe represents to both visitors and residents. Rotary is delighted to participate in this effort to increase awareness of our gem of the Sierra,” said Greg Felton, Past President of The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club.

The Mark and Lisa Bruce and Chris and Joy Benna families, of Reno, have adopted the gateway sign installed on the Mount Rose Highway.

“Spending time with our families at Lake Tahoe helps us reflect on the past and think about our future. Every image is majestic. We are excited to be part of its preservation,” said Mark Bruce, a member of TRPA’s Governing Board.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment.

For additional information, contact Tom Lotshaw, TRPA’s public information officer, at 775-589-5278.