Birds return to Lake Tahoe, page 4 Summer 2014

Drought offers TAHOE’S SEVEN SUMMITS good news, bad By Jeff Cowen news for Lake Tahoe In Depth By Jim Sloan The Lake may be this Region’s Tahoe In Depth most famous geographic feature, but it is Tahoe’s peaks that define our From the shoreline, a long-term landscapes and, at times, the course or severe drought seems to put of our lives. Daily, we glimpse them Lake Tahoe in dire straits. The water towering over our tedium, indelible recedes, streams dry up and the reminders of nature’s greatness and our shoreline beaches expand to expose own impermanence. Succumbing to a bathtub ring along the 72-mile their power, we climb them. shoreline. Some climbers are peak collectors, But from the water, things don’t “bagging” the major summits one by always look so bad. During a one. Others climb on a lark, impulsively drought, many of the pollutants joining friends and unprepared for the that affect Lake Tahoe’s clarity can’t Photo © Steve Dunleavy experience ahead. Regardless of our Pyramid Peak rises above the fog-choked Tahoe Basin. find their way to the Lake. Droughts paths, once we reach their summits, we slow down the rate of urban runoff, feel at once tiny and expansive, earth and rodents. Trees become shorter and neighborhoods. reducing erosion and the flow of fine and time stretching in all directions wider, until they disappear entirely. Our Climbers of even our most benign sediment and other water-clouding below us, the experience undeniably bodies change too. Legs tremble, lungs peaks should know that Tahoe’s pollution from reaching the Lake empowering. call the air a fraud, and equilibrium backcountry, summer and winter, can through storm drains and streams. There is no sacred circle of peaks finds a new orientation. What it does to be foe as much as friend. Knowledge, Tahoe’s clarity tends to increase around the Lake. Yet seven of the our minds is incalculable. experience, and common sense are more during drought periods. mountains encircling Tahoe’s blue The journeys to these seven summits valuable in the mountains than brute “Droughts like this one don’t surface contain a combination of beauty, are different in every case and in every strength or daring. have many bright spots, but clarity historic tradition, pure height and, some season. They range from lung-seizing While there are a number of is one of them,” said Dr. Geoffrey will argue, spiritual power: Tahoe’s climbs to four-wheel drive convenience. published backcountry guides that Schladow, director of the UC Davis Seven Summits. Atop these mountains, Many can be reached via the Tahoe Rim contain more detailed information Tahoe Environmental Research everything is different. The birds are Trail and, increasingly, via connector on the mountains of this Region, the Center (TERC) at Incline Village. not the same birds, nor are the flowers trails from the heart of our towns and Continued on page 12 Continued on page 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: n ENVIRONMENT: How to keep your grass green, and the Lake blue...... 3 n WILDFIRE: How Tahoe neighborhoods are becoming fire-adapted...... 5 n COLLABORATION: New group tackles an array of challenges ...... 6

PERMIT #765 PERMIT n RENO, NV RENO, STREAM PROFILE: Taylor Creek offers a unique viewpoint...... 7

PAID n WATER TRAIL: Shoreline route offers paddlers another option...... 17

U.S. POSTAGE U.S.

Stateline, NV 89449 NV Stateline, n MEEKS BAY: Resort reunites tribe with ancestral homeland...... 19

PO Box 5310 Box PO PRSRT STD PRSRT n NEW VIEW: A new 3-D film explores the depths of Tahoe...... 20

Tahoe In Depth In Tahoe n CHAINING UP: In 1911, stakes were high for autos in a race to Tahoe...... 24 PAGE 2 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 3

IN THIS ISSUE

How you can support Tahoe With federal funds dwindling, private sector becomes key

Breathe in. Breathe out. Smile. Repeat. The smell of sun-baked pine sap is in the air at Tahoe, which means summer is well on its way. Fire-adapted communities Thank you for continuing to look to Tahoe In Depth for information on how to 5 Lake Tahoe communities are learning what it takes to live in a wildfire-prone area protect and enjoy this wonderful place. We had a record number of supporters and how to become more self-reliant about removing fuels and taking responsibility who responded to our last issue (see page 22), and thanks to for themselves when a fire breaks out. our underwriters and subscribers, we have enough funding to publish two issues of Tahoe In Depth in 2014. Beneath the surface As you leaf through the paper, keep in mind that many of 7 For more than 40 years, the Stream Profile Chamber at Taylor Creek has delighted the restoration programs at Lake Tahoe have been funded by visitors with its wondrous look at the creatures swimming beneath the surface. the federal government, and those funds are soon running dry. We are eternally grateful to our congressional champions for fighting for Tahoe over the last 15 years to deliver more than $550 million to help restore the Lake’s clarity, manage our forests, enhance recreation, and improve air quality. The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act is up for reauthorization in Congress (S. 1451 and H.R. 3390), so if you care about continuing this investment in Lake Tahoe, let your elected representatives know this legislation is vital to both Tahoe’s environment and economy, which depends on a healthy ecosystem. California and Nevada and local governments have also contributed hundreds of millions in environmental funding for Tahoe. With these funds also dwindling, private-sector contributions The benefit of bikes are more important than ever. See how you can help on pages 21 and 23. The plan to encircle Lake Tahoe with We hope this issue of Tahoe In Depth helps you enjoy the beautiful summer. 11 a separate bike and pedestrian path is Thanks for your passion and concern for Lake Tahoe. moving ahead with some key projects – Julie Regan, executive editor planned for the East Shore.

Tahoe In Depth Tahoe’s troubled plant Publisher and contributors: The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency publishes Tahoe 15 The Tahoe yellow cress is found on Lake Tahoe’s In Depth in partnership with various state and federal agencies. Contributors include the beaches and nowhere else in the world. But it’s California Tahoe Conservancy, U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Incline Village facing a tough time. Find out how you can help General Improvement District, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, League protect this delicate, beautiful plant. to Save Lake Tahoe, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Division of State Lands, Tahoe City Public Utility District, Tahoe Fund, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Tahoe Transportation District, Tahoe Water Suppliers Association, University of California, Davis, University of Nevada, Reno, and Water Trail the Washoe Tribe. 17 Paddlers are finding out the Water Trail is a convenient way to get out on the water Executive Editor: Julie Regan and explore the Tahoe shoreline. Managing Editor: Jim Sloan Project Manager and Copy Editor: Sarah Underhill Contributors: Amy Berry, Kristi Boosman, Jeff Cowen, Madonna Dunbar, Carl Hasty, Sheryl Ferguson, Jack Landy, Jean Norman, Gary Noy, Dana Olson, Victoria Ortiz, Spirit of Stewardship Kelsey Poole, Forest Schafer, Heather Segale, Ashley Sommer, Patrick Stone, Steve 21 Eight individuals were honored by the Teshara. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency for their Photography: Michael Drum, Steve Dunleavy, Jeff Moser, Corey Rich, Mike Vollmer, quiet efforts to help protect the Lake. U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Copyright 2014 © – All rights reserved.

Major funding provided by: Chaining up, 1911 style 24 The auto race over Donner Summit in 1911 offered only a 3-foot trophy. But that didn’t stop a team from Grass Valley from pulling out all the stops to win. PAGE 2 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 3

Remember these tips: Turf fertilizer greens more than lawn ■■ Choose the right fertilizer and apply in the right amount at the right time. Landscaping at Tahoe requires homeowners take special precautions ■■ Sweep up any fertilizer spilled on hard surfaces and reapply to the grass or By Madonna Dunbar garden area. Incline Village General ■■ Do not use any fertilizer within 25 feet of Improvement District a stream or riparian area. ■■ Never apply fertilizers to frozen ground Tahoe’s alpine environment makes or snow. residential and commercial landscaping ■■ Leave a natural filter strip of grass, trees, challenging. During the summer, and/or shrubs next to the shoreline. municipal water use doubles or triples, ■■ Do not overwater. Too much water will with most of the water use going to turf leach nutrients out of the root zone grass irrigation. Applying too much before they can be used. water and fertilizer on the landscape ■■ Choose your fertilizer carefully. The label is expensive, and fertilizer runoff on a fertilizer bag shows the percentage contributes to declining water quality of the primary plant nutrients as a string and algae growth at Lake Tahoe. of three numbers. These numbers Most people treat their lawn like indicate the percent by weight of nitrogen a crop, watering and fertilizing to (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). encourage maximum growth. But then Look for a fertilizer in which the middle the “harvested crop” (lawn clippings) number is 0. In the Tahoe Basin – “NO are bagged and sent to the landfill. P in the Lake = Zero Phosphorus!” It is more efficient and better for the Why? Phosphorus is one of the three environment if turf is managed for low The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency recommends the use of phosphorus-free fertilizer key pollutants reducing Lake clarity. The to moderate growth. except when establishing new turf from seed. Tahoe soils have adequate phosphorus for turf for many years. The best landscaping promotes wildlife habitat, erosion control, water other two are fine sediment and nitrogen. The best placement for turf is close conservation, and clean air and water through the use of composting and native plants, such ■■ To help you calculate how much fertilizer to a home or building so it can be as Western columbine, below, which will attract hummingbirds and bees. to apply and which type to use, a new enjoyed and serve as defensible space regulation, and the irrigation fact sheet by University of Nevada in the event of wildfire. For residents timer is set to come on early in the Cooperative Extension is available at in South Lake Tahoe, the South Tahoe morning (only a few days a week) www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ Public Utility District has a Turf Buy to allow for deep irrigation. nr/2013/fs1337.pdf Back Program that provides rebates for ■■Most turf grass requires 1 inch of replacing turf. Visit www.stpud.us/turf- water every 5 to 7 days during the Hiring a landscaper? buy-back.html for more information. growing season and less during If you hire a landscaper to maintain your Replace that difficult-to-maintain slow-growth months. Watering property, ask potential service providers grass with porous “hardscaping” – such too often stunts deep root about their training, knowledge, and as a paver patio – or low-growing native development. maintenance practices in low-water and plants. Keep remaining lawn green low-fertilizer use landscaping. A beautiful and healthy by following certain “best Fertilizing landscape need not be wasteful. For the practices” when mowing, watering, and ■■Amend the soil with compost or do-it-yourselfer, the “Home Landscaping fertilizing. mulch. Tahoe soils can be very Guide for Lake Tahoe and Vicinity,” Mowing compacted. Turf is often planted published by University of Nevada ■■Allow grass to grow tall before on top of hard, compressed soil. Cooperative Extension, covers all aspects mowing it, or mow more often but Without the ability to grow roots of soil preparation, plant selection, irrigation cut only the top third of the blades. to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, turf efficiency, defensible space, and BMPs. It Allowing the grass to grow taller will grass will always struggle. is available online at http://tahoebmp.org/ keep it cooler, thus requiring less ■■Over-fertilization weakens avoids complication of nitrogen FertilizerResources.aspx. water. a lawn by causing excessive top burn harming the plants. In ■■Keep mower blades sharp, and mow growth. Plants can only absorb addition, organic fertilizers such as There are many conservation landscape only in dry conditions. their required nutrients if they are compost and worm castings break resources available from area agencies ■■Leave the short clippings on the lawn present in easily dissolved chemical down slowly into complex organic such as the Nevada Tahoe Conservation for “grass recycling” nutrients back compounds. The most typical form of structures (humus), which build the District, Tahoe Resource Conservation into the soil. fertilizer is granulated or powdered soil’s structure and moisture. District, UNR Cooperative Extension, Watering forms. Liquid fertilizer delivers local Demonstration Gardens, Master Madonna Dunbar is the resource conservationist ■ Gardener programs, and your community ■Each spring, make sure your immediate effect and wide coverage. for the Incline Village General Improvement backflow device is working properly, ■■Although organic fertilizers usually District and executive director of the Tahoe Water water providers. Check with any of these leaks are fixed, water coverage is contain a lower concentration of Suppliers Association. organizations for more information. even, the system has proper pressure nutrients, this lower concentration PAGE 4 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 5

Library, Web good places to start with birdwatching Birds are the sound of spring The local libraries and the Internet provide At Tahoe, the silence of winter is replaced in spring with dawn chorus abundant material to get started with bird watching and bird songs. By Sheryl Ferguson Special to Tahoe In Depth A good way to get started with bird songs is to check out bird song CDs from the library, Spring is arriving in the Tahoe and listen to it while driving around town Basin, and with that brings the return and running errands. This can be an annual of several of our feathered friends. spring rite of passage to clear away winter Spring is a great time to discover bird- mental cobwebs and reacquaint oneself watching, as many birds that left for the with some of the bird songs. winter are now returning to northern Start slow; pick five birds that live in areas – especially Lake Tahoe. Tahoe, and listen to those for a few days. Birders look forward to spring after A good starter sampler would be the a cold, snowy winter when birds are steller’s jay, American robin, red-winged relatively scarce. Now is the time when blackbird, house finch, and mourning dove. nature puts on a magnificent show – the A good place to start on the Internet is at vibrant greens of new leaves appearing Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology on plants and trees like the aspen and allaboutbirds.org. cottonwood. Next, wildflowers pop up. Birds these days are busy looking for You can also use an Internet browser to mates, courting with suitors and building An osprey, top photo, returns to Tahoe in the look up a bird you want to look at. This nests with the lucky partner. Because spring, and and the western tanager, right, summer, I am teaching a bird identification of this, you might have noticed your resides in the Tahoe Basin. class at Lake Tahoe Community College neighborhood is just a little noisier with (ltcc.edu). On occasion, I can be found birds chirping their hearts out. Birds are the steller’s East Coast cousin, the blue around town leading nature walks as master musicians, singing to potential and white blue jay. fundraisers for local nonprofits. mates, rivals, or predators – everything Another bird that returns to us every The Lahontan Audubon Society in Reno is from “Clear out!” to “Come on!” spring and summer is the osprey. Its our closest organized bird and conservation Now is the time to start listening for nickname is the ‘fish hawk’ because it is group. They offer classes, field trips, and the ‘dawn chorus.’ In spring, birds sing unique among North American raptors monthly meetings dealing with nature. the loudest in the morning. They are for its ability to dive into water to catch nevadaaudubon.org. trying to attract a mate or are defending live fish. In the winter, it can be found a territory. Have you ever been in the southern parts of the U.S. and Be sure to check out Tahoe Institute for awakened by the raucous call of a steller down into Central and South America. Natural Sciences (TINS) at tinsweb.org, jay or the mournful coo of a mourning An almost sure place to spot one is the TINS is run by Will Richardson and Kirk dove? Tahoe Keys or Pope Marsh. My birding Hardie to advance the natural history, Most Basin residents and visitors friends and I have a loose competition conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of are probably familiar with some of our every spring to see who can be the first Lake Tahoe. They offer some great outings. well-known residents. For example, to spot an osprey that has migrated back Coming soon is Bird Tahoe at birdtahoe. most know the mountain chickadee, to Tahoe and on what date. My friend, walk. It is helpful to learn birds by sight com. This bird tour company is run by also known as the ‘cheeseburger bird.’ Alice, who lives in the Keys, usually as well as by sound. Most of the time longtime locals Lynn and Don Harriman, This little black, white, and gray bird wins. Osprey are generally found in the you will hear a bird before you spot it. who extensively bird the South Shore and lives here year-round and has several Basin April through October. In my car, I keep my birding have birded internationally as well. songs – one of which sounds like Bird-watching is one of the fastest- backpack, which has my binoculars, a “cheeseburger…hey sweetie…chick- growing hobbies. Learning about birds bird field guide, and outdoor essentials. a-dee, dee.” Mountain chickadees are and their behaviors leads to a deeper This way it is always nearby, whether I cavity nesters, setting up homes in old understanding of nature and increases am at home or on the road. If you have woodpecker holes. They sometimes our awareness and appreciation of any wildlife or bird questions, please can be seen clinging to the underside our surroundings. It can help foster contact me at [email protected]. of branches and tree trunks looking for environmental responsibility and spur food in the bark or opening seeds. us to protect different habitats. Sheryl Ferguson earned her wildlife degree from Another famous year-round resident If you’d like to learn more about Humboldt State and worked for the U.S. Forest is the blue and black steller jay. This birds, there are several good resources Service. She lives on the South Shore, where she jay is a member of the corvid family, available. A good way to learn to is raising her family, working, and staying active which is a highly intelligent group that identify birds is to pick up a bird field with nature-centered activities. includes ravens, crows, magpies, and guide and some binoculars, and go on a PAGE 4 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 5 Public, government prepare How to become a fire-adapted area wildfire safeguards Since the Angora Fire in 2007, residents, Fire-prone neighborhoods learning to accept responsibility local businesses, and government agencies have worked together to reduce hazardous fuels on thousands of acres in the Tahoe By Forest Schafer Basin. The public and the government North Lake Tahoe continue to work together to prepare Fire Protection District communities for wildfire, and to safeguard the exceptional natural resources of Lake With record drought conditions in Tahoe. the West, preparing your home for wildfire is more important than ever. The National Cohesive Wildland Fire May was designated as “Wildfire Management Strategy identified the need Awareness Month” in the Lake Tahoe to create fire-adapted communities as one Basin in an ongoing effort to encourage of three goals to address the threat of fire in our communities to be proactive. This the wildland-urban interface. year’s theme is “Prepare Your Home For Pilot communities have been selected Wildfire,” with a focus on creating and to develop and share best practices sustaining “fire-adapted communities.” and innovations with the nation. Lake A fire-adapted community is one Tahoe was selected as one of the pilot located in a fire-prone area but which communities because of the Region’s requires little assistance from firefighters history of taking a proactive and innovative during a wildfire. Residents of these approach to wildfire preparation. For more communities accept responsibility for info on pilot communities, visit FACnetwork. living in a high fire-hazard area. They org. possess the knowledge and skills to: Removing dead wood and ladder fuels from their property is one way that neighbors work ■■Prepare their homes and property to together to become fire-adapted communities. By participating in the Fire Adapted survive wildfire Communities Learning Network, local fire ■■Evacuate early, safely, and effectively by learning about wildfire risk- ■■Thinning trees and ladder fuels agencies are focusing on strategies that ■■Survive if trapped by wildfire. reduction efforts, such as using around the home. help neighborhoods work together, facilitate prescribed fire to manage local Many Tahoe communities are taking interagency cooperation, and strengthen As part of this year’s theme, Tahoe landscapes action toward becoming fire-adapted communication and support. Basin fire chiefs are encouraging ■■Contact the local planning or zoning communities. Fire is a natural part The effort includes residents, homeowners, full- and part-time residents to work office to find out if your home is in of Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem, and its businesses, and elected officials. with their local fire districts and host a high wildfire-risk area and if there community of plants, animals, and Defensible space is an important first neighborhood block parties throughout are specific local or county ordinances landscapes have adapted to become step toward becoming fire-adapted, but the spring, summer, and fall. These you should be following resilient to wildfires. it’s essential that the public prepare for parties create an opportunity for ■■Work with your homeowner A fire-adapted community recognizes evacuations and educate their neighbors neighbors to get to know each other, association (if you have one) to this, and takes action to adapt its and visitors. When neighborhoods organize meet their fire district and agency identify regulations that incorporate homes, businesses, landscapes, and themselves, they gain the ability to better representatives, and learn what it means proven preparedness landscaping, infrastructure to withstand a wildfire. In communicate their ideas and concerns to to become a fire-adapted community. home design, and building materials, a well-adapted community, most fires local agencies, and can complete projects It marks an important shift away from such as the recommendations from are stopped when they are small, and that cross property lines. being reactionary about protecting our the University of Nevada Cooperative the effects of a large wildfire will be less homes once a wildfire starts to being Extension publication “Living with devastating to neighborhoods and the Whether you’re a resident, visitor, business proactive about preparing our homes to Fire for the Lake Tahoe Basin.” environment. owner, or agency employee, every survive a wildfire before one begins. Create a defensible space zone around The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, a community member has a role to play in Things you can do to become more your property by: combination of several agencies, works a fire-adapted community. Lake Tahoe fire-adapted include: ■■Maintaining a non-combustible area together to develop consistent outreach Wildfire Awareness Month gave us all ■■Talk to your local fire department around the perimeter of your home and messaging, recognizing that since a chance to reflect on our roles, and to about how to prepare for a wildfire, ■■Managing vegetation along fences fire pays no attention to property lines, consider what actions we can take to better when to evacuate, and what you ■■Clearing debris from decks and neither should the team. fulfill our own responsibilities, and to help and your community should expect patios, eaves, and porches The team is currently working to others fulfill theirs. during a response ■■Selecting proper landscaping and complete an update to Lake Tahoe’s To get started, and to locate your local fire ■■Contact your local fire department plants 10-Year Fuel Reduction and Wildfire agency, visit LivingWithFire.info/tahoe. to conduct a risk assessment on your ■■Knowing the local ecology and fire Prevention Strategy to establish a property history process for identifying and prioritizing ■■Develop a personal and family ■■Moving radiant heat sources away projects that will have the greatest preparedness plan from the home (i.e., wood piles, fuel benefit for Lake Tahoe communities, ■■Support land management agencies tanks, sheds) without regard to boundaries. PAGE 6 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 7 Collaborative volunteers for good Group sets ambitious goals for improving life at Tahoe

By Jim Sloan Tahoe In Depth

The Lake Tahoe Sustainability The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. Collaborative, an all-volunteer organization that works to make the Threatened frogs and toad Tahoe-Truckee Region a better place to gain federal protection live, celebrated its second anniversary The yellow-legged frog’s shrinking Sierra this spring. Over the next few years, Nevada habitat and its losing battle with the collaborative has a growing list a voracious trout and virulent fungal of community improvements and an diseases has prompted federal wildlife ambitious plan to cut down waste, officials to grant it Endangered Species Act protect the environment, and improve protections. the local economy. In an area with a plethora of public An electric vehicle recharging station — one of the projects of the Lake Tahoe Sustainability Collaborative. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agencies and nonprofit groups, the concluded that two types of yellow-legged collaborative stands out because of (sustainabilitycollaborative.org). For and commercial properties, and they’d frog are endangered species, and that the its approach, its membership, and the example, the Community Mobility like to see 65 percent of homes and 80 Yosemite toad is threatened. breadth of projects it takes on. For group wants to see a bike path all the percent of business using less water- Yellow-legged frogs range in size from 1.5 example, while one group of volunteers way around the Lake by 2021, with intensive landscapes by 2021. to 3 inches and can grow into a variety of is working to establish community shuttles stationed at “tricky points” Collaborative member Michael Ward, colors, including red and gray. They emit gardens and composting operations like Emerald Bay and Spooner Summit. a certified professional facilitator, said a garlic odor when predators disturb them. at local schools, another group might By 2021, the group wants 95 percent that “communities around the country The toad, meanwhile, which is about the be working on painting bike lanes or of the Basin’s overnight population to are building collaborative networks same size as the frog, produces toxins to improving job prospects and pay levels have access to a bicycle facility. Using around planning policies and practices deter predators. for local residents. outreach, education and incentives, designed to promote healthier lifestyles. Since its launch in May 2012, the the working group’s goal is to increase Community institutions and citizens Although all three species once thrived number of volunteers has grown from biking by 5 to 10 percent; increase are essential to the development and in the Sierra, the population of the Sierra 83 to 142. They come from all walks of walking by 15 percent; and increase implementation of this direction.” Nevada yellow-legged frog has declined life and demographics. Many of them public transit use by 10 percent by 2021. “Collaborative initiatives have about 70 percent and the population of the work for local government, agencies, or The other working groups are equally attracted a broad cross-section of separate mountain yellow-legged frog has local resorts. ambitious. For example, the Economy- residents who are engaged, enthusiastic, declined 80 percent. The population of the “Members of the collaborative do Education-Culture group wants to see principled, and committed to accelerate Yosemite toad has declined 50 percent. not speak for their organizations, but green jobs in the Region increase 10 a shift toward a healthier Tahoe- Although once numerous in the Sierra, the do offer a bridge from the collaborative to 15 percent, with seasonal workers Truckee community, environment, and species are now found primarily at higher to their respective organizations becoming a force as full-time residents economy,” Ward said. elevations, limited to national parks and and networks,” member Hannah and “active ecosystem stewards.” By Ward noted that collaborative public forests in California. In peer-reviewed Greenstreet wrote recently in the Tahoe 2034, the group would like to see 50 participants recognize that while large- government studies, wildlife biologists Daily Tribune. percent of the jobs in the Tahoe-Truckee scale policy, funding, infrastructure, and attributed the decline to habitat destruction, In its first three months, the Region be green. planning are important as a top-down climate change, and disease. collaborative identified five “working The Energy-Water-Waste-Efficiency framework for “creating the future,” groups,” each with its own mission and group is currently focused on serving as citizen-led, grassroots mobilizing “While other moderate and minor level a list of short-, medium- and long-range the public input component of a grant- provides the necessary and frequently threats including historic logging, mining, projects they wanted to tackle. The funded Renewable Energy Planning overlooked “bottom up” energy that can grazing pressures, and recreational use projects fall into five sectors: project sponsored by the South Tahoe actually help accelerate the engagement were evaluated, they were not considered ■■Community Mobility Public Utility District. needed to ensure resiliency in response significant factors in our determination,” ■■Economy-Education-Culture The group, which also supports the to rapid and turbulent economic, Jennifer Norris, the service’s Sacramento ■■Energy-Water-Waste-Efficiency Green Business Certification program environmental, and social change. field supervisor, said in a news release. ■■Human, Health, and Social Well- that recognizes businesses that have To find out more about The listing will mean that the animals have being installed stormwater Best Management participating in the collaborative, ■ legal protections from human-caused ■Conservation of Natural Resources Practices, would like that program or to sign up to join one of the ■ impacts that threaten their survival. ■Communications and Outreach deployed throughout the Basin over the working groups as a volunteer, Since then, the working groups next few years. Group members would visit sustainabilitycollaborative.org/ have developed a detailed “Impact also like to see local utilities doing more how-to-connect, or contact talktous@ Matrix” of projects and deadlines water and energy audits for residential sustainabilitycollaborative.org. PAGE 6 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 7 Profile chamber offers nature up close

Kokanee salmon crowd Taylor Creek near the Stream Profile Chamber during their fall spawning run. Autumn a special time at Taylor Creek During the month of October, tens of thousands of land-locked Kokanee Salmon spawn in Taylor Creek. Typically, a dozen or more brilliant red Kokanee Salmon can be seen in the Stream Profile Chamber, allowing a close-up view of these small, but mighty fish.

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center and the Stream Profile Chamber are open from Memorial Day weekend to Oct. 31.

The Rainbow Trail is open year-round during daylight hours. The Forest Service recommends staying on the trail to avoid potential hazards and for the protection of wildlife habitat in the area. A young visitor gets a clear view of what life in a Tahoe stream is like at the Stream Profile Chamber near the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. During the colder winter months, snowshoes or cross-country skis may be Underground viewing area a highlight of the Rainbow Trail needed to safely navigate the Rainbow Trail and surrounding trails. By Jean Norman The Stream Profile Chamber entrance that discuss the four ecosystems seen on U.S. Forest Service leads down a ramp and into an entirely the way to the Stream Profile Chamber. For more information, contact the Taylor different world of underwater wonder. These diverse ecosystems include forest, Creek Visitor Center at 530-543-2674. Fish dart around in the clear water, Floor to ceiling heavy glass windows meadow, marsh, and stream zones. One Year-round information is available at the and from time to time it’s possible to line the chamber on one side and guests can note the ever-changing fauna and Forest Supervisor’s Office at 530-543-2694. see a bullfrog or two. In the fall, the are greeted by fish, bullfrogs, and bird flora of these four ecosystems as they feisty kokanee can be spotted, and on life. A variety of fish dart about in a stroll along the Rainbow Trail. rare occasions a river otter or black bear confined pool that offers a constant Each month showcases a variety of jumps in to go fishing. flow of freshwater from nearby Taylor wildlife in this thriving environment. This is the U.S. Forest Service’s Stream Creek. Rainbow and other trout are Raptors fly overhead searching for prey, Profile Chamber. The subterranean common occupants of the Stream Profile and songbirds flutter about and use chamber and the nearby Rainbow Trail Chamber. The Forest Service hopes to their voices to let sightseers know they at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center are include the native trout of Lake Tahoe, are in their territory. Wildflowers of all two of the most popular attractions in the Lahontan cutthroat trout, in this colors line the Rainbow Trail, especially the Lake Tahoe Basin. enclosure in the future. The Stream in July. Beaver are very active in and Located 3 miles north of South Lake Profile Chamber describes the four around Taylor Creek, and many signs of Tahoe on the lake side of Highway seasons of the Lake Tahoe Basin using their work are visible along the stream 89, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe colorful murals, hands-on models, bank. Black bears rarely visit the area Basin Management Unit created the nature exhibits, and informational since they are shy and tend to stay away underground profile chamber adjacent panels. from people, although during spawning to Taylor Creek in 1969. Over the years, The Stream Profile Chamber is located season they can be viewed feasting on it has been remodeled twice due to on the Rainbow Trail, a half-mile loop salmon in the creek. flooding that occurred in the spring. The that begins at the visitor center. The Jean Norman is an interpretive services specialist Stream Profile Chamber offers nature up Rainbow Trail is paved and accessible with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin close and personal. with award-winning interpretive signs Management Unit. PAGE 8 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 9 Scientists battle invaders to preserve Emerald Bay Warm water fish also a target as researchers try to keep delicate ecosystem in balance

Researchers see increase By Patrick Stone Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in warm water fish in Tahoe Programs to control aquatic plants in Across the nation, aquatic invasive Emerald Bay began in 2009. With the help species are causing damage to property of trained underwater divers, park biologists and irreversibly changing our natural conducted research and utilized various environment in ways that are, in a word, comprehensive treatment methods at three unpleasant. Visitors to Lake Tahoe sites in the park where aquatic weeds had often write home, or tweet, about the gained a toehold. clear, blue water and rocky shores they experience here. But sadly, Tahoe is not The team successfully eliminated the without its share of aquatic invaders. population of aquatic weeds, but each The Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection population took about three years to control Program (tahoeboatinspections.com) has and eliminate. shut the door to new invaders like New The process provided valuable insights Zealand mudsnails and quagga mussels into what methods work the best, and the since 2009. But before then, several park remains committed to maintaining its plants and animals made their way to shores free of weeds as long as there are Tahoe either on boats, in fish-stocking With the help of trained underwater divers (bottom), Emerald Bay State Park biologists researched treatment methods to eradicate invasive aquatic weeds from Emerald Bay (top). other infestations in the Lake that could tanks, or in aquariums later emptied spread back to Emerald Bay. into the Lake. A cast of invaders that them have been appeared in Tahoe in the 1980s and experimental and Aquatic weeds also create suitable habitat ’90s include several species that have unproven. for warm water fish, which gives them a flourished and spread from marinas and Undaunted, the competitive advantage over native species. lagoons to the open Lake and shoreline team of researchers Although warm water fish species have locations – including Emerald Bay State have recently focused been present in Lake Tahoe for decades, Park, where they threaten the natural their efforts on the University of Nevada, Reno has environment. the possibility of observed a significant increase in the That’s why biologists and controlling and even distribution and abundance of invasive fish limnologists from around the Basin eliminating the Asian around Tahoe’s nearshore environment. have teamed up with the California clam infestation More alarming, the increase in warm water Department of Parks and Recreation and at the mouth of fish has been linked to a decrease in the the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Emerald Bay. Since number of native minnows the researchers Control Board to wage war against two 2009, the team has are encountering each year as warm water invasive plants (Eurasian watermilfoil been researching fish often prey on native species. and curlyleaf pondweed), a mollusk the population growth, environmental water above. The purpose of the barriers (Asian clam), and a suite of warm water impacts, human health impacts, and the is to restrict food and oxygen from Native fish like speckled dace and Lahontan fish like brown bullhead and bluegill in available control methods for the Asian getting to the Asian clam adults, killing redside shiner play an important role in the Emerald Bay. clam population in Marla Bay, on the them in place. Lake’s ecosystem and are a favorite food Starting in 2011, the U.S. Fish & Nevada side of the Lake. Then in 2010, Based on the small pilot, the item for large sport fish, such as rainbow Wildlife Service and TRPA have the research shifted its attention when barriers were modified and a large trout and lake trout. supported a collaborative effort between the invasive clam was discovered in plot was installed to test the method California and Nevada wildlife agencies Emerald Bay State Park. as a large-scale and long-term control to suppress the warm water fish in This location offered researchers and tool against clams. The University of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Fisheries land managers an opportunity to treat California, Davis has led a research biologists have removed brown a population and reduce the clam’s effort to monitor the barriers, and the bullhead and bluegill sunfish from distribution within the Lake. A pilot team will determine the effectiveness Emerald Bay and future removal efforts project to investigate the effectiveness of the barriers after they are removed will focus on breeding and rearing of prototype “bottom barriers” was this fall. Today, research teams in habitat in lagoons like the Tahoe Keys. launched with two test barriers in 2011. Idaho, Washington, and New York are Fish and plants are two areas of These bottom barriers are rubber mats replicating Tahoe’s methods to control invasive species ecology that are constructed of pond liners stretched flat Asian clams in their own lakes and relatively well-established and practiced across the Lake bed. When installed, the rivers. nationwide. However, Asian clams mats restrict gas and water from moving are another story. Efforts to eliminate between the sandy bottom and the PAGE 8 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 9

Drought District improves busy boat ramp Continued from page 1

Lake Forest site now easier to use as boaters arrive clean, drained, and dry “Clarity in Lake Tahoe can often be viewed as a reflection of the load that By Steve Teshara the weather and climate deliver to the Special to Tahoe In Depth Lake. Clarity is often reduced when there are large inflows from streams The Lake Forest Boat Ramp, east and drains, but low inflows resulting of Tahoe City, is the busiest public from the drought conditions helped to boat launch at Lake Tahoe. Each year, improve clarity.” thousands of people use the ramp to The Sierra snowpack and, in launch their on-Lake experiences. It is particular, the top several feet of also a frontline facility in the campaign water in Lake Tahoe, have a profound to prevent the spread of dangerous impact on California and Nevada. aquatic invasive species. Water flowing out of Lake Tahoe at the The Tahoe City Public Utility District Truckee River irrigates farmland in operates the ramp for the California Nevada, delivers drinking water to the Wildlife Conservation Board. District Truckee Meadows, and provides river Parks Supervisor Roger Adamson is a flows vital to fish in Pyramid Lake. ramp supervisor. Water from the melting snowpack on “We know that watercraft inspections the western slope of the Sierra is just are an essential part of preventing as vital to California farms, cities, and the spread of invasives like zebra and The Lake Forest boat ramp is on the front line of efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species ecosystems. from getting into Lake Tahoe. quagga mussels,” Adamson said. “These A drought ripples through the invaders would devastate the water McClintock uses his boat at other local inspection, McClintock advised economy and has an impact on the clarity and recreational values of Lake lakes, including Donner Lake and Boca patience. ecology of the Sierra. Low snowpack Tahoe. We work closely with inspectors and Stampede reservoirs near Truckee. “The inspectors are well-trained, leaves forest vegetation tinder-dry, from the Tahoe Resource Conservation He buys the Tahoe In & Out sticker friendly, and helpful. Get your increasing the risk of devastating District and staff at the Tahoe Regional to facilitate his use of multiple water inspection done before heading to the wildfires, and stresses the trees, Planning Agency to ensure boaters are bodies and visits the inspection station ramp. When you’re ready to launch, making them more prone to insect aware, inspections are effective, and the at Alpine Meadows when required. getting your boat into the water is much infestations. Dried-up streams and experience is smooth.” Boat operators with the Tahoe In & faster. We’re all there looking forward reservoirs impact fisheries and Adamson said boaters and inspections Out sticker are eligible for unlimited to our next great experience on Lake wildlife, and threaten essential water have both benefited from program inspections during the calendar year, Tahoe.” supplies. improvements since the first year in 2009. although decontamination fees may still The Tahoe City Public Utility District After a promising start to the water “Moving inspections from the ramps apply. is in the final stages of preparing for year in November and December to roadside stations was huge,” he said. “I pay the one-time annual cost up another improvement at the Lake Forest 2012, California slipped into the driest “It significantly reduced traffic backups front,” said McClintock. “Moving back ramp – a maintenance and rehabilitation calendar year in 120 years in 2013, at the ramp. We have seal inspectors and forth, anytime I need an inspection, project that includes a modest widening leaving reservoirs only partially full on duty to ensure only inspected boats I clean, drain, and dry my boat. That of the ramp from 36 to 47 feet with a and creating a soil moisture deficit. launch. The off-site inspections have makes the inspection quicker.” 1-foot curb on either side, rather than At the end of the 2013-14 water really expedited the process.” Adamson gave high marks to the the current 6-inch curb. As a frequent year, the Sierra snowpack was about In 2012, the district took further steps Clean, Drain, and Dry public education user, McClintock said he supports the 30 percent of normal, and it was to improve the flow of vehicles within program (see tahoeboatinspections.com project. the third consecutive year in which the ramp area. for more information) directed by the “It will be safer and better for precipitation was well below average. “Now,” Adamson said, “if you park Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and operations. The lanes are currently at a It was the lowest recorded snowpack in the controlled area, you don’t have to Tahoe Resource Conservation District. minimal width.” since 1988, when the snowpack was get back before the ramp closes for the “Last year, we saw the outreach “We take the proper maintenance 29 percent of normal. The 2013-14 evening. We have one-way directional program really take effect,” said and safe operation of all our facilities water year snowpack was as low as 14 devices so you can extend your boating Adamson. “Most people bringing boats very seriously. This includes the percent of normal on Feb. 1, and was day and let yourself out.” to our ramp were aware of the program, Lake Forest Boat Ramp,” said District bolstered by near-normal snowfall in Tahoe City resident and boating not just the locals. More people from General Manager Cindy Gustafson. February. enthusiast Bob McClintock agreed. out of the area called ahead to ask “We embrace our role in the Watercraft According to TERC, Tahoe typically “There’s nothing like experiencing a full questions. It really helps when people Inspection Program partnership and loses 1.5 feet of water level during a moon or the mountain alpenglow from understand the importance of bringing the responsibility to be stewards of the dry year, and a 5-year drought could the Lake. You can also enjoy a later dinner. their boat cleaned, drained, dry, and unique treasure that is Lake Tahoe.” conceivably reduce the Lake level to These opportunities are an important part already inspected. It makes the boating 6,215.5 feet. That kind of drop would of why we appreciate boating at Lake experience better for everyone.” Steve Teshara is the owner/principal of push the water well out beyond the Tahoe.” If you’re preparing for your first Sustainable Community Advocates. reach of many piers around the Lake. PAGE 10 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 11

Monitoring program to measure Tahoe pollution Clarity takes a community By Andrea Buxton Tahoe Resource Conservation District Robert Larsen Lahontan Water Board

The Tahoe Resource Conservation District is leading an effort to measure pollutants in urban stormwater runoff that are contributing to Lake Tahoe’s declining clarity through a new initiative called the Regional Stormwater Monitoring Program, or RSWMP for short.

This new effort brings together the experience of academic researchers, environmental agencies, and private consultants to develop a scientifically sound, cost-effective regional approach to monitoring stormwater runoff entering Lake Tahoe. The project partnership will The lower Country Club Drive area of Incline Village is one of five urban areas around the Lake where watershed projects are planned. recommend several monitoring methods to guide urban stormwater monitoring efforts, including tracking the status and 5 watershed projects aim to reduce pollution on community-wide scale trends of urban stormwater pollutant By Jack Landy The Community Watershed implementing onsite Best Management loads, measuring the effectiveness of Best Environmental Protection Agency Partnerships (CWP) program will Practices (BMPs) –infiltration and Management Practices, and assisting develop community-wide plans to treatment systems and Lake-friendly jurisdictions with regulatory compliance. It is a well-known fact that Lake promote erosion-resistant landscaping landscaping that helps minimize RSWMP will also provide an administrative Tahoe has two seasons: winter and and runoff-infiltrating retrofits on runoff and pollution. Neighborhoods structure for prioritizing urban stormwater construction. Construction season has private parcels in conjunction with receiving these area-wide strategies will monitoring expenditures, including officially begun, and community water public stormwater improvements. provide homeowners with solutions for recommending cost-effective monitoring quality projects are under way. From The resulting projects will allow local implementing their BMPs that involve methods, gathering data to answer key the revitalization of Kings Beach to the jurisdictions to meet implementation participating in larger, multi-property resource management questions, and Harrison Avenue Streetscape Project goals set forth in the Lake Tahoe Total projects. This coordination is especially tracking Basin-wide progress toward and the Bijou Area Erosion Control Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)—a long- useful if individual properties are achieving Lake Tahoe clarity goals. Project in South Lake Tahoe, crews seem term program to restore deep-water constrained by rocky or steep terrain, to be working around the clock. clarity to the Lake. high groundwater, or limited space. RSWMP received initial funding totalling Unlike years past when roadway The watershed projects are planned These types of neighborhood-scale over $1.5 million from the Southern construction projects meant more by local governments, assisted by projects are a key strategy for reducing Nevada Public Land Management Act and dirt flowing into Lake Tahoe, these the California and Nevada resource the water-clouding fine sediment California Proposition 84, and is supported construction projects are designed to conservation districts, for five urban particles that have caused a large by regulatory agencies, local government cut down on the amount of pollution areas around the Basin, including the decline in the clarity of Lake Tahoe in representatives, and scientists in the Lake flowing into the Lake. Tahoe Valley/South “Y” area of South the last 50 years. The projects support Tahoe Region. “These improvements are the Lake Tahoe; the Meyers commercial implementation of the TMDL, which Lake Tahoe’s legendary transparency beginning of an exciting new chapter core in El Dorado County; Tahoma; identifies urban runoff as the largest was historically the result of very little fine for us here at Lake Tahoe,” said Tyler the Lower Country Club Drive area contributor to Tahoe’s clarity loss. sediment and nutrients reaching the Lake. Cannon, owner of South Lake Tahoe of Incline Village; and the Cave The five targeted areas are funded However, development of impervious community staple Sprouts Café. Rock General Improvement District by the last phase of federal support surfaces like roads, buildings, and parking “We’re all having to put up with some in Douglas County. They aim to under the Southern Nevada Public Land lots over the years has accelerated inconvenience from construction, but dramatically reduce the amount of Management Act. An additional goal of pollutant runoff reaching Lake Tahoe. these projects will benefit the Lake.” sediment that flows into the Lake from the CWP program is to build capacity State highway departments and local These projects are examples of streets, parking lots, driveways, and in the resource conservation districts so governments are implementing infiltration public-private partnerships designed to other staples of urban neighborhoods. they can help other local jurisdictions practices, installing stormwater treatment improve Lake Tahoe for everyone. They The CWP program provides a determine the most cost-effective, facilities, and changing the way they are also the trailblazer projects that have mechanism by which property owners feasible means of controlling their maintain our roadways to help reduce the led to the creation of environmental can obtain technical assistance with site runoff and restoring Lake clarity. amount of fine sediment and nutrients that improvement plans for neighborhoods evaluations and conceptual designs, flow into the Lake. with a variety of land uses. from resource conservation districts for PAGE 10 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 11 Bike trail plan targets key connections Projects eventually will combine to create a route that circles the Lake

By Carl Hasty will link two major activity centers on Tahoe Transportation District the West Shore of Lake Tahoe: Sugar Pine Point State Park and Meeks Bay When you hop on your bike and ride Resort. The project comprises a 0.6-mile- from Kahle Drive to Round Hill Pines long Class 1 bike path starting near the Beach on a trail that meanders through southern boundary of Sugar Pine Point mountain meadows, towering pines, State Park and extending southward and past spectacular views of Lake to the driveway entrance to Meeks Bay Tahoe, you will receive a 2-mile glimpse Resort. into a bigger future. The vision for a complete bicycle and The vision is for a bike and pedestrian network at Lake Tahoe is pedestrian path—separate from existing part of the TRPA and TMPO’s updated roadways—that circles Lake Tahoe. Regional Transportation Plan, and local The project, “Lake Tahoe Bikeway: jurisdictions are making significant America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway,” progress toward rounding out that will allow visitors and residents a means network. Since 2011, nearly 30 miles of Cyclists, hikers, and dogs enjoy the Al Tahoe Bike Path in South Lake Tahoe. other than their vehicle to explore. new bike trails, bike lanes, bike routes, The newest segment of trail, Elks and sidewalks have been constructed, Point to Round Hill, part of the Tahoe (TMPO), the including over 9 miles of bike lanes Transportation District’s Stateline-to- federally designated on State Route 28 in North Shore in Stateline Bikeway, will be dedicated in transportation planning conjunction with a Caltrans water quality June. Visitors and residents can park organization for Lake project; the new Lakeside Bike Trail their cars and bike or walk into both Tahoe, this path could in Tahoe City connecting Commons Nevada Beach and Round Hill Pines see over 2,000 one-way Beach to the North Shore bike trail; Beach via the trail. Eventually the cyclist trips on a peak sidewalks along Pioneer Trail connecting Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway will span summer day. Pioneer to U.S. Highway 50 in the City 30 miles and connect Stateline to Crystal The Kahle to Round of South Lake Tahoe; new sidewalks, Bay. The trail will be compliant with the Hill Trail serves a large bike lanes, lighting, and water quality Americans with Disabilities Act and be number of pedestrians improvements along U.S. Highway 50 open to bicyclists and pedestrians. and bikers each day from Trout Creek to Wildwood Avenue; “Both South and East Shore during Tahoe’s busy and the second segment of the Sawmill beaches offer spectacular recreation summer season. TTD Bike Trail in Meyers. opportunities, but access is limited counts show an average In 2014 and 2015, multiple new and mostly now by private car,” said peak of 350 users in projects are slated for construction. Alfred Knotts, Tahoe Transportation July with a peak day of These include the completion of the District (TTD) transportation projects 967 on July 4th. Two- Sawmill and Lake Tahoe Boulevard bike manager. “People end up parking on the thirds of the people paths, which will connect South Lake East Shore shoulder, which has led to utilizing the paths are Tahoe via the high school to Meyers; erosion and safety issues. Bicycle access on foot. rehabilitation of the existing separated is an important step toward reducing The South path network in South Lake Tahoe; and vehicle and parking impacts on our Demonstration Project closing the gap in the West Shore bike environment.” was funded with trail at Homewood with a separated, Research shows that over 70 percent of federal and state grant shared-use path, among other projects fine sediments impacting Lake Tahoe’s dollars as well as such as the above referenced Meeks Bay clarity come from the transportation private contributions to Sugar Pine Point segment. system and developed areas. from area non-profits, such as the Tahoe That same grant includes funding for Created by the same compact that The Kahle to Elks Point and Elks Fund. Once completed, the 3.2 miles of the Meeks Bay Bike Path. The project created TRPA, TTD is responsible for Point to Round Hill path is a part trail will cost an estimated $8.5 million. will extend the existing West Shore trail the implementation and management of of the Stateline-to-Stateline South On the North Shore, TTD received a system that currently runs from Sugar transportation and transit projects and Demonstration Project. A North Federal Lands Access Program grant Pine Point State Park to Dollar Hill in programs in the Tahoe Basin. Demonstration Project is expected to that includes money for the Dollar Creek Tahoe City and the resort area of Squaw For updates and more information on begin construction in 2015 and will Shared Use Trail. Partnering with Placer Valley in a manner that is consistent Tahoe Transportation District projects connect Incline Village to Sand Harbor County and the Tahoe City Public Utility with the goals, policies, and actions set and the Regional Transportation Plan State Park. According to the Tahoe District, TTD will complete a 2.2-mile forth in the 2010 Lake Tahoe Bicycle and go to tahoetransportation.org and Metropolitan Planning Organization Class I paved trail in the Dollar Hill area. Pedestrian Plan. In addition, the project tahoempo.org. PAGE 12 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 13

“Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery” – John Ruskin (1856)

Continued from page 1 The this section the Bench Trail for the Peaks from the Ward Creek and ummits of eponymous hewn log that makes a Stanford Rock trails, but have to S following is a primer to seven classic great rest stop or turnaround point dismount for a short walk to one or climbs that form an epic ring around on the trail. On foot or bike, many both peaks. As with most of Tahoe’s Lake Tahoe. claim it to be the best scenic ascent in peaks, aspens and wildflowers along Genoa Peak: 9,150 feet the Basin. the approach give rich contrast to ake ahoe Mount Rose: 10,778 feet the broken shale and boulders at the L T We start our tour of Tahoe’s Seven summit. Summits with the most accessible: Mount Rose is about 100 feet shy of Jakes Peak: 9,187 feet Genoa Peak. This cone-shaped being Tahoe’s tallest peak and forms mountain punctuates the skyline the hulking boundary of the Lake’s Unlike many of Tahoe’s Seven 7 of the eastern rim of the Tahoe northeast corner. Not to be confused Summits, the mountain guarding the Mount Rose Basin between Kingsbury Grade with the ski area on Slide Mountain, north side of Emerald Bay does not and Spooner Summit. Genoa is Mount Rose is within its own 30,000- have a long history with locals; in the only peak on our list accessible acre wilderness area across Highway fact, it wasn’t officially named until by off-road vehicles. A panoramic 431 from the chair lifts. Historians 1984. But its name and increasing jeep trail traverses the length of the say this peak could have been named popularity as a backcountry ski spot ridge, taking four-wheelers to within for one of two historical figures, has made Jakes Peak a new classic. a hundred feet of the mountain’s but to see its snowcap set ablaze by In March 1982, Jeffery “Jake” Smith summit. dawn’s first light makes one wonder was a 28-year-old ski patroller at The peak is the namesake of if something more sublime didn’t Alpine Meadows during the worst the town tucked under its eastern inspire its name-givers. avalanche at a ski resort in U.S. folds in the Carson Valley. Genoa The slopes of Mount Rose were history. Jake was the first person to was the first settlement in Nevada the birthplace of a snow surveying see the avalanche coming – a three- and its founder was reminded of system that has changed agriculture story wall of snow traveling at over Twin Peaks Columbus’ birthplace in Italy. In the around the world. In the winter of 80 mph. He managed to shout a 19th century, Basque sheep herders 1904, University of Nevada professor warning over his radio, but could not would drive their stock up to the James Church scaled Mount Rose outrun it on his snowmobile. He and treeless fields surrounding Genoa intent on resolving annual battles six others died. Lake Tahoe Peak for summer grazing. In aspen over Nevada’s water supply. Dr. Earlier that month, a larger Photo © Michael Drum stands on the way to Genoa Peak, Church was able to accurately Twin Peaks looms up from a marsh located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. avalanche from the then-unnamed the shepherds’ 100-year-old tree predict how much water farmers peak north of Emerald Bay claimed Genoa Peak carvings can sometimes be spotted. and industry could expect from As with each of Tahoe’s sacred Rim Trail. An alternate route around their teeth on the long ridge from the the lives of two campers below it. The carvings, now considered unique the annual snowpack, something peaks, the view from the top is mind- the east of Tamarack Peak crosses top of Ward Peak to the conjoined Jake’s brother, Dennis Smith, set out cultural artifact despite their often that remains crucial in the arid altering. Mount Houghton and Relay feeder streams that join Galena Creek crags, about a 3-mile traverse. Total to memorialize his brother, and the lewd nature, reflect the months of West. His system of weighing snow Ridge stride the east, the intricate lower down. On either trail, the ascent from there is a welcoming 80 skier-spirit of Tahoe. Smith petitioned solitude once endured around Genoa core samples was accurate and it Truckee River Drainage spreads to meadows burst with wildflowers and feet. The reclining bowl between the authorities to place his brother’s Peak. immediately changed the way water the north, Nevada’s Great Basin to butterflies. two peaks is an exciting, aesthetic name on the summit two years later. WINTER/SPRING supplies and crop planting were the east, and at times, climbers can Twin Peaks: 8,878 ski, and for experienced backcountry In honoring him, the peak’s name Jakes Peak In snow months, Genoa’s managed. Church Peak (10,661) see as far north as Mount Lassen. sliders skiing Alpine Meadows, this also memorializes the inherent threat shoulders are popular grounds for to the north of Mount Rose was WINTER/SPRING The two conjoined crags rising two- to three-hour round trip can be Tahoe’s mountains pose. Now the snowmobile touring. Backcountry named for him. Until his death in The trails to this lofty peak start out of Ward Creek Canyon beckon a long lunch break when the slopes peak is a totem to backcountry skiers, skiers are only drawn to Genoa when 1959, Dr. Church taught sub-alpine near the 8,800-foot summit of the climbers throughout the year. Just are crowded and spring conditions hopefully warding off evil with Mount Tallac snow blankets the Carson Valley to communities from the Andes to the Mount Rose Highway (Nevada State south of Tahoe City, Twin Peaks is beckon. ancestral symbolism. its east, allowing a rare 4,000-foot Himalayas what he learned on the Route 431). Skiing on Mount Rose easy to access for hikers, bikers, and SUMMER/FALL WINTER/SPRING descent. Genoa gets less snow than slopes of Mount Rose. is not as popular as the slopes of skiers. Despite its lower elevation, Summer hikers usually head to Jakes has an array of ascent and most peaks in the Region because it Mount Rose’s summit is beaten Mount Rose Knob, lower and to the the mountain’s striking volcanic Twin Peaks by driving up to Barker descent choices. Once avalanche lies in Lake Tahoe’s “banana belt,” in by weather exposure and has an southwest. In winter, Mount Rose’s profile has long been recognized as a Pass above Blackwood Canyon. The danger subsides in the spring, Freel Peak Pyramid Peak the rain-shadow of the Sierra Crest to otherworld quality to it. Square summit is usually wind-scoured, prominent Tahoe landmark, its name Pacific Crest and Tahoe Rim trails backcountry riders soar down Jakes’ the west. scales of rock are stacked near the but that doesn’t stop experienced marked on early maps that omitted meet there along Tahoe’s western steep southern chute toward Emerald SUMMER/FALL top to form overnight tent shelters. backcountry skiers from exploring its many taller peaks. ridge. This route hides the Lake from Bay, certainly among the world’s If one prefers a human-powered These look like children’s forts built ridges and bowls. WINTER/SPRING view until a boulder-scramble up most scenic runs. Stable snow also climb to the jeep trail, the Tahoe to defend the peak from imaginary SUMMER/FALL Twin Peaks is known as a primer either peak gives walloping views allows a quick ascent of the east Rim Trail is an equally scenic way attackers. But the assailant is real— Once snow allows, the top of for backcountry ski virgins. When of Tahoe and Granite Chief and face’s avalanche path (evidence of to the summit and stays away from the wind can blow with skin-rippling Mount Rose is a 6-mile hike from the Sherwood chairlift at Alpine Desolation wilderness areas. a slide that happened earlier in the the road. Mountain bikers call force. the trailhead, half of it on the Tahoe Meadows is running, first-timers cut Mountain bikers get close to Twin same winter Jake died). From there, PAGE 14 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 15

Continued from page 13 Freel Peak: 10,881 feet they can choose from a number of drop- Freel Peak is the Lake’s bald, southern ins along the ridge that stretches north giant. It is the highest peak in the Tahoe to Rubicon Peak. Basin and comprises, along with its The views from Jakes are not all 10,000-foot relatives, Job’s Peak and that makes this one of Tahoe’s great Job’s Sister, one third of the grand Freel backcountry ski peaks. Snowplow massif. Early settlers and travelers drivers clear a large parking area just referred to the three as the Job’s Group, outside of Emerald Bay’s north closure but a squatter who happened to be gate. Along this narrow stretch of living at its base when the 1874 survey highway, finding a safe staging ground came to town somehow planted his is key and this spot at Jakes is far more name on the tallest. amenable than other West Shore hikes A competitive backcountry spirit (such as Rubicon Peak). alone would make Tahoe’s highest SUMMER/FALL peak a must-climb, but the moonscape Jakes Peak is not accessed by a quality and the gripping panorama on maintained trail in summer and Freel’s summit make it, for many, an therefore not heavily visited. Hikers annual ritual. can reach the summit from Desolation From the top, Freel feels closer to Photo © Jeff Moser Wilderness near Stony Ridge Lake, or A hiker pauses to enjoy the view of Lake Tahoe from Freel Peak. the farm-gridded Carson Valley far by popping along the granite ridge from below its eastern side than to the Lake. Rubicon Peak, which has a maintained 35 degrees that drops you straight back The first recorded ascent of Pyramid Nevada’s basins and ranges ripple away trail from Highway 89. to your car. Needless to say, untracked Peak was by surveyor William Brewer to the east and Mammoth Mountain Mount Tallac: 9,735 feet terrain is hard to find on Tallac. in 1863. Brewer is not credited with sometimes appears through the haze SUMMER/FALL naming the peak, however. Its name is to the south. Freel also has a birds-eye Rising sharp from the southwest Mount Tallac is Tahoe’s most heavily so obvious that it may have been first view of Desolation Wilderness. Unlike corner of the Tahoe Basin is Tahoe’s visited peak in the summer, accessed by uttered when General Frémont’s famous the bouldered peaks to the west, the most recognizable peak. Mount Tallac’s an energetic trail leading up from Fallen exploration team passed beneath it in dramatic freeze-thaw cycle at Freel’s magisterial North Bowl and identifying Leaf Lake. Summer ascents give down- 1848. higher elevation grinds much of the rock cross-shaped patch of snow make this the-nose vistas of this oval gem of water Pyramid does not lie within the Tahoe to sand, making its slopes barren and peak a magnet for thousands of climbers nestled into its massive glacial bowl. Basin, but its prominence in the Tahoe smooth. in all seasons. Fallen Leaf was a summer camp for landscape and its top-rank among WINTER/SPRING Tallac is the only Tahoe peak to keep early naturalists and scientists – William Desolation Wilderness summits make In winter, Freel’s summit is a 12-mile its native Washoe descriptor—ta-lah-act Price led natural history tours of it one of Tahoe’s definitive backcountry ski in and that, along with its rigid – which translates simply as mountain, Desolation Wilderness and Mount Tallac climbs. From any vantage point, winds, keep it relatively unvisited. although early Euro-Americans around the turn of the 20th century. The Pyramid’s perfection and height taunt Skiers who make the trip are rewarded assumed from Tallac’s towering head of the National Parks Department climbers to bring a lunch and their by solitude and the broad, treeless bowl presence it meant “Great Mountain.” took one of Price’s tours and soon had best legs. The northern view from the between Freel and Job’s Sister. Laps on Its sheer eastern face is close enough to park rangers across the country giving summit encompasses an area with more this open snow field are hard to resist, Lake Tahoe’s shore to give the sensation similar tours—a duty rangers have to lakes per square mile than any other but the usual route down is back to the from the summit of floating 3,500 feet this day. designated wilderness in the nation. south. above the Basin. The peak stands atop Approaching Tallac the long way WINTER/SPRING SUMMER/FALL the western half of the fault responsible through Glen Alpine Springs south In winter, backcountry skiers will Hikers and mountain bikers in for Tahoe’s formation more than 30 of Fallen Leaf gives a sense of why sometimes approach Pyramid via Echo summer usually drive to within a few million years ago. The eastern Carson naturalists fell in love with the area. Lakes, but this route is an overnight miles of the summit on one of two Range slipped down and to the east, Blooming meadows and old growth trip, so a more common ascent is from Forest Service roads—Fountain Place creating a valley that was filled in much trees give way to typically tough Sierra Highway 50 at Twin Bridges. When Road near Meyers and Willow Creek later on the north by volcanic Mount wildflowers near the peak. Dark, snow reaches low enough, this northern Road off Highway 88 near Luther Pass. Rose. metamorphic blocks litter Tallac’s peak flank provides a 4,000-foot run back The longer, northern route on the Tahoe WINTER/SPRING giving the impression of a mountain down to the American River Canyon. Rim Trail from Kingsbury Grade travels Winter ascents of Mount Tallac are a that is still young, still growing. SUMMER/FALL through Heavenly Ski Resort’s back tradition for residents and visitors alike, Pyramid Peak: 9,983 feet The approach through Desolation canyons and past Star Lake—Tahoe’s and the boot tracks up in spring become Wilderness from Echo Lakes crosses highest fishing hole. a highway of sorts. The Cross chute is an The stoic pinnacle of Pyramid miles of the glacier-scoured granite for extreme descent through a tight corridor Peak might spring to mind when a which the Sierra is rightly famous. Hikers Backcountry skiers, hikers and bikers of granite, where a fall can be fatal. The meditating guru tranquilly asks you to also ascend Pyramid from the south via consulted in the compiling of this list North Bowl is much more skier-friendly, picture a mountain. With its perfectly Horsetail Falls. Either approach can be include Peter Underwood, Olympic Bike resembling a lopsided volcanic crater full planed sides and enduring snowcap, perilous, however. The final run up to Shop (530) 581-2500; Gary Bell, Sierra of wind-blown snow. This bowl empties Pyramid is simply what a peak is the summit is a steep scramble over loose Cycle Works (530) 541-7505; and Mike onto a wide slide path pitched at least supposed to look like. shale with no run-out to stop you. Schwartz, The Backcountry (530) 581-5861. PAGE 14 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 15 Delicate plant target of conservation efforts The Tahoe yellow cress is a one-of-a-kind species struggling to survive at the Lake

By Dana Olson Nevada Tahoe Conservation District

Sometimes the beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin is not in sweeping vistas or the marvel of imposing mountains, but in the little-known nooks and crannies found along the 72-mile shoreline. This is where you’ll find the Tahoe yellow cress — a rare, native plant that only grows on the sandy shores of Tahoe and nowhere else in the world. Species status Tahoe yellow cress is considered endangered by the states of Nevada and California, is a candidate species for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act and is listed as a sensitive plant under Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Threshold Standards. As a proactive response to learn more about the plant and avoid possible extinction, a conservation strategy was adopted in 2002 to protect and promote the species and prevent listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act. A broad collaboration of 13 organizations has rallied to implement the strategy. State, federal, and local governments, as well as local stakeholder and nonprofit groups have united to save the one- The Tahoe yellow cress is being threatened by fluctuating lake levels, beach raking, and heavy recreational activities. of-a-kind plant. Monitoring indicates that the conservation strategy is to having Tahoe yellow cress on working to stabilize populations of this “ Tahoe yellow cress is a critical piece of Tahoe’s natural their property and strengthen its inconspicuous and unique plant. conservation. Rising and falling Lake levels, history, and if we protect it, the species’ survival could The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is trampling via recreational activities become an incredible success story.” reviewing the yellow cress’ status as a and beach raking threaten populations candidate species for listing under the of Tahoe yellow cress. For the past A barrier to Tahoe yellow cress to educate locals and visitors about Endangered Species Act. This involves 10 years, however, groups in the conservation is a general lack this species and to establish and collecting scientific evidence on the Basin have worked through the of awareness about the plant. increase populations in the Basin. This magnitude and immediacy of the threat. implementation of the conservation Unknowingly, landowners and project has increased awareness and The listing decision is expected to be strategy to help the plant through beachgoers frequently threaten given lakefront property owners an made by the end of 2015. extensive research, transplanting, the species and disturb its habitat. opportunity to plant it on their land. Meanwhile, the conservation strategy translocation, stewardship, and outreach Recreational use of Tahoe’s lakeshore “Landowners are often hesitant to is being updated to boost the long-term efforts. habitat is one of the major factors in the acknowledge that Tahoe yellow cress conservation of the species. The update Drought conditions can actually decline of Tahoe yellow cress. Many is on their property because they aren’t will also integrate more current research increase the extent of Tahoe yellow lakefront landowners do not know what sure what that could entail,” Jason Brand findings and include better tools to work cress because more habitat opens up the plant looks like or whether it can of the conservation district said. “Part of with private landowners. and undisturbed areas are uncovered grow on their property. our conservation strategy has to include “Tahoe yellow cress is a critical piece as waters recede. However, beachgoers Conservation strategy safeguards for property owners that of Tahoe’s natural history and if we also take advantage of more beach area, Recently, the Nevada Tahoe want to steward Tahoe yellow cress.” protect it, the species’ survival could increasing the potential harm to Tahoe Conservation District joined the Tahoe Brand said such agreements would become an incredible success story,” yellow cress as it takes hold. Yellow Cress Stewardship Project make landowners more receptive Brand said. PAGE 16 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 17

Eyes on the Lake helps spot invasive weeds William Kent improvements planned The shores of Lake Tahoe are a spectacular Campground overhaul to help cut down on sediment reaching Tahoe place to play in the summer, and now there’s a way for water lovers to help protect Tahoe from aquatic weeds while By Ashley Sommer they play in the Lake. U.S. Forest Service

A new League to Save Lake Tahoe The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe program, Eyes on the Lake, engages Basin Management Unit began work volunteers in May on an important water-quality to help track improvement project that will help the spread of protect Lake Tahoe and provide two common improved recreational facilities at plants — William Kent Campground and Beach Eurasian on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. watermilfoil Eyes on the Lake training. Project work in the campground and curlyleaf and nearby beach and day-use site pondweed. If an infestation is spotted when includes the installation of a stormwater it is still small, it is much easier and less treatment system designed to reduce expensive to control. stormwater runoff and filter out a large Retrofit work on the beach day-use site at the William Kent Campground on the estW Shore will help to reduce the erosion and resulting sediment reaching the Lake through the “With 72 miles of shoreline, we need amount of sediment reaching Lake stormwater pipe. as many ‘eyes’ watching out for these Tahoe. weeds as possible,” said Melissa Thaw, An environmental analysis for the pipe, as well as the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s natural the project was completed last year provide for infiltration resources manager. “A great solution is to in accordance with the National and allow for settling recruit the swimmers, paddlers, divers, and Environmental Policy Act. A fire station of fine sediments boaters who are already playing in the Lake and administrative building approved from the stormwater to help protect it. ” in the environmental assessment for before it reaches construction on the site will be built later. the Lake. The small Volunteers complete one classroom training footprint of the site and one field training, and are equipped Changes planned for campground provided challenges with a waterproof plant identification guide At the campground, circulation in shortening the that easily attaches to a life jacket, water roads will be reconfigured, and camp stormwater pipe bottle, or boat lanyard. Volunteers file spurs will be moved away from stream far enough back to a simple report with the League on the environment zones and built on high- provide a water- presence or lack of any weeds. When capability soils. The entrance kiosk will quality benefit without an invasive plant is identified, resource be moved to allow both drive-up and sacrificing flat areas agencies undertake control efforts. walk-up traffic, and room for waiting for recreation and The William Kent Campground retrofit work will include a new A small fragment of Eurasian watermilfoil vehicles to pass to prevent congestion valued trees. The entrance check-in kiosk and roadway configuration that allows for drive-up access to the kiosk and universal accessibility. can establish as a viable new plant, in the entryway and on Highway final design allows providing shade and nutrients for other 89. In addition, utilities within the for continued use invasives, throwing an ecosystem out of campground will be upgraded, and of the site for day-use picnicking and on the West Shore include Meeks Bay balance. Eyes on the Lake aims to be an all new or relocated campsites will swimming, while still providing a Campground, Meeks Bay Resort and essential companion to control programs. meet universal accessibility standards. water-quality benefit. nearby Silver Creek, Goose Meadows, Infiltration basins and restoration of and Granite Flat campgrounds along the The League hopes to recruit several the stream areas will help capture and Facility closed for 2014 season Highway 89 Truckee River corridor. For hundred volunteers over the next few filter stormwater generated from paved The campground will be closed more information about these alternate years to participate in Eyes on the Lake. surfaces within the campground. during the 2014 operating season, campgrounds, and to make reservations, The program also hopes to use a mobile At the beach and day-use area, which runs approximately May through visit www.recreation.gov. application for instant reporting soon. the stormwater pipe that drains into October, and the William Kent beach Wilderness permits will be available Eyes on the Lake is part of the Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe will be shortened and a and day-use site will be closed for at the Meeks Bay Campground day Aquatic Invasive Species Program, a small stream bed installed at the new portions of the operating season. Work use kiosk. For more information collaboration of more than 40 agencies, pipe outlet. Most of the stormwater on the campground is expected to be about wilderness permits or alternate groups and businesses that are working exiting the pipe is generated from finished in 2014, and work on the beach campgrounds, contact the Forest to protect the Lake’s ecosystem. For more paved surfaces in the neighborhoods day-use site may extend into 2015. Supervisor’s office at 530-543-2694. information, go to keeptahoeblue.org/our- surrounding the William Kent For questions regarding project work, Ashley Sommer is a landscape architect work/eyes/. Campground and from water running contact the Project Engineer, Katie and recreation planner with the U.S. Forest off of Highway 89. The goal of this work Kuchenbecker, at 530-543-2620. Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management is to slow the speed of the water exiting Other Forest Service camping options Unit. PAGE 16 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 17 Water Trail offers affordable recreation Shoreline paddling route offers alternative way to view the wonders of Lake Tahoe

By Victoria Ortiz New program planned for California Tahoe Conservancy protecting nearshore By Daniel Sussman The paddling season is back. It’s the Lahontan Water Board time of year when kayakers, canoers, and stand-up paddlers take to the In the wake of a 2013 report evaluating water of Lake Tahoe for some human- the state of Lake Tahoe’s nearshore water powered, waterborne sightseeing and quality, the Lahontan Water Board and travel. other regulatory agencies have unveiled a Although paddle sports have been new program to restore and maintain the increasing in popularity in recent years, nearshore zone. only a small percentage of the 3 million- plus visitors expected to visit Lake The ribbon of shallow water around Tahoe this year will ever have a chance the perimeter of Lake Tahoe is where to experience the scenic shoreline, sandy residents and visitors are most likely to beaches, and rocky inlets from beyond notice ecological changes such as algae the water’s edge. on submerged rocks, aquatic invasive Traditionally, the lack of recreational plants and animals, and reduced visibility. support facilities and a coordinated way Water clarity at Tahoe has historically been to access them limited non-motorized measured in the center of the Lake, but an use on Lake Tahoe. increasing amount of attention is now being Today, the Lake Tahoe Water Trail paid to the nearshore. offers locals and visitors a way to escape According to the Water Board, the goal of the crowds and intimately experience its new Nearshore Water Quality Protection the stunning clarity and spectacular Plan is to ensure that the nearshore area vistas that the Tahoe Basin flaunts daily. is improved “to reflect conditions consistent The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a with an exceptionally clean and clear Lake network of lakefront launch sites, picnic for current and future human appreciation areas, restaurants, campgrounds, and and use.” overnight lodging facilities for paddlers. The water trail follows the 72 miles of To accomplish this, they will be working shoreline in Nevada and California, with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, linking public beaches and shoreline the Nevada Division of Environmental facilities that highlight notable natural, Protection, and the U.S. Environmental historic, and cultural features. Protection Agency by: The water trail models sustainable ■■ Continuing existing programs and recreation and eco-tourism in the Basin. policies that protect the nearshore Paddle sports are low-impact – easy Kayaks float over the clear waters along the East Shore of Lake Tahoe. ■■ Implementing a monitoring program to on the body, the environment, and the track and report nearshore conditions wallet. at laketahoewatertrail.org. all shoreline public land managers, ■■ Investigating the causes of and potential In 2003, a group of dedicated The California Tahoe Conservancy developed an app for iPhone and approaches to address nearshore community volunteers sought to supports the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Android that enables users to locate Lake “hotspots;” localized areas with high enhance the network of public Lake and has invested over $46 million in Tahoe’s public beach access sites and levels of algae or other environmental access sites by better coordinating the acquisition and development of their amenities. (Details on page 21.) change in the nearshore information so that more users could lakefront public access points around The Conservancy works with ■■ Investigating the influence of climate easily get on the water. the Basin. numerous organizations throughout the change on the nearshore environment The team first published a water Popular sites such as Patton/ Region to support the Tahoe Keepers ■■ Continuing to implement existing trail map and trip planning guide in Waterman’s Landing, Commons Beach, program. This regional effort for non- nearshore standards and assess whether 2005, and that publication has since Lakeview Commons, and North Tahoe motorized watercraft prevents the additional standards may be beneficial. been updated and is currently for sale Beach were purchased or redeveloped spread of aquatic invasive species. Find throughout the Region. Day trip and with Conservancy funds to encourage out how to keep your watercraft clean, overnight trip information, along with sustainable recreation within Tahoe’s drained, and dry, and become a Tahoe navigational tips, safety advice, and many communities. Keeper at tahoekeepers.org. interpretive information, can be found The Tahoe Fund, in partnership with PAGE 18 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 19

Tahoe Summer Water Conservation Tips Institute tells a natural history Water conservation is always in season. Guided outings help participants learn more about Tahoe Basin Saving water often only requires you change your excess water use habits. The Tahoe Institute for Natural By installing water-conserving devices, Science (TINS) offers a diverse array of homeowners and property owners can programs to help Tahoe residents and achieve long-term savings on their water visitors explore, enjoy, understand, and bills. care for Tahoe’s natural environment. Guided natural history outings are In the summer months, Tahoe’s community chief among these programs. They are water use often triples in volume. This offered year-round and at locations all increase requires large amounts of energy around the Tahoe Basin, Truckee, and and water resources to treat and pump beyond, but most occur during the millions of gallons of fresh water daily. summer months. Some of the outings Saving water saves community resources. are focused, such as its bird-sighting Here’s what you can do to cut back: excursions to spot the rare, gray- ■■ Reduce the size of your lawn. Replace crowned rosy-finch or geology hikes turf with drought tolerant native out of Squaw Valley’s High Camp. groundcovers or plants. Other outings may be loosely focused ■■ Install a high-efficiency sprinkler or on birds or wildflowers. Generally, drip irrigation system for your outdoor however, most outings have the feeling landscape. of a “nature ramble,” and guides keep ■■ Water two times a week, applying no Most outings with the themselves open to whatever natural more than a half inch of water each Tahoe Institute for history stories present themselves. TINS Natural Science are a session. offers bird walks every Wednesday “nature ramble,” where ■■ Water in the early morning, or at dusk. guides keep an eye for morning through the month of May at Turn off irrigation when windy. anything of interest to the Village Green in Incline Village. share with their group. ■■ Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulch keeps soil Some of TINS’ special events include cool, holding water longer for plant use. festivals and lectures. In 2010, it the public gets a chance ■■ Don’t overwater. There should be NO partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to engage directly in runoff after irrigation. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit to scientific research and ■■ To reduce phosphorus and nitrogen create the first annual Lake Tahoe Bird enjoy rich, educational, runoff, consider the use of low toxicity, Festival. The event includes guided bird and meaningful natural organic lawn and plant care products walks, information on migratory birds history experiences while contributing related to the timing of discrete life as alternatives to traditional plant care and bird conservation, an art contest, to our understanding of the natural history events in an organism’s annual chemicals. Make sure you select a ZERO and live birds of prey. This one-day world. cycle (e.g. flowering in an aspen tree, Phosphorus fertilizer. event has grown every year, and was TINS coordinates local efforts toward the first “cheeseburger” song heard by ■■ Invest in water-saving indoor paired with a Native Species Day to national or global citizen science mountain chickadees). Normally such plumbing fixtures. New, high-efficiency create the Wild Tahoe Weekend that campaigns, such as the National Butterfly studies focus only on date and latitude, showerheads, faucets, and toilets can occurs each June. Association’s summer butterfly counts but this project is being developed with save hundreds of gallons daily in water- Most of TINS’ slideshow or the U.S. Nightjar Survey (nightjars the added complexity of elevation and use savings. Look for the Water Sense presentations take place during the are poorly understood nocturnal birds). aspect (North vs. South, etc.). These label for certified water-saving devices. cooler months, but several talks are In other cases, TINS is spearheading its data will help shed light on the effects For more water conservation or water offered through the summer as well. own projects, like the Tahoe Odonates of climate change in the Tahoe Region, quality protection tips visit tahoeH20.org, or Summer topics have included Tahoe Mini-blitz, where members dedicate a but will also be part of the National call the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association flora and fauna, Sierra Nevada birds, few days exploring the Region to learn Phenology Network’s database to at 775-832-1212. and the recovery of the Angora Fire about, photograph, and enjoy Tahoe’s provide a continental context. For ecosystem. TINS hosts guest lecturers dragonflies and damselflies. TINS has more information on any of our citizen and will host a talk on Sierra amphibian dedicated participants travel several science programs, please contact TINS conservation on June 25. hundred miles to take part in our at [email protected]. For those looking for a more focused butterfly and odonates events, but these Most TINS programs are free, but experience, TINS also coordinates events are also great opportunities for hikes have limited space, and many fill several citizen science projects. Citizen curious locals and visitors to learn about up quickly. A calendar, email sign-up science offers an opportunity for groups of animals with which they have link, and more information on the TINS’ professional scientists to partner with little familiarity. natural history programming are at enthusiastic volunteers to collaborate on With the Sierra Seasons Project, tinsweb.org. research projects. Scientists benefit from TINS is developing a citizen science an increased data-collection effort, and program that collects phenology data PAGE 18 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 19 How the resort started Beginning with the California Gold Rush Mayala Watah and subsequent Silver Rush in Nevada, The story of Meeks Bay begins and continues with the Washoe Tribe miners and settlers began to flood into Washoe territory, including the Lake Tahoe Basin. By Kristi Boosman their culture and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency traditions. The demands of the miners depleted Today, Meeks much of the natural resources the In the language of the Washoe people, Bay Resort Washoe had depended on. Logging the words “Washeshu Itdeh” means continues to denuded the forests throughout the “the people from here.” As the Washoe be a thriving Basin to support the mines, while (or Wašiw) creation story goes, the destination where livestock replaced native herbivores and people were brought to their homeland the Washoe Tribe the once bountiful Lahontan cutthroat surrounding Lake Tahoe by Gewe welcomes visitors trout were fished into extinction at Lake (the coyote) and told by Nentašu, the and families. Tahoe. Mother of all Washoe, that this is the Meeks Bay Resort Meeks Bay was named after brothers place they were meant to be. and Meeks Bay Stephen and Joseph Meek, who in Nentašu then told all of the plants, Campground (the 1862, reportedly cut 25 tons of wild medicines and animals of this place property to the hay from the meadows and flatlands to grow strong in order to provide south of Meeks Creek and under special surrounding Mayala Watah to support nourishment for the Wašiw, and use permit to another private entity) are the growing livestock industry. In she reminded the people of their among the only federally held lands in 1878, George Thomas and James responsibility to care for them. that area of Lake Tahoe where people Andrew Murphy settled at Meeks Bay Summers were spent at Da.aw (Lake can still come and explore. Lake Tahoe and herded their cattle from Coloma, Tahoe), the geographic and spiritual California, each summer to graze in the center of the Washoe Tribe. Large Improvements and amenities meadows around the creek and bay cutthroat trout, freshwater clams, and Over the years, the tribe has made where the Washoe had once gathered other once-plentiful fish, sustained the many improvements to Meeks Bay Meeks Bay roots, herbs, and berries. people throughout the year. Large and Resort. Current amenities include both small game were also abundant. Plant tent and RV camping, shower facilities, The first resort at Meeks Bay was gathering for food, utilitarian, and food concessions including a snack established by the Kehlet family in medicinal use was, and continues to be, bar re-named Wa-She-Shu grill with resort and on the land to minimize 1920. It was a self-contained destination harvested in all parts of Wašiw lands. family-friendly food, cabin rentals, a the adverse effects of modern whose accommodations included a day-use beach and marina, kayak and development on the natural and campground, a hotel, over 100 rustic Meeks Bay Resort history stand-up paddleboard rentals, as well human environments. Since 2011, cabins, a lakefront dining room, two Mayala Watah (now Meeks Bay) as rental of the Historic Kehlet Mansion in cooperation with the Tribe, the beach snack bars and a sandwich shop was an historical fishing camp for the with its spectacular setting on a point U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin with full fountain, a grocery store and Washoe people, and a place of great overlooking Lake Tahoe and Meeks Bay. Management Unit completed upgrades meat market, a barber shop and beauty cultural significance. Every summer, In addition, Marie Barry, director of at Meeks Bay Resort such as paving parlor, boat rentals, a horse stable, for thousands of years, Washoe the Washoe Environmental Protection camp spurs, installing a new restroom movie theater, and bingo parlor. families would gather along the creek Department (WEPD), and her staff have building with showers, and adding Between the decades of cattle grazing and bay of Mayala Watah to fish and done considerable restoration work in stormwater improvements, including and development of the resort, most hunt, and gather plants that provided Meeks Meadow, including mitigating infiltration basins used to collect and remnants of the Washoe’s long history nourishment and materials used for the lodgepole pine encroachment filter runoff before it reaches Lake at Meeks Bay have been destroyed. basketry. through a selective tree-removal Tahoe. Improvements were also made However, the cultural memory and The U.S. Forest Service purchased process. As a result, the water table at at the Kehlet House, which included oral history of the Washoe’s long the Meeks Bay Resort and surrounding the meadow immediately increased, BMP installation of a permeable stone connection to Mayala Watah continued lands in 1975 and leased the resort to which has helped re-establish native patio and paved parking area as well as to be passed down from generation to concessionaires. In 1997, the lease for plants such as strawberries, currants, infiltration basins. generation. the property north of Meeks Creek wild potatoes, thimbleberries, and The tribe is also involved in the re- became available for bid, and Washoe arnica – all culturally important food establishment of the Lahontan cutthroat For more information on Meeks Bay Tribal Chairman A. B. Wallace saw sources for the Washoe people. trout in many of its former ranges and Resort visit meeksbayresort.com. an opportunity to reconnect tribal Thousands of visitors a year enjoy has partnered with federal and state For more information on the Washoe members to their ancestral heritage the scenic value of the restored agencies in the effort to reintroduce this Tribe of Nevada and California visit at Mayala Watah. The Washoe Tribe meadow, which is easily accessed at the native fish to its natural environment. washoetribe.us. won the competitive bid and began Desolation Wilderness Trailhead across Meeks Creek and Bay were historical managing the resort at Meeks Bay in the highway from Meeks Bay Resort spawning grounds for the trout and 1998. This provided tribe members a and Campground. are high priority sites for reintroducing land base in their ancestral homeland The WEPD has also installed Best this culturally and environmentally and an opportunity to reconnect to Management Practices (BMPs) at the important native species. PAGE 20 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 21 New exhibits planned for Tahoe Science Center UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) has announced new exhibits about Lake Tahoe, watershed science, and stewardship at the Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village.

Science exhibits such as the Shaping Watersheds Interactive Sandbox and a new 3-D film will join the research vessel, laboratory, and award-winning 3-D movie “Lake Tahoe in Depth” to provide guests with the latest Lake Tahoe research.

The Shaping Watersheds Interactive Sandbox is a hands-on exhibit that brings geographic and watershed concepts to life. It combines a real sandbox with virtual topography and water by using a 3-D camera and a digital projector. Users create a landscape by shaping real sand, and a projector scans the surface to create an evolving topographic color map and contour lines. Visitors then make virtual rain and watch the water flow through the landscape.

In addition, TERC is working with 3-D videographer Steve Andersen uses an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with dual cameras for a 3-D video of Lake Tahoe. curriculum development experts from the UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science to develop new freshwater ecosystem Research Center’s new film takes a 3-D view of Tahoe curriculum for student groups under a grant from the National Science Foundation By Heather Segale and Kelsey Poole For close-up shots of the animals that mounts. Andersen is also creating the with supplemental funding from the Tahoe UC Davis Tahoe Environmental live in Lake Tahoe, TERC set up aquaria 3-D computer-generated animations Truckee Community Foundation Nature Research Center for fish, mysis shrimp, and zooplankton that will be used throughout the film. Fund and Martis Fund. New activities such as daphnia. Computer-generated The film, “Let’s Go Jump in the Lake,” include a stewardship board game, This summer, visitors will have the animations are used to illustrate is scheduled for release in summer where players advance by choosing opportunity to “Go Jump in the Lake” concepts such as Lake mixing that are 2014. Other new exhibits available this environmentally friendly solutions, a without even getting wet. difficult to film. summer include a “Race to Save Lake “Healthy-Unhealthy Lakes” interactive This new 3-D movie produced by Steve Andersen with Omnidual Tahoe” stewardship game, “Healthy- mobile application intended to get visitors the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Media filmed and managed the post Unhealthy Lakes” interactive, and thinking about what actions lead to healthy Research Center (TERC) and funded by production of the film, which required “Lakes of the World” 3-D interactive, lake environments, and a lesson plan in the National Science Foundation will specialized video equipment to render all funded by the National Science which students build Lake Tahoe’s food dive under the water to look at different the 3-D images. For example, Andersen Foundation and developed in web using scientific evidence. A long-term organisms that live in the Lake and the used several unmanned aerial vehicles partnership with UC Davis Keck project to create a “Lakes of the World” 3-D physics that moves them around. The (UAV) designed to carry two cameras CAVES, UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall visualization and complementary lesson film examines Lake Tahoe at different for the difficult 3-D aerial shots. of Science, ECHO Lake Aquarium plans is also under development. Teachers time intervals – a snapshot of a singular “I’ve had to build most of the camera and Science Center, and Audience can schedule field trips for students in moment, the daily routine, and the mounts to shoot 3-D, both above and Viewpoints Consulting. grades 4 and up. dramatic change that occurs over the below water,” he said. “I designed a The Tahoe Science Center is open course of a year. special stabilizing mount for the UAV from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday through The movie will feature footage of to properly balance and control two Friday, and on Saturday from June to Lake Tahoe and its inhabitants, all in synced cameras. This took several October. Tours begin on the hour. No 3-D. Stunning time-lapse sequences months of trial and error to finally get a reservations are required, although show changes in the Lake over time. working system.” for large groups reservations are TERC divers have captured video He has also built several underwater recommended. The Tahoe Science beneath the surface of the Lake that mounts for UC Davis TERC divers Center is located at 291 Country Club include kokanee salmon spawning, Brant Allen and Katie Webb to shoot Dr., Incline Village, Nev., on the campus the extent of invasive species such as the many underwater scenes. Much of of Sierra Nevada College. For more Eurasian watermilfoil and Asian clams, the video will be shot using the latest information, visit TahoeScienceCenter. schools of native fish, and their own GoPro cameras and Sony’s Nex cameras com, call 775-881-7566, or email work on underwater research projects. placed in these specially designed 3-D [email protected]. PAGE 20 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 21 Finding a Tahoe beach Tahoe Fund donors make the difference just got a lot easier The Tahoe Beaches Private donations support projects to improve environment, recreation App, created by the By Amy Berry on the North Shore Tahoe Fund, not only Special to Tahoe In Depth ■■Segments of the Tahoe Bikeway helps visitors find a in Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe beach, it brings The Tahoe Fund’s advertising Tahoe environmental benefits campaign asks, “What runs ■■The Van-Sickle Bi-State Park by encouraging a deeper than Lake Tahoe?” The ■■The UC Davis State of the Lake more even flow of headline answer – “Our desire report. visitors to all beaches. to preserve it all” – rings true The Tahoe Fund is also a funder The smart-phone app, with the announcement that of the biannual publication of available in iTunes and Google Play, allows donors have helped launch Tahoe In Depth. visitors to plan their Tahoe experience with four environmental projects The Tahoe Fund seeks to images and details about beach amenities, to restore Lake clarity and match the passion people have including barbeques, boat rentals, pet improve recreation. for the Tahoe environment with restrictions, and public transportation. During 2013, the nonprofit Visitors enjoy a day at the beach. improvement projects that help Featuring more than 50 public beaches, worked to raise awareness of the restore Lake clarity, improve the app allows users to plan their Tahoe funding gaps for beach improvements shown their desire and ability to help outdoor recreation, and create a stronger experience from home or while traveling at Sand Harbor State Park, Asian clam improve the Tahoe environment,” Tahoe sense of stewardship in the Region. A around the Lake. Twitter feeds enable real- control in Emerald Bay, a mile of bike Fund Chair Timothy Cashman said. new “Friends of Tahoe” campaign hopes time information from the public agencies trail along the West Shore, and a new Founded in 2010, the bi-state Tahoe to attract the support of the visitors and managing the beaches. bridge across Angora Creek in Washoe Fund has provided financial support residents who want to donate to the Users can also post their favorite beaches Meadows State Park. Donors raised more for high-priority watershed restoration preservation of the Tahoe environment. to Facebook and invite family and friends to than $130,000 to ensure the projects will projects such as: Annual gifts of $5,000 or more pledged join them. The app also includes important ■ be completed. ■The Blackwood Creek/Eagle Rock for a three-year period qualify for the stewardship information to help beachgoers “Tahoe’s private community of Trail restoration on the West Shore Stewardship Circle. For more information: take care of the environment. individuals and businesses has once again ■■The Incline/Third Creek Restoration tahoefund.org/donate. “With the Tahoe Beaches App more people will be able to find their way to the crystal blue waters of Tahoe while reducing the TRPA honors 8 citizens with Lake Spirit Award for Tahoe stewardship environmental damage of overcrowding,” Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry said. Tahoe Community College for being One of them dives from his an inspirational and accomplished The Tahoe Fund app was co-funded by the paddleboard and recovers trash. environmental science educator California Tahoe Conservancy through the Another one walks the shoreline picking who also helped secure a $1 million Lake Tahoe License Plate Program. up garbage, removing graffiti from grant to create the “Summit to Sand” rocks, and pulling weeds. “The app showcases our continuing major environmental education program to They are the unsung heroes of Lake investments in improving public access to promote environmental stewardship Tahoe environmental protection, and Lake Tahoe,” said Patrick Wright, executive in the Tahoe Basin, California’s Central have been recognized with the 2013 director of the Tahoe Conservancy, noting Valley, and the coast. Lake Spirit Award. that parks have increased from 14 miles of “These individuals represent Citizens Honorably Mentioned shoreline in 1971 to 34 miles today. the essence of what it takes for a ■■Dylan Eichenberg of the North Shore Tom Carter The Tahoe Beaches App is available on both community to become true stewards of for cleaning up graffiti, picking up Apple and Android phones for free in their our incredibly fragile ecosystem,” Tahoe alongside bike trails and roads at trash, and pulling weeds. respective app stores. To learn more or to ■ Regional Planning Agency Executive Lake Tahoe. ■The late Tom Wendell for download the app, visit tahoepublicbeaches. Director Joanne Marchetta said in encouraging sustainability and non- com. announcing the awards. Exemplary Agency Representative or motorized transportation. In 2013, TRPA recognized four award Environmental Scientist Agency Representatives or Scientists winners and four honorable-mention ■■Cindy Gustafson of the Tahoe Honorably Mentioned winners. City Public Utility District for her ■■Missy Mohler of the Sierra Watershed Exemplary Citizens commitment to the North Shore Education Partnership for her work to ■■Tom Carter of the North Shore community, particularly in her improve students’ understanding of spends his summers diving from his perseverance to constructing bike their watershed environment. paddleboard to retrieve old tires and trails and sidewalks in and around ■■Dan Shaw of the California debris from the bottom of Lake Tahoe. Tahoe City, and for her leadership in Department of Parks and Recreation ■■Jeff Poulin of the South Shore collects creating and chairing the Tahoe Fund. for his efforts battling Eurasian as many as 20 bags of litter a day from ■■Kathy Strain of the South Shore’s Lake watermilfoil in Emerald Bay. PAGE 22 n TAHOE IN DEPTH Become a Tahoe In Depth subscriber or supporter We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of Tahoe In Depth. Feedback for our first three issues was so overwhelming that we are looking for sustainable funding. You can help! Consider becoming a subscriber to Tahoe In Depth so that you and others Tahoe In Depth is made possible by the generous support of can continue to receive ideas on “Protecting, Enjoying & Exploring the subscribers and underwriters. From the entire team at Lake Tahoe Basin” in your mailbox. All subscribers are entered in a ThankYouTahoe In Depth, thank you for contributing to the publication. drawing to win a gift certificate from a local nursery. Just cut out and mail in Thanks to the following sponsors: If you are interested in becoming an underwriter, please the subscriber form and your check contact Sarah Underhill, design and project manager at Platinum level sponsor made out to the Tahoe Regional the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, at 775-589-5211 Planning Agency. Please add the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Tahoe In Depth account number or [email protected]. 0000552 on the note line. Tahoe Fund What readers are saying: Gold level sponsor YES! I want to become a subscriber to I absolutely love Tahoe in Depth! What a great idea, I look Tahoe In Depth and continue “Protecting, U.S. Forest Service forward to future publications… S.H. – Incline Village, NV Enjoying & Exploring the Lake Tahoe Nevada Division of State Lands Hurrah!!!! What a great publication! Everything I wanted to Basin.” Please find enclosed my check for know and more and more. Please keep up the good work and ______Silver level sponsor keep it coming. Of course I would subscribe. Subscriber Levels: W.R. – San Mateo, CA o $1 - $99 Friend Aquatic Invasive Species Program o It is nice to see that someone has begun to carry on the $100 - $249 Supporter (Environmental Improvement Program) o $250 - $499 Benefactor traditions of supplying environmental/scientific information o $500 - $999 Advocate Tahoe City Public Utility District on Tahoe to the layperson audience. This publication is o $1,000 - $2,499 Champion in the same vein as earlier work by Leo Poppoff in his o $2,500 and up Philanthropist Bronze level sponsor newspaper series “Basin Watch” and the current annual Incline Village General Improvement District report, “State of the Lake” by TERC/U.C. Davis. Keep Name:______up the good work, varied topic selection, and easy to Address:______League to Save Lake Tahoe understand articles. I look forward to more issues. ______Subscriber Funds B.R. – Tahoe City, CA City:______Drop us a line at [email protected] State:______Zip:______Phone:______Email:______Our subscribers: Readers who have subscribed to Tahoe In Depth since our last issue Mail to: Tahoe In Depth, PO Box 5310, Stateline, NV 89449 Robert Anderson Ann Filson Mark Marshall H.G. Reid Nancy Baldwin Bonnie Fitzgerald Ellen Marshall Bob Richards Dr. H. Glenn Bell Jr. Joan Freeman Molly Marshall James Robertson Richard Bergmann W. James Gosline Jr. Paul Marshall Andy & Julie Russell Denise Filakosky Ralph Grunauer Kristina McCarthy A. & B. Russell-Shapiro Enter our drawing! John Boger Ryan Haggerty Nancy McDermid Vicki Sabad For every issue of Tahoe In Depth, all Carnelian Woods c/o Les Terry Ann Harootunian Sally Mellinger Diana Schneider subscribers are entered to win a $100 Lillian Cadenasso Bob & Arzelle Hudnall John Montague Paul & Tammy Sisson gift certificate from a local nursery for a Kim Caffese Susan Hughes Richard Murnane Benjamin & Kathleen Smith native plant. Craig Carson Nancy Hurtado Karyn Newman Terry Stiffler Timothy Cashman Veronica Johnson John North Douglas Swager This issue’s winner Chrystine Cooper Ron Kline Terry Osmonson Virginia Taylor R.A. Cuneo Lillian H. Koenig Shirley Pacheco Nancy Weiss Congratulations to Bonnie Fitzgerald of Dave DeVoe Dino J. Landucci Jr. Lara Pearson Stephen E. Segale Bakersfield, California! Brian Donald Gary & Irene Lavaysse Jason Parette Diemer Family Daniel Leary Russell L. Reed Lewis Figone Leslie Lonno Jeanette Reed-Lawson

Find us online at Tahoeindepth.org ARE YOU TRUE BLUE?

SHOW IT. BUY OR RENEW A TAHOE LICENSE PLATE . If these Tahoe views clear your head and soothe your soul, then you might be True Blue. But to make it official, you’ll have to purchase or renew a Lake Tahoe license plate. Like a perfect stroke of the pedal, this modest commitment will go full circle to help fund hiking and biking trails and watershed restoration projects. In fact, 96% of your fee will go directly to projects. For more information or to purchase your license plate online A simple way to make visit: www.tahoeplates.com. Tahoe better. PAGE 24 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE PB 23 miles in 7 days The 1911 Tahoe Tavern Auto Race makes today’s chain controls look like child’s play

By Gary Noy unable to continue. Special to Tahoe In Depth With an overwhelming lead, the dynamic duo from Grass Imagine ascending the Valley continued onward. Two western slope of the Sierra, days later, Foote and Starr were trudging through places once again stuck in the snow, as spectacularly remote as but, still confident that success Desolation Wilderness, and was within reach, they returned contending with gorged rivers to Grass Valley by train to and massive drifts of spring retrieve more equipment before snow along the way. pressing on. On June 7, they Now imagine that instead of were back with their stranded a backpack and trekking poles, auto, which they yanked into you are hauling your car with position and fitted with wooden you as you go. runners on the wheels. The If this sounds like the kind of car now turned into a sled, the thing you would only do on a adventurers pushed it over bet, then your enthusiasm for the snowpack, and by June 9, getting to Lake Tahoe could’ve they had reached Soda Springs, matched the legendary feat of where they spent the day two turn-of-the century Grass making repairs. Valley residents who in 1911 These competitors used chains and ropes to get a car over Donner Summit in 1911. The next morning, Foote did just that. and Starr pulled their vehicle over Bear in mind in the early 20th They stretched a metal cable over the torrent, cleverly slid the Donner Summit and then manhandled century, most roads in the Sierra were it to Donner Lake, where they enjoyed a treacherous, not to be traveled by suspended car over the rapids, and then quickly removed the well-earned breakfast. With nothing left the faint of heart. In 1901, the Bureau cable, leaving no evidence of the ingenious technique for the but the open road from Truckee to Tahoe of Highways described the skinny City, the triumphant contestants reached tentacle over Sonora Pass as “22 miles competitors that followed. Tahoe Tavern at noon. Overall, the outing over granite formation that is little had taken eight days. The 3-foot-tall more than a creek bed.” One wag The leading contenders for the prize miles further on. Walked to Cisco, got trophy was theirs, and so were bragging depicted another highway as so muddy were a dedicated group of automobile there 10:30 p.m.” rights. in winter and spring that it measured fanatics from Grass Valley led by Arthur Snow blocked their way that night, The Tahoe Tavern proprietors were “130 miles long and 5 feet deep.” B. Foote, assistant superintendent of so the following morning Foote and astonished to see Arthur Foote and Driving a car through the range in the the North Star Mines Corporation. Starr went scouting. They walked George Starr. On June 11, the Grass first 15 years of the 20th century was Joining him on the ride was George their potential route and discovered a Valley Union reported on the front page: an adventure on par with an attempt Starr, manager of the Empire Mine. They washed-out bridge on the roaring Yuba “The victors enjoyed the consternation at traversing the remote Sierra High expected brutal physical challenges on River. Hiking back to their automobile which they caused by their unexpected Route—a trip both challenging and the trip, including difficult terrain and in Cisco, the intrepid pair started arrival. The resort management had not potentially deadly. serious logistical issues, but they did not driving across the still-frozen snowpack. expected these men from Grass Valley Still, in the early years of car travel, anticipate that it would take them seven Occasionally, the automobile would to achieve their success by shoving, novelty and a rugged spirit drew days to travel the last 23 miles. careen into deep crevices and Foote and tugging, and hoisting their Model T over car enthusiasts to precarious places. When Foote learned of the Tahoe Starr would need to haul their car out of seemingly impassable mountainous Perhaps to capitalize on this, in spring Tavern contest, he instantly decided to the holes using a block and tackle. terrain.” of 1911, the Tahoe Tavern in Tahoe City undertake the competition in his Model After five hours, they finally reached May the spectacular allure of Lake offered a 3-foot-tall silver trophy to the T Ford, and recruited Starr and other the washed-out bridge, at which point Tahoe and the spirit of adventure in first party to drive eastward over the Grass Valley citizens as his support crew. they stretched a metal cable over the getting here live on. Donner Summit Road from California On June 2, 1911, Foote and Starr began torrent, cleverly slid the suspended to the luxury resort. The Sierra had just their journey. Foote, true to his roots as car over the rapids, and then quickly Gary Noy has taught history at Sierra College endured a severe winter—by March a mining engineer, kept an understated, removed the cable, leaving no evidence in Rocklin since 1987. In 2006, the Oregon- of that year nearly 40 feet of snow had even terse, diary. His first entry reads: of the ingenious technique for the California Trails Association named him Educator fallen at 8,000 feet—so it was not until “Packed stuff, took off windshield, Mr. competitors that followed. When their of the Year. This story is excerpted from Gary’s June that anyone dared attempt the Starr and I left for Emigrant Gap at 4 p.m. opponents reached the ruined bridge, new book “Sierra Stories: Tales of Dreamers, exhilarating but arduous race over the with shovels, tackle, etc. Passed Emigrant they were puzzled as to how Foote Schemers, Bigots and Rogues” (Heyday Books trackless, snowy Sierra. Gap and got stuck in the soft snow 2.5 and Starr had crossed. They were also and Sierra College Press, 2014)