Award winning! Bat survey: Scientists find variety of species, page 3

Winter 2014

Bi-state compact to preserve Tahoe STEPS TOWARD REVITALIZATION turns 45 years old

Staff Report Redevelopment projects expected to aid environment, economy The partnership between and that created the Tahoe Agency By Devin Middlebrook (TRPA) turned 45 years old in Tahoe Regional Planning Agency December 2014 and is approaching a half-century of progress in the protection and restoration of Lake ’s communities have struggled Tahoe and its treasured environment. for decades from environmental, economic, and President Richard Nixon signed social pressures. The advent of Native American the bi-state compact to create the gaming throughout Northern California drove TRPA on Thursday, Dec. 18, 1969. massive casino job losses, which were compounded Nixon’s signature in the Oval Office followed the compact’s ratification by the recent recession. To many, a visible clue by Congress, approval by both was the number of run-down or vacant states’ legislatures, and signatures of around the Lake. Many of these buildings were former governors Ronald Reagan in constructed in the 1960s, prior to the Tahoe Regional California and in Nevada. Planning Agency being established, during a period U.S. Sen. Alan Bible (D-Nev.) of rampant growth with a lack of development introduced legislation to approve the bi-state compact in Congress. Bible regulations. Fifty years later, as the recession took called Nixon’s signature of the bill hold, the Region looked tired and in disrepair. “the best news possible for those Times are changing. concerned about preserving one of The summer of 2014 saw the beginnings of a nature’s most priceless heirlooms.” renaissance occurring in both the North and South The compact created TRPA Shores of Lake Tahoe. to oversee planning efforts and regulate growth and development t Snow Creek, North Shore See the full story on page 4. in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Its creation Restoration project reduces sediment. quickly put the brakes on plans for

Continued on page 6 Photo courtesy California Tahoe Conservancy INSIDE THIS ISSUE: n REBUILDING: Projects will help economy while improving water quality...... 4 n NEW BIKE PATH: Private donations helping make East Shore path possible...... 8

n PUBLIC LANDS: Forest Service works with resorts to promote access...... 9 PERMIT #765 PERMIT

n RENO, NV RENO, WEED REMOVAL: Crystal Shores takes aim at watermilfoil problem...... 10

PAID n BEST IN BASIN: A roundup of projects that make a difference...... 12-13

U.S. POSTAGE U.S.

Stateline, NV 89449 NV Stateline, n FUTURE STEWARDS: Great Basin Outdoor School uses Tahoe as classroom...15

PO Box 5310 Box PO PRSRT STD PRSRT n ENVIRONMENT: On Our Way program makes neighborhoods better...... 18

Tahoe In Depth In Tahoe n NEW HOTSHOT CREW: Firefighters promoted to elite status...... 24 PAGE 2 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 3 IN THIS ISSUE

Boosting the environment, economy 4 New projects around Lake Tahoe are going a long way toward Bi-state cooperation reaches milestone restoring economic vitality to the Tahoe Basin. But these projects are also bringing a boost to the environment. Tahoe In Depth comes to you this season fresh from winning an award for communications excellence – the Silver Spike award, which is bestowed by the t Alta Mira, before t Alta Mira, after chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The award recognizes the paper for meeting its primary goals of environmental stewardship in the Tahoe Basin and becoming a financially self- sustaining publication. We couldn’t have achieved these goals without you – thank you for subscribing and underwriting Tahoe In Depth which allows the paper to continue arriving in your mailbox and on newsstands around the Lake. December 2014 also marks the 45th anniversary of the Bi- East Shore bike path State Compact between California and Nevada which created 8 Private donations of $750,000 will allow the the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. In fact, on December 18, Tahoe Fund and the Tahoe Transportation 1969, then-President Richard Nixon signed the Compact after District to secure federal funds for a paved ratification by Congress. Much has evolved over the last four- bike path from Incline Village to the East plus decades, but the guiding principles that brought the two Shore. states together to protect Lake Tahoe remain constant. The shared commitment to safeguard and restore the health of the Tahoe Basin is as strong as ever. In our last issue, I mentioned the pending Lake Tahoe Restoration Act in Skiing with rangers Congress. While we haven’t been successful yet in moving this legislation, our The Forest Service program helps skiers at congressional delegation is poised to reintroduce the bill early in 2015. Please 9 resorts located on USFS property to learn watch for news about the bill at trpa.org and contact your member of Congress more about the surrounding environment to weigh in on this important Act. The offices of California Sens. Dianne Feinstein while enjoying Tahoe views. and Barbara Boxer and Nevada Sens. and would like to hear from you. To find your representative, visit http://www.house.gov/ representatives/find/. Welcome to the watershed Have a joyous holiday season and thank you for caring about Lake Tahoe! 11 New gateway signs along Nevada highways – Julie Regan, executive editor entering the Tahoe Basin will remind visitors that they are entering a fragile area. Tahoe In Depth Publisher and contributors: The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency publishes Tahoe In Depth in partnership with various state and federal agencies. Contributors include the BMPs: Doing your part California Tahoe Conservancy, U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Incline Village 14 Developed property within the Tahoe Basin must meet Best Management General Improvement District, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, League Practices requirements. Here’s why it’s important. to Save Lake Tahoe, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Division of State Lands, Tahoe City Public Utility District, Tahoe Future stewards Fund, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Tahoe Transportation District, Tahoe Water Suppliers Association, University of California, Davis, University of Nevada, Reno, and 15 How the Great Basin Outdoor School is using the Tahoe Basin as a classroom for the Washoe Tribe. history, ecology, and astronomy. Executive Editor: Julie Regan Managing Editor: Sarah Underhill Design/copy Editor: Jim Sloan Hotshot history Contributors: Amy Berry, Jennifer Cannon, Nicole Cartwright, Karin Edwards, Mark 24 The Tallac Hotshots of Lake Tahoe are one of only Enders, Karen Fink, Cheva Gabor, Tom Lotshaw, Devin Middlebrook, Shay Navarro, 108 elite firefighting crews in the country. T. Will Richardson, and Kaitlyn Stone. Photography: California Tahoe Conservancy, Corey Rich Productions, Karen Fink, Tom Lotshaw, Devin Middlebrook, Jason Patnode, Mike Vollmer, U.S. Forest Service, South Tahoe Refuse, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Sarah Underhill, Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Copyright 2014 © – All rights reserved.

Major funding provided by: PAGE 2 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 3 Study focuses on sensitive bat habitat Survey nets 33 bats from 10 different species during four-night effort

By Mark Enders Nevada Department of Wildlife Remember the last time you hiked on your favorite Tahoe trail at dusk, using the last bits of daylight to make it back to your car? Whether you were out all day or just went for a short sunset hike, you A captured bat is released after it is cataloged. were not the only one waiting for that moment. The bats that live around Lake Researchers make some Tahoe sleep all day, just waiting for the significant discoveries sun to disappear so that they can begin during Tahoe bat study their daily activities. Some people have mixed feelings about having bats in their Researchers successfully documented midst, perhaps conjuring thoughts of 10 different bat species during their vampires and haunted , but in survey. Knowing which species occupy reality, bats are harmless and provide the area will give them a better idea of the benefits to the people living around most important habitat characteristics to them. A researcher (above) preserve. They also developed follow-up Bats are efficient insect hunters, using holds a Myotis species questions that will be the focus of future ultrasonic calls to detect and track their bat during a four-day survey conducted on surveys. prey. Those pesky mosquitoes don’t the Nevada side of Two lactating little brown bats were stand a chance against a quick-moving Lake Tahoe in August. caught at , which indicates bat, and without bats, we would not Meanwhile, researchers and volunteers process that there was a maternity roost nearby. have a healthy balance of bugs in our a captured bat during the Maternity roosts are important sites where forests. Plus, bats are pretty darn cute. study (left). pregnant females gather to raise their Despite Tahoe’s allure and the young, and some individuals will even numerous biologists working in the return to the same site every year. area, we don’t know a lot about the Researchers hope to use radio-telemetry bats that make their home in the Lake to track these females during future surveys Tahoe Basin. While some bat species are to help locate and protect those important adaptable and will happily nap near roost sites. your house, others are very particular sensitive sites for bat species that may myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum), long-legged Surprisingly, all 12 bats caught at Hobart about where they spend their time, require special consideration in an myotis (Myotis volans), little brown Reservoir were males. Researchers making them especially vulnerable area that sees heavy recreation use bat (Myotis lucifugus), big brown bat speculate that only males occupy that to human presence and habitat and numerous forest fuels-reduction (Eptesicus fuscus), and Yuma myotis high-elevation site, while females stay at disturbance. To help determine which projects. (Myotis yumanensis). lower, warmer elevations with their young bat species occupy the Lake Tahoe Basin, To maximize their ability to detect Researchers recorded four to increase the chance of survival. This is biologists from six different state and as many bat species as possible, the additional species with the acoustic another question that researchers hope to federal agencies (Nevada Department researchers saturated each survey area detectors: Mexican free-tailed bat address in the future. of Wildlife, Nevada Natural Heritage with strategically placed nets, and (Tadarida brasiliensis), long-eared The group plans to continue to expand Program, Nevada State Museum, Bureau deployed specialized acoustic detectors myotis (Myotis evotis), fringed myotis its knowledge of the area’s bat species of Land Management, National to record the bats’ ultrasonic calls. (Myotis thysanodes), and pallid bat and work to conserve their most important Service, and U.S. Forest Service) and The addition of acoustic detectors was (Antrozous pallidus). In all, six of those habitat. several volunteers convened on the especially important because not all are considered species of conservation For more information on Nevada’s Nevada side of Lake Tahoe to survey bats fly close enough to the ground to priority by the Nevada Department of sensitive bat species, please see the bats during four nights in early August. be caught in nets. Despite unseasonably Wildlife, mostly due to loss of roosting Wildlife Action Plan at www.ndow.org. The group concentrated its survey cold weather and a winter-like rain sites, human disturbance, and a general around Hobart Reservoir, Spooner Lake, that cancelled the first survey night, lack of information on their distribution and , all located the group successfully caught 33 bats in Nevada. inside Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. from six different species in its nets: Mark Enders is a wildlife biologist with the The researchers hoped that this survey the silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris Nevada Department of Wildlife and Nevada would be the first step in identifying noctivagans), western small-footed Tahoe Resource Team. PAGE 4 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 5 Rebounding from the Great Recession New projects, acquisitions bring promise to Lake Tahoe’s environment, economy

Continued from page 1

New construction, renovations, t Hard Rock, Stateline infrastructure improvements, and Revitalization means more jobs. environmental improvements during the summer of 2014 were all signs of Lake Tahoe breathing new life. The following is a round-up of the most significant changes. North Lake Tahoe Kings Beach Sitting on the California side of Stateline in North Lake Tahoe is Kings Beach, a town of nearly 4,000 residents known for its laid-back, small- town atmosphere. The Kings Beach commercial core sits on Highway 28 along the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. For decades, the aging infrastructure of the commercial core did not complement the town. The Kings Beach Commercial Core Improvement Project, which broke ground in 2014, will upgrade a 1-mile stretch of the highway that runs through downtown. This $48 million project will improve stormwater management, reducing an estimated 45,000 pounds of fine sediment per year from reaching Lake Tahoe. The project also improves the t Chateau, South Shore stronger economic times for South Lake floor and over 500 revamped rooms. scenic beauty and walkability of the California project signals resurgent economy. Tahoe. Slotted to open in January 2015, the area. While occupying only a small Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe percentage of the original construction is expected to bring back 550 to 600 jobs Snow Creek plan, the Chateau gives new life to to the area. Restoration of Snow Creek, a highly around 18,000 square feet of retail space Bijou degraded tributary in Tahoe Vista, was where once sat older properties. More completed in 2014. The restored site importantly, it offers a complete face-lift The Bijou Area Erosion Control was once home to a cement plant that to the area and brings hope that the rest Project updates and improves dumped waste into the creek, leading to of the “hole” will soon follow suit and stormwater infrastructure for the its destruction. The restoration project be redeveloped. Bijou Creek watershed and the Bijou removed old fill in the creek, added commercial core, a 42-acre area in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino stormwater management infrastructure, central heart of the city of South Lake restored natural vegetation, and re- At the beginning of 2014, the Tahoe. The existing infrastructure for established historical creek flow. This 50. Prosperity, in the form of the struggling Horizon casino at the east the area was built in the 1960s and project reduces fine sediment flowing Heavenly Village, sat across from the end of the Stateline casino strip closed was one of the largest contributors of into Lake Tahoe, increases recreational unfinished foundation of a planned its doors. polluting fine sediment and nutrients access, and improves scenic beauty in convention center-hotel- Shortly after, it was announced to Lake Tahoe. An area-wide approach the area. that had been stalled by the economic that $60 million would be invested in to capturing stromwater runoff solved South Lake Tahoe downturn. Known locally as the “hole in renovations to transform the building the challenge of designing and building the ground,” the unfinished project was into the new home for the Hard Rock a water quality treatment system in Chateau at the Village a reminder of the hard times South Lake Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe. this highly urbanized area with a high For years, the California side of Tahoe faced during the Great Recession. An extensive remodel is planned groundwater table, a large variety Stateline was marked by contrasting Now Chateau at the Village proudly for the old and weathered property, images on opposite sides of Highway lines Highway 50, bringing promise of including a 25,000-square-foot casino Continued on page 5 PAGE 4 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 5 Continued from page 4

t Harrison Avenue, South Lake Tahoe Improved parking, traffic and curb appeal. of property owners, and extensive coverage. This project reduces by 96 percent the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and fine sediments that wash into Lake Tahoe with stormwater. Harrison Avenue The most visible and overdue improvement in the summer of 2014 was the Harrison Avenue project. Harrison runs along Highway 50 and is the front for a variety of prosperous local businesses. However, the infrastructure did not reflect the local character of businesses in the area. This project met multiple goals, improving the area’s parking, traffic, scenic beauty, and stormwater management. Auto Zone Construction on the new Auto Zone building began during the summer of acquired several key properties in South 2014. Located next to Izzy’s Burgers on Lake Tahoe. t Auto Zone, South Lake Tahoe Highway 50, the building replaces an Alta Mira Building Project reduces stormwater runoff. old garage that was home to a martial arts studio. This new building will The Californa Tahoe Conservancy not only improve the scenic quality purchased the Alta Mira building, of Highway 50, it will also reduce located at the east end of El Dorado stormwater runoff going into the Lake. Beach, in 2014. This parcel, co-owned by Best Management Practices, including State Lands Commission, complements bio-swales and a paved lot, will the city’s larger Lakeview Commons replace the old dirt lot that contributed project. The removal of the building sediment and nonpoint pollution to adds 190 linear feet to the existing Lake Tahoe. 2,050 linear feet of public lake views. The increasing recreational and scenic Cold Water Brewery & Grill values are immediately visible, but Additionally, development rights restoration of the natural floodplain of Another building that sat vacant there are less obvious benefits, too. It associated with the properties will be the marsh in the middle section; and no for years is now the new local artisan will also infiltrate stormwater runoff banked by the Conservancy and can be action on the east side. This preliminary Cold Water Brewery & Grill. The and decrease the amount of sediment transferred for future redevelopment alternative was proposed after decades building once housed the Swiss Chalet discharged to the Lake. within town centers as part of TRPA’s of study, environmental review, and restaurant, the cornerstone of the Swiss Other Properties Regional Plan. public comment, the Conservancy said. Chalet Village. Major renovations In addition to the Alta Mira property, The Upper Truckee Marsh is updated the old building that once Upper Truckee Restoration the Conservancy acquired two pieces responsible for filtering nearly 40 stood out with its stark white exterior of property in the “Y” area of South The California Tahoe Conservancy percent of all water that enters Lake paint and Swiss-themed accents. The Shore — the South “Y” Lodge and a took another important step toward Tahoe. After years of development and brewery illustrates the increasing half acre lot that is home to Heads Up the restoration of the Upper Truckee environmental degradation, marsh popularity of midtown South Lake Smoke Shop and Tahoe Psychic. The River and marsh. In September 2014, restoration is of critical importance Tahoe. larger of the two properties, South “Y” the Conservancy staff announced to the clarity of Lake Tahoe’s waters. California Tahoe Lodge, has over 14,400 square feet of its preliminary, staff-recommended The Conservancy’s plan also takes Conservancy impervious surface that was removed alternative for this critical South Lake into consideration the recreational this fall. The other property has 7,750 Tahoe project. The marsh is responsible value of the area to locals and tourists. The California Tahoe Conservancy, square feet of impervious surface that for filtering water from the Upper After additional review, the final one of the state’s 10 land conservancies, will be restored to a more natural state. Truckee River, the largest of the 63 recommended alternative will be was established in 1984 to lead The restoration of these properties tributaries that feed the Lake and the presented in 2015 and construction California’s work to restore and will have several benefits to both the largest contributor of sediment clouding could start as early as 2017. enhance the extraordinary natural environment and community. They the Lake. The approach recommends and recreational resources of the Lake provide open space, improve water improvements to the recreation Devin Middlebrook is environmental education Tahoe Basin. In 2014, the Conservancy quality, and increase scenic beauty. amenities on the west side of the marsh; specialist at TRPA. PAGE 6 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 7 Summit participants praise protection efforts Continued partnerships, funding key to progress at Lake Tahoe

At the 18th annual Lake Tahoe protect Lake Tahoe has been made Summit in August, California and with $1.7 billion in federal, state, local, Nevada officials and members of the and private sector funding paying two states’ federal delegations touted for restoration projects through the successful efforts to restore and protect Environmental Improvement Program. the Jewel of the Sierra Nevada. But Lake Tahoe continues to face But they also emphasized a need for threats. They include nearshore water continued collaboration among more quality degradation, the introduction than 50 local, state, and federal partner and spread of invasive species, wildfire, agencies and the nonprofit and private drought, climate change, and looming sectors, as well as a need for additional funding shortfalls for programs created funding, to keep momentum going. to tackle those and other issues. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) Gov. Sandoval said he’s confident hosted the 18th annual summit, held at California and Nevada and dozens of the Tallac Historic Site. partner agencies are “more engaged Speakers at the summit included than ever” to work together to protect Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid Tahoe. (D-Nev.); Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.); Gov. Brown, the keynote speaker, Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), Tom focused on how those with different McClintock (R-Calif.), and John points of view can come together to Garamendi (D-Calif.); Nevada Gov. find common ground. “A breakdown Brian Sandoval; California Gov. Jerry can pave the way for a breakthrough,” Brown; representatives of the Washoe he said to the crowd of more than 600 Tribe; and other officials. people. Significant progress to restore and Sen. Dianne Feinstein addresses partipants at the 18th annual Lake Tahoe Summit in August while Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.) listen.

This month marks the 45th anniversary of the creation of the bi-state compact to protect Tahoe

Continued from page 1 environmental a 750,000-resident metropolis at Lake areas into town Tahoe and a four-lane highway with a centers, and the bridge across scenic Emerald Bay. environmental Later compact agreements redevelopment established growth controls and of legacy caps for all types of development properties in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including that were built residential, hotel, and commercial land before modern uses, and set restoration targets for environmental environmental thresholds such as air standards took and water quality, lake clarity, wildlife effect. and fish habitat, vegetation, scenery, “The two and recreation. states have California and Nevada reaffirmed reaffirmed their their partnership to protect Lake Tahoe partnership through legislation in both states in for the Lake, 2013 which endorsed the Regional and their Plan Update of December 2012. commitment Major goals of the Regional Plan to Tahoe remains strong,” said Shelly Lake Tahoe faced intense development pressure when the bi-state compact creating the Update include accelerated attainment Aldean, chairwoman of TRPA’s Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was signed into law by Congress and by California Gov. of environmental thresholds, Governing Board. “As a bi-state Ronald Reagan (above left) and Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt. One proposal at the time that was development of more walkable, organization, we know the only way thwarted by the new environmental controls was a four-lane highway and bridge across the mouth of Emerald Bay, circled in this rendering (above). bikeable town centers, the transfers we’ll be able to save the Lake is to keep of development out of sensitive that cooperation alive.” PAGE 6 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 7 Recovery facilities help Tahoe hit recycling targets More blue bag use could boost recycling results By Tom Lotshaw Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Environmental sustainability covers extensive ground, including recycling. More participation in the “blue bag” mixed recycling programs at Lake Tahoe is needed, according to waste management representatives. Customers of South Tahoe Refuse and Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal are recycling at least some of their trash, even if they’re not actually taking the time to sort their plastic, glass, paper, or metal cans. That’s because the companies have “dirty MRFs,” material recovery facilities where their workers can separate and salvage some of the recyclable materials that get mixed in Workers sort out recyclable materials from trash at a material recovery facility. If more Sorted plastics ready to be shipped off to be with the general waste stream. residents and visitors used the blue bag, mixed recycling program, the area would see a big recycled into new products. But the percentage of material boost in its recycling rates. recovery is lower compared to the blue bag program. bags. The bags are then picked up by Shore schools and with some of its large “Recycling is happening even if you garbage trucks and separated at the commercial customers. The challenge don’t see it, but the more people who MRF for sorting. is keeping the food waste free of participate, the better,” said Jeanne The three waste collection companies contamination by things such as plastic Lear, Human Resources Manager at operating in the Lake Tahoe Basin so that it can be effectively composted South Tahoe Refuse, which operates on agreed to offer the blue bag program for and marketed for sale. the South Shore in California and parts a higher-visibility, more-effective, and “We’re targeting food waste programs of Douglas County, Nevada. uniform recycling campaign, Lear said. to help meet our 2020 goals,” Lear said. South Tahoe Refuse built its MRF South Tahoe Refuse is the only one Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal is in the mid-1990s after California set that offers blue bags to customers also piloting a program to explore the recycling rate targets of 25 percent by free of charge. Tahoe Truckee Sierra logistics and feasibility of food waste 2000 and 50 percent by 2005. “We had Disposal customers on the North and recovery options, said Bert Wallace, to pick a system and because of the West Shore and customers of Waste Operations Manager. large tourist population we went with a Management at Incline Village must Nevada residents in the Basin served dirty MRF because so many recyclables buy blue bags at local stores. by Waste Management must actively are collected with the garbage,” Lear Lear estimates about half of South recycle, either by participating in the said. Tahoe Refuse’s residential customers blue bag program, putting recyclable California’s recycling targets increase participate in the blue bag program. materials in designated recycling recycling rate to 18 percent, compared to 75 percent by 2020. South Tahoe More widespread participation would containers, or dropping recyclable with 5 percent several years ago. During Refuse is aiming for that goal, with an boost its recycling rates. But facing materials off in person, if they want the seasonal green waste recycling overall current rate of about 63 percent. an ambitious 75 percent recycling to keep recyclable materials out of the program offered from May to July, we The MRFs can generally recover target in five years, the company is landfill. That’s because there’s no MRF top 30 percent. Much of what goes to about two-thirds of the recyclable also exploring other material recovery to salvage recyclables from the general the landfill still includes food waste, materials that are mixed in with the options. Recovery of yard waste, waste stream. construction waste, and recyclables that general waste stream, so South Tahoe construction waste, and demolition “If you’re not recycling in Nevada are not separated,” Dunbar said. Refuse wants to get more people to waste are all expected to play a factor in it goes straight to the landfill,” For more information on the dos and participate in the blue bag mixed meeting the state target, she said. said Madonna Dunbar, Resource don’ts of Tahoe recycling, visit: recycling program, Lear said. It has a South Tahoe Refuse built a Resource Conservationist for the Incline Village • www.southtahoerefuse.com much higher recovery rate, as long as Recovery Facility to process organic General Improvement District. • www.waste101.com/flashindex.html people are careful to not contaminate materials, which can be turned into “Incline’s blue bag program was • www.wm.com/index.jsp their recyclables. compost, mulch, and landfill covers. the first single-sort recycling option Recyclable materials such as glass, The company also continues to pilot a in Nevada. Our blue bag program Tom Lotshaw is public information officer at the plastic, and paper are all put into blue food waste recovery program at South has boosted the annual community Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. PAGE 8 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 9 Tahoe Fund seeks help with weed-removal projects Donors pave way for East Shore bike path The Tahoe Fund is seeking donors for $750,000 in donations help secure $12 million in grants to connect Incline to Sand Harbor aquatic invasive weed removal projects at the Tahoe City Dam and the Ski Run Marina Channel. In partnership with the Tahoe With the help of contributions from Resource Conservation District, the funds private donors, the Tahoe Fund met its raised will pay for removal of Eurasian goal of raising $750,000 for a bike path watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed by from Incline Village to Sand Harbor sending divers down to place mats over the State Park. This private investment weeds or to hand pull. These techniques will be the matching monies needed have been used throughout Emerald Bay to to help the Tahoe Transportation eradicate the weeds. District secure more than $12 million “The weeds growing in front of the in public funds from federal, state, Tahoe City Dam and in the Ski Run Marina and local governments for bike path Channel are significantly changing the construction. The new 3-mile path will nearshore environment,” said Tahoe Fund create a valuable recreational amenity CEO Amy Berry. “With the help of the on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe while private community, we can use proven significantly improving the safety of the techniques to remove the weeds and bring highway corridor. back the pristine waters we expect in Lake “It is simply incredible to see the Tahoe.” generous support of the private Lake Tahoe has been infested with community to bring this world-class aquatic invasive weeds in the shallow, walking, running, biking, strolling path nearshore waters since the early 1990s. to Tahoe,” Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry said. “We invite individuals, businesses, The weeds affect lake clarity, alter habitat, Donors Steven and reduce property values, and impact tourism. and foundations to add their support Sandy Hardy (above) The Tahoe Fund has already raised $40,000 for the path and leave their names and contributed to the private legacies on the beautiful eastern shore of fundraising by the Tahoe for these projects through the generous Fund that will help make support of private individuals and the Tahoe.” the East Shore bike Ironman Foundation. A nonprofit dedicated The Incline Village to Sand Harbor path project a reality. bike path will provide an opportunity The 3-mile path will to raising private support and funding for reduce traffic along a environmental improvement projects, the for the community to explore the natural busy stretch of highway. Tahoe Fund has set a total campaign goal beauty of the East Shore of Tahoe that Construction is expected to begin in May 2015. of $65,000 for these projects. until now was safely accessible only by “These weeds are impacting lake clarity, car. The path will provide an exceptional health, and recreation,” said Tahoe Fund recreational amenity, while significantly board member Patricia Ronald. “I hope we improving safety along the State Route can inspire the private community to help us 28 corridor. With a 10-foot wide path, it in our efforts to remove them, so we can all will meet the American Disability Act continue to enjoy the Lake.” standards to ensure it is accessible for The private funds raised for these projects everyone to ride, walk, or stroll. will be leveraged with public funding “The Tahoe Fund was founded from the California Tahoe Conservancy, to inspire the private community to thanks to California Senate Bill 630, which support great environmental projects now allocates pier fees collected by the in Tahoe,” said Tim Cashman, Tahoe California State Lands Commission to Fund Board Chair. “We are so grateful aquatic invasive species control projects. to everyone that has stepped up to make The Tahoe Fund is a 501(c)(3) and all this dream project a reality.” donations are tax exempt to the fullest There are still opportunities to be a extent of the law. For more information on part of this effort before construction and State Route 28, expanding the funds for projects that will improve these and other projects, please visit www. begins in May 2015. All donations of current Lakeshore Drive bike path and lake clarity, enhance recreation, and tahoefund.org. $100 or more will be featured on a donor continuing on to Sand Harbor State inspire environmental stewardship in wall at the trailhead. Engraved bear- and Park, providing access to Hidden Beach, the Lake Tahoe Basin.The organization trout-shaped pavers are also available Memorial Point, and other scenic vistas. It has funded portions of 12 projects along the path for donations of $2,500 is one of the important missing segments that include other new sections of the and $5,000. in the Lake Tahoe Bikeway that will one bike path around the Lake, watershed The new path will be separated day circumnavigate the Lake. restoration, removal of aquatic invasive from the highway. It will begin at Founded in 2010, the nonprofit Tahoe species, and improvements to state the intersection of Lakeshore Drive Fund is dedicated to raising private and public beaches. PAGE 8 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 9

Ski with a Ranger program Resorts provide access to public lands gives visitors special views Several Lake Tahoe ski areas utilize Forest Service lands for their operations By Cheva Gabor U.S. Forest Service

By Cheva Gabor Like many ski resorts, Lake Tahoe’s U.S. Forest Service Heavenly Mountain Resort operates on public lands, managed by the U.S. Every winter, skiers and Forest Service. The Lake Tahoe Basin snowboarders throughout the Lake Management Unit’s (LTBMU) Ski with a Tahoe Basin pray for snow. When Ranger partnership brings together Forest it comes, they’ll likely head out to Service staff, volunteers, Heavenly, and National Forest System (NFS), lands the city of South Lake Tahoe to deliver a to enjoy it. But most winter sports conservation message. enthusiasts probably don’t realize that “When you attend a Ski with a Ranger more than 60 percent of the nation’s ski tour, you’ll learn about recreation on resorts operate on public lands. public lands, forest health, wildlife, and In the Lake Tahoe Basin, Heavenly water quality,” says program coordinator Mountain Resort, owned by Vail Megan Dee. “However, instead of sitting Corporation, offers downhill skiing and in a lecture or reading a brochure, you’re snowboarding on lands managed by learning by skiing or riding the slopes of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin The U.S. Forest Service’s Ski with a Ranger program at Heavenly allows skiers to learn about Heavenly, enjoying breathtaking views.” Management Unit (LTBMU) under forest health, wildlife and water quality issues ­— all while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake The free tours are available to guests who Tahoe. a ski-area permit. Incline’s Diamond ski or snowboard at an intermediate level or Peak Resort and Homewood Mountain Colorado. The company also operates higher. Ski with a Ranger draws all types of Resort hold ski slope permits, which to develop ski and snowboard Northstar Resort, located just outside guests ­— locals, repeat visitors, and Forest authorize use of NFS lands for periods opportunities on some of the most the Lake Tahoe Basin entirely on private Service employees and retirees. of 10 to 20 years but do not allow spectacular landscapes in the country. lands. Strain points to relationship “This was amazing! I have been coming placement of facilities or infrastructure. The economic benefits building as the key to success when to Heavenly for many years and never While Alpine Meadows operates Ski areas pay fees for the use of working with federal land managers. knew the different species of trees and or partially on the LTBMU, the bulk of the federal lands, which go to the U.S. “We work to connect on all levels – from animals, or about the forest health or fire resort lies on the Tahoe National Forest, Treasury. The resorts also bring the forest supervisor, to the permit ecology,” one visitor said. which administers its ski area permit. economic benefits from the use of public administrator, to staff working on the The Ski with a Ranger program in Lake A long-term commitment lands to Forest Service communities. ground.” Tahoe started informally in 1976. Recently, The National Forest Ski Area Permit These include employment The planning challenge funding through the Bureau of Land Act of 1986 authorizes the Forest Service opportunities with the resort, as well Inherent tension exists between Management’s Southern Nevada Public to permit ski areas on public lands. The as multipliers such as dollars spent on private industry’s need for agility in Land Management Act allowed the Forest resulting partnership between the Forest lodging and restaurants by visiting responding to customers’ changing Service to hire a coordinator. The current Service and the ski industry offers high skiers and snowboarders. Expansion interests and the federal government’s program began in 2009 with 497 contacts. quality winter recreation opportunities of summer activities at ski resorts such requirements for analyzing and By 2012, it was drawing more than four that neither party could provide on their as Heavenly should help to stabilize approving new projects on the times that many. In 2013, the Forest own, says Andrew Strain, vice president and increase this economic opportunity mountain. Service and Heavenly began offering the of planning and governmental affairs while enhancing recreation. “The biggest challenge we face tour in Spanish. for Heavenly Mountain Resort and Across the Forest Service, 122 ski in administering ski area permits is “There is no better way to learn the most Northstar California Resort. areas operate on 180,000 acres of the 193 adapting to changes in user preferences interesting Lake Tahoe facts and history,” The private sector takes the financial million total managed by the agency. and the market,” Cook-Fisher says. said Pete Sonntag, Heavenly’s general risk, amortized over the life of a 40-year The agency averages 23 million visits to Strain agrees, noting the constraints manager. “While skiing with a ranger, permit, and invests the substantial ski areas annually, which contribute $3 as well as the Lake Tahoe Basin’s short you will learn about Heavenly’s unique private dollars necessary to build and billion to the economy each winter and construction season, particularly at relationship as partners in recreation maintain infrastructure, such as lodges create approximately 65,000 full-time, 9,000 feet, where much of the resort’s with the U.S. Forest Service to share the and ski lifts. part-time, and seasonal jobs in rural infrastructure is located. important responsibility of maintaining “Ski area permits are the longest-term communities. Heavenly’s Master Plan, approved by a healthy forest, protecting our fragile commitments the Forest Service makes With experience managing resorts the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s ecosystem, and exposing Heavenly and to an outside entity for a particular piece on both public and private lands, Governing Board, sets forth broad Lake Tahoe to a more diverse population.” of land, in recognition of the extremely Strain has a unique perspective on the direction for the resort, but all projects In addition to Heavenly, several of Vail’s high initial investment required,” additional complexities of managing a that occur on federal lands must also Colorado resorts offer the Ski with a Ranger LTBMU ski area permit administrator resort located on NFS lands. In addition undergo National Environmental Policy program as well. As one snowboarder Jonathan Cook-Fisher says. to Heavenly, Vail operates Kirkwood Act analysis, which gives the public remarked, “What a great way to spend a In return for their investment, Resort on the Eldorado National Forest day. Learning and riding!” corporations such as Vail are allowed and several resorts on NFS lands in Continued on page 10 PAGE 10 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 11

Resorts provide access Homeowners partner to battle weeds Continued from page 9 additional opportunities to review and comment. Much of Heavenly’s permit area remains relatively undisturbed, providing important habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species such as Tahoe draba, whitebark pine, and pine marten. The Forest Service works closely with Heavenly to ensure that approved projects include extensive design features meant to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, visual quality, and other standards. Cook-Fisher and Strain note that environmental concerns at the resort often stem from features constructed in the 1950s and ’60s that require costly and time-consuming installation and maintenance of water quality Best Management Practices. “Now, instead of looking to control topography when designing ski runs and lifts, we try to blend with the Treatment will involve bottom barriers as well as hand removal of the Eurasian watermilfoil that is clogging the marina. existing topography, minimizing any impact to the natural environment,” Crystal Shores East homeowners working to remove water plant from marina Cook-Fisher says. In addition to offering exceptional By Nicole Cartwright include a winter recreation opportunities, Tahoe Resource Conservation District combination Crystal Shores East partnering with private industry The homeowners association of Crystal of bottom allows the Forest Service an Shores East in Incline Village is stepping barriers unsurpassed opportunity to help up to remove invasive weeds from its and diver- winter visitors understand the marina by partnering with local experts. assisted hand importance of protecting public lands. An infestation of approximately 10,000 removal. Heavenly partners with the Forest Lake Tahoe square feet of Eurasian watermilfoil Bottom Service on two winter conservation (Myriophyllum spicatum) is crowding barriers— education programs: Ski with a Ranger out the marina. Eurasian watermilfoil is synthetic invasive species removal projects on and Winter Trek Express. Winter a submerged aquatic plant that grows material private property. This project, one of Trek, also supported by the Tahoe in still or slow-moving water and used to block many in the Lake Tahoe Environmental Heritage Foundation and the city of reproduces by fragmentation. It was sunlight Improvement Program, is part of the South Lake Tahoe, fulfills fifth-grade first discovered in Lake Tahoe in the and inhibit the plants from larger initiative to fight existing invasive curriculum requirements in science, late 1990s on the South Shore. Over the photosynthesis—were placed on the species at the Lake and prevent new language, social science, and physical years, small fragments of this plant have infestation in early September and invasives from taking hold. education. Forest Service rangers lead made their way across the 22 miles of the removed in October. Divers will be “It was an eye-opening experience to the students on a snowshoe tour at the Lake to establish new colonies. following up with hand pulling to treat see how involved it was to deploy the top of Heavenly in search of the signs The Tahoe Resource Conservation outlying plants. barriers.” Ann Schofield, representative of winter-adapting animals. District (Tahoe RCD) and Crystal Shores There have been some challenges from Crystal Shores East, said. “The “Ski areas have become part of the East homeowners, with support from with low water levels, but the Tahoe RCD has been great to work with.” culture of the American West,” says the Nevada Division of State Lands, are removal team is making adjustments Lake Tahoe’s clarity will benefit from Cook-Fisher. “Resorts like Heavenly combining public and private dollars to as conditions change. The project private industry combining forces with take our visitors to new heights, treat the weeds. This new partnership will conduct follow-up surveys in public organizations to tackle aquatic exploring areas of our national forests is providing Crystal Shores access to Spring 2015 to determine if additional invasive species. that few would otherwise see.” materials and the technical expertise of treatment is needed. Cheva Gabor is public information officer the Tahoe RCD and members of the Lake The Tahoe RCD hopes to continue Nicole Cartwright is the Aquatic Invasive Species at the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program. the partnership with Crystal Shores Program coordinator with the Tahoe Resource Management Unit. Treatment for this location will and use it as an illustration for other Conservation District. PAGE 10 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 11 Signs remind visitors to help protect Lake Tahoe Signage project greets travelers from Nevada; goal is to add signs to California side, too

By Tom Lotshaw Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Gateway signs installed on three Nevada highways leading into the Lake Tahoe Basin have a simple message to help remind people they are entering a special place and share a duty to help protect its famously clear waters. The three decorative signs read, “Entering the Lake Tahoe Watershed – Help Protect It!” They were installed Do you remember your this summer near Daggett Summit first glimpse of Tahoe? on Nevada State Route 207, Spooner Summit on U.S. Highway 50, and on Readers are asked to share Nevada State Route 431, the Highway. their memories with us At this year’s Fourth of July Lake Tahoe, the Jewel of the Sierra celebrations on the South Shore, Nevada, has long inspired people with beachgoers left several thousand the beauty of its clear, blue water and pounds of trash behind for community surrounding forests and mountains. volunteers to clean up, showing there is Mark Twain wrote about his first sight of still a strong need to remind people of Tahoe and the “singular clarity” of its water their responsibility to help protect Lake in his 1861 book, “Roughing It.” Twain hiked Tahoe and its beaches. up to have a look at the natural wonder That same responsibility goes for after hearing “a world of talk about [its] keeping trash and pollutants out of marvelous beauty.” stormwater drains and the 63 streams “At last the lake burst upon us – a noble that flow into Lake Tahoe in a watershed sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three that spans about 500 square miles. hundred feet above the level of the sea, and “Everything drains into the Lake,” walled in by a rim of snow-clad mountain said Julie Regan, chief of external affairs peaks that towered aloft three thousand feet at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. higher still! As it lay there with the shadows “The purpose of these new signs is to of the mountains brilliantly photographed bolster environmental stewardship, let upon its still surface, I thought it must all visitors know they are entering a surely be the fairest picture the whole world special place, and remind them there’s a affords,” Twain wrote of the experience. responsibility we all share to take care of What do you remember about seeing it. These signs are one more tool to help Lake Tahoe for the first time? instill that awareness.” People are asked to share their stories The Lake Tahoe Environmental about their first glimpse of the Lake for a Gateway Signage Project was paid future publication of Tahoe In Depth. E-mail for with funding from the U.S. The sign on the greets westbound travelers on State Route 431. TRPA is us with your recollections at tahoeindepth@ Environmental Protection Agency, the seeking funding for signs on California highways leading into the Basin. gmail.com, or write to us at Nevada Division of Environmental Tahoe In Depth, PO Box 5310, Protection, and the Lake Tahoe License said Elizabeth Harrison, Lake Tahoe Construction in Carson City installed Stateline, NV 89449 Plate Program run by Nevada Division coordinator for the Nevada Tahoe the signs. Be sure to include your name and your of State Lands. Resource Team at Nevada Division of TRPA is trying to secure funding for phone number or e-mail address in case we “The Nevada Division of State State Lands. similar gateway signs on the California need to clarify anything. Lands, through its Lake Tahoe License The gateway signs were designed highways leading into the Lake Tahoe You can also share your stories with us Plate Program, provided funding to by Lolly Kupec of Wild West Basin for a true watershed-wide via social media using #TahoeMemories. the gateway signs project to promote Communications Group in Homewood, approach to raising awareness. The stewardship and preservation and and engineered by Lumos and agency is also looking for community restoration efforts in the Lake Tahoe Associates in Stateline and K.B.Foster groups to help maintain the signs. Basin for residents and visitors alike,” Civil Engineering in Truckee. Rapid n PAGE PAGE 12 n TAHOE IN DEPTH Fall Residential Custom Log Home: This Incline Village home is an example of new TAHOE IN DEPTH 13 construction that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious. The home is one of a handful of structures in the Basin to achieve a LEED silver rating for energy Southwood Best Management Practices Retrofit:A BMP retrofit at this Incline Village efficiency. Most of the structure is made from logs that were recovered from a burned forest complex installed vegetated basins and a long, rock-lined bioswale infiltration system Fulton-Steifel Shorezone Erosion Control Improvement: This project in Tahoe City repaired and in the Pacific Northwest. Extensive paneling inside the home is recycled barn wood. to address a large amount of stormwater runoff, instead of a cost-prohibitive approach that BESTin the stabilized a badly eroding section of shoreline on Dollar Point. It involved the relocation of a would have buried rock and plastic under parking lots. The project used on-site materials so sewer lateral and the stabilization and vegetation of the shoreline. there was essentially no import or export of materials. About 20,000 square feet of compacted dirt was seeded with native grass and wildflowers as part of the project.The project used on- site materials. Before After BASIN Before After By Tom Lotshaw Tahoe Regional Planning Agency With its Best in the Basin program, Highway 50 Spooner Summit Wall Replacement: Nevada the Tahoe Regional Planning Tahoe House Best Management Practices Retrofit: This project installed Department of Transportation used a hybrid method to Before After Agency each year recognizes an innovative solution to treat stormwater runoff at the Tahoe stabilize a section of scarred highway slope experiencing House, a family-owned bakery and coffee shop in Tahoe City. The rock falls and heavy erosion. The Vegetated Reinforced projects that demonstrate site was constrained by high groundwater and a steep parking Soil Slope System entails a series of wire baskets that lot grade, so planners designed a flow-through, above-ground, exceptional planning, design, and are reinforced with a geo-grid and faced with seeded treat-and-release system that was less than half the cost of the matting to encourage vegetation growth. Geosynthetics environmental compatibility in the commonly used filter, vault-type system. The system was built Magazine said, “This reinforced soil slope meets TRPA around the business’s existing sign and planter. It collects runoff requirements for beauty and NDOT requirements for Lake Tahoe Basin. The program and channels it through a series of media zones. Monitoring strength, stability, and durability.” found the system cut point-in-time concentrations of suspended Lake Tahoe saw some changes for 2013. Award sediment by 68 percent and oil and grease by 78 percent. Warrior Way Water Quality Improvement: Douglas County Community Development Department categories were reduced from 12 implemented this project to reduce roadside erosion and its water quality impacts along Warrior Way in Zephyr Cove. Conveyance features capture runoff and carry it to infiltration areas. Vegetation, to five with the highest scoring Chinquapin Lighting Replacement: Spearheaded by the Chinquapin Homeowner Association, rip-rap, vehicle barriers, and curb and gutter will reduce sediment loads into Lake Tahoe. The project this phased project replaced street, parking lot, pathway, stairway, and pier lighting at also represents what can be done through partnerships. Douglas County, Douglas County School projects in each category receiving this Tahoe City community. All underground wiring was replaced and the project installed District, and U.S. Forest Service all own property in the area and the project could not have been an award. Also, the team of more than 350 new lighting fixtures. The high-efficiency fixtures down cast light to reduce done without them working together. light pollution and will provide attractive, efficient, and low-maintenance lighting. independent judges pushed back Highway 50 Transit Shelters: Tahoe Transportation District installed Before After their evaluations from fall to spring custom Blue Go Transit System shelters in South Lake Tahoe. The bus shelters have a covered seating area, receptacles for to allow for more ideal vegetation trash and recycling, bicycle racks, and route information. They conditions. offer improved comfort and safety for bus riders while also improving the system’s visibility to attract new riders. Here are the Best in the Basin award winners for 2013: Pioneer Trail Pedestrian Improvement: South Lake Tahoe upgraded both sides of Pioneer Trail from Highway 50 to Larch Avenue with 5-foot-wide pedestrian walkways, driveway transitions, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, and LED Lower Blackwood Creek Restoration: A century of human disturbance, including in-channel Tahoe Mountain Boathouse Scenic Improvement: This upgraded Tahoma boathouse is an Montgomery Estates Area 2: El Dorado County Transportation Division, Tahoe Engineering sidewalk lighting, along with bus pads and shelters. The project resulted in gravel mining, severely degraded this West Shore creek and significantly increased its accessory structure to a home that won a Best in the Basin award in 2012. Using the same Unit, designed and constructed Best Management Practices to improve water quality in this significant pedestrian, transit and bicycle improvements. Prior to the project, this sediment flows into Lake Tahoe. The California Tahoe Conservancy restored about 1,200 footprint for the boathouse imposed many challenges, including complying with bulk, mass, project area, bounded by Trout Creek to the south, Cold Creek to the north, and Pioneer section of roadway lacked infrastructure for pedestrians and did not meet federal linear feet of the creek south of Tahoe City, with channel realignments to reduce erosion and scenic requirements. The mooring deck and floor can be raised or lowered depending Trail to the west. The project installed a series of basins, rock- and blanket-lined channels, accessibility standards. and improve stream habitat. The project also restored native riparian vegetation. on water levels or watercraft height. and underground systems to improve stormwater infiltration and treatment and keep urban runoff and fine sediment out of Trout Creek. After Before After Before After Before PAGE 14 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 15 We all play a role in improving Tahoe’s clarity Best Management Practices are required on all developed properties in the Tahoe Region

hundreds of businesses have made By Shay Navarro investments in recent years, which Tahoe Regional Planning Agency help the Lake and enhance the overall One neighborhood is installing aesthetic of the properties. Other a large vegetated basin that will be priorities for BMP installation on used to capture and treat polluted private properties include proximity stormwater before it reaches the Lake. to public water-quality improvement Another area with high projects. These projects are built by local groundwater has installed a system jurisdictions to treat stormwater from for capturing runoff and pumping it roads and public right-of-ways in order upstream to be infiltrated. to help meet their Total Maximum Daily Both of these projects represent Load (TMDL) requirements. The TMDL an areawide approach to treating is a plan developed by California, stormwater through a regional Nevada, and the U.S. Environmental system. They are public-private Protection Agency to restore Lake Regional Treatment Systems (above) treat partnerships used in key areas around multiple properties together, versus installing Tahoe’s clarity by working with local Lake Tahoe to improve the clarity of BMPs on each individual property (below). governments and state highway the Lake. An added benefit of these Treat-and-release systems (left) allow departments to prevent pollutants from properties unable to infiltrate on site to treat projects is the opportunity for other their stormwater before it has a chance to entering the Lake. improvements beyond water quality reach the Lake. Smaller projects help larger ones such as scenic, recreation, and air Installing and maintaining BMPs quality improvements through the use on private properties adjacent to these of lighting, bicycle, and pedestrian public water-quality improvement infrastructure and open space. projects prevents additional Why BMPs help the Lake stormwater runoff from flowing to As one of the largest alpine lakes in and overwhelming the systems and the world, Lake Tahoe’s famed clarity increasing the frequency by which is linked to historically receiving they need to be maintained. In 2014 very low amounts of nutrients and TRPA notified hundreds of property sediment from the surrounding owners with single-family residences environment. However, Lake Tahoe’s in the Sierra Tract neighborhood in clarity has declined and continues South Lake Tahoe and the central to be threatened mainly due to soil Incline Village area of Washoe County erosion and polluted stormwater of the need for them to install BMPs runoff as a result of development Best Management Practices (BMPs) on which remains valid as long as BMPs are around their homes. These areas were in the Tahoe Region before developed properties is an important maintained and functioning. Protecting strategically selected because of their environmental regulations were in factor in improving Lake Tahoe’s clarity. Lake Tahoe’s water quality is everyone’s proximity to larger public water-quality place. BMPs are measures taken to minimize responsibility, yet there are different improvement projects built by the local Roadways, buildings, and parking soil erosion, maintain fire defensible ways property owners can meet their jurisdictions. lots prevent stormwater from naturally space, and capture, infiltrate, and/ obligation depending on their location, Although all developed properties infiltrating into the ground, as it does or treat polluted stormwater before it the unique conditions found on site, in the Tahoe Region – including in undisturbed forests and meadows. enters Lake Tahoe. This helps improve and the possibility of participating in private homes – have to meet BMP Instead, stormwater runs off, picking water quality and reduces the decline a regional treatment system. Areas requirements, compliance remains a up sediment, nutrients, and other of Lake Tahoe’s clarity and helps to not prioritized by local governments challenge for thousands of properties. pollutants such as oil and heavy protect against the threat of catastrophic for regional treatment must still meet Whether through participation in an metals, as it passes over these surfaces wildfire. BMP requirements on their individual area-wide treatment system or by and transports them to the Lake. Lake Getting a BMP certificate properties. installing individual parcel BMPs, Tahoe’s watershed is relatively small To preserve Lake Tahoe for future Installing BMPs on developed property owners are urged to participate and much of the historic wetlands generations, the Tahoe Regional properties in recent years has largely in this important environmental effort to that once acted as filters have been Planning Agency requires all developed focused on commercial properties, protect Lake Tahoe’s clarity. disturbed and developed. Polluted properties to meet Best Management whose parking lots and rooftops can For more information on how to get stormwater does not have far to travel Practices, or BMP, requirements for dramatically accelerate lake-fouling started, visit tahoebmp.org. before it reaches the Lake. treating stormwater runoff. Properties runoff. While these improvements on Shay Navarro is the Stormwater Program Science shows that implementing in compliance receive a BMP certificate, commercial properties are expensive, manager for TRPA. PAGE 14 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 15 Students in snowshoes

The outdoor school teaches students about ecology, watersheds, and astronomy. About Great Basin Outdoor School

Many schools bring students to Tahoe throughout the year to participate in environmental education programs conducted by Great Basin Outdoor School. Most programs conducted by the Great Basin Outdoor School are multi-day science camps on the shore of Lake Tahoe targeted primarily for “My students come from a variety of fifth-and sixth-grade classes. backgrounds,” a fifth-grade teacher from Bailey Charter Elementary School in Reno Winter program brings classrooms closer to history, watershed reported last February, after spending two days at Lake Tahoe in Great Basin Outdoor By Kaitlyn Stone School’s winter ecology and snowshoe University of Nevada, Reno program. Great Basin Outdoor School winter “Watching them go through many ‘first’ programs use activities and experiments experiences such as seeing Lake Tahoe, to teach local youth about watersheds, staying in cabins, playing on a beach, and water quality, and how the Sierra eating family style was such an honor.” snowpack is the major source of water Many of the students in these programs for the area. also learn about winter astronomy, winter One of these lessons focuses on Dr. safety, animal adaptations to winter, and James Edward Church, who was a the importance of snow and water in the pioneer of snow surveying in the early Tahoe Basin. 1900s. Church developed the Mount Since 1998, this local nonprofit based in Rose snow sampler that is able to Reno has been helping children learn about accurately measure the water content of local ecology, watersheds, and astronomy snow. through team challenges, group activities, Steve Hale, a retired U.S. Forest games, and water-quality testing. Most Service staff member, appears in programs are multi-day science camps on costume during the lesson portraying the shore of Lake Tahoe targeted primarily Dr. Church. He teaches students how to for fifth- and sixth-grade classes. Students use the snow-measuring device Church gain real-world skills, such as critical developed more than a century ago. thinking, teamwork experience, social Retired Forest Service employee Steve Hall, portraying snow measurement pioneer Dr. James “Understanding Dr. Church’s work interaction, environmental connections, and Edward Church, teaches students how to use one of Church’s devices. helps us to understand the role each exploration. student and every one of us has to play professor at the University of Nevada, Hale helps Great Basin students For more information about Great Basin in practicing water conservation,” Hale Reno, developed methodology and understand where the life-sustaining Outdoor School, visit www.GreatBasin-os. explained. hydrologic prediction models that continue water comes from. Sierra snow org. To contact the organization, please call Church’s love of the snow-covered to be used all over the world today. provides drinking water and supports (775) 823-8888 or email Leilani Valdez at Sierra prompted him to pioneer snow By demonstrating how the snow wildlife, agriculture, forests, and [email protected]. measuring as a science. Church, a sampler works and what it measures, aquifer recharge. PAGE 16 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 17 Winter can make some Tahoe animals feel at home For some creatures, deep snow is a challenge; for others it’s a sanctuary

By T. Will Richardson Tahoe Institute for Natural Science Many of us love the winter at Tahoe. Winter means snow (usually), and snow means skiing or other outdoor pursuits. But wintertime sends some Tahoe residents fleeing the mountains for the warmer climes of Palm Springs or A white-tailed jackrabbit. Puerto Villarta. The same is true for many animals who inhabit the Tahoe exact a heavy toll on these minuscule Basin in the warm months; some predators. love winter and thrive during the Some mammals living under snowbound months while others don’t the snow not only benefit from the do well at all and decide to head south. insulation from cold temperatures, For many species, the Sierra Nevada they are also shielded from predators. winter is a tough time. Quite a few Further, some plants can continue to species head to lower latitudes or grow, albeit very slowly, beneath up to elevations, either on wing or on foot. 6 feet of snow! Other species find their solution to the The busy voles hardships of winter by simply shutting In addition, Tahoe’s several species down for the season, significantly of voles, small rodents related to reducing their energy demands and This white-tailed ptarmigan, photographed in the Carson Pass area in March 2011, has no lemmings, can be insulated from the their exposure to the harsh conditions. trouble blending in the Tahoe Region during the winter. Other animals may choose to leave the cold, protected from predators, and area when the snow flies, however. But there is a third set of animals that remain well fed. This, in turn, means choose to stick it out and face winter accessible. White-tailed ptarmigan is drag out the process when there is a that voles will reproduce straight head on, and for some of these species, another species adapted to walk on the lingering snowpack, but there is no through the winter. Under the right deep snow is actually a good thing. surface of the snow. This grouse-like flexibility within the population in conditions, populations can explode Problems posed by snow bird has a dense covering of feathers on terms of when the molts actually began. under the snowpack, and anyone in For many animals, snow on the its feet that help with both insulation Life beneath the snow Tahoe with a lawn has surely seen the ground presents challenges. For and buoyancy. Presumably, neither of Many species actually thrive during evidence of this come springtime. Deep example, it may render their food these adaptations is ideal for efficient the winter by living beneath the snow snowpack tends to bring a healthy supply inaccessible. This problem movement on bare ground, so we can surface. Deep snowpack provides a resurgence of voles in the springtime, appears to be the principal difference assume that there is a small energetic great deal of insulation from the cold and this is welcome relief for a great between winter-active tree squirrels cost to the animals when the ground air above, and temperatures where the diversity of predators, assuming they and hibernating ground squirrels and is bare. Further, both of these species snow and the ground meet are often can make it through the leanest months chipmunks. This challenge also appears actually change colors in winter to just above freezing due to heat being of winter themselves. A thin or absent to drive short-distance migration in match their snowy backgrounds. Three released by the ground, metabolic heat snowpack is much tougher on the voles, many shrub-foraging birds. other Sierra Nevada species that perform from plants, and a small input from the but makes them readily accessible to the Another problem is that of this trick are long-tailed and short-tailed latent heat of condensation (any liquid many owls, hawks, , and locomotion. With their small hooves weasels and the white-tailed jackrabbit. water freezing at that interface). that depend on them to make it through and heavy bodies, deer expend a When these animals are out of color This insulation is especially the winter. tremendous amount of extra energy phase with the landscape, they are important in small mammals with high It’s all a matter of perspective moving in relatively shallow snow. If, alarmingly conspicuous and vulnerable metabolisms and very little insulation and timing. One species’ hardship however, an animal can still find food to predation. of their own. Amazingly, tiny shrews is another’s relief. Variable and and figure out a way to move over, on, Changing colors are able to find enough invertebrate changing conditions continually apply or under the snow, the animal may be Over many generations, the timing prey during the winter to stay active evolutionary pressures on behavior, inconvenienced very little, if at all. Some of these color changes can shift, but through the season. Indeed, with timing of molt and migrations, and species may even benefit from the snow individual animals have no way to their sky-high metabolisms, they may diet. Snow depth in the Sierra Nevada during winter. prevent turning white if snows arrive actually find it easier to meet their mountains is surely one of the most is one such species. late. The color changes through molting energy requirements under the steady important of these factors. With its oversized feet and light weight, in new fur or feathers, in turn brought temperatures beneath the snow. Many it easily lopes over the surface of the on by hormonal changes triggered by shrews die from cold-starvation during T. Will Richardson is co-director and co-founder snowpack, browsing on whatever daylength. Recent research on snowshoe cold nights in mid-summer, and of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science. shrubs and trees are tasty and hares in Montana found they could surely winter months without snow PAGE 16 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 17 Work continues to bolster cutthroat trout Pilot Peak strain of Lahontan cutthroat trout may be spawning in Fallen Leaf watershed

By Tom Lotshaw Tribe backs effort to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency re-establish Lahontan The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cutthroat trout and partner agencies started work this October on a fisheries management plan The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and to bolster populations of the Pilot Peak California supports this management plan strain of Lahontan cutthroat trout at to strengthen populations of Lahontan Fallen Leaf Lake. cutthroat trout at Fallen Leaf Lake and After years of stocking and research, efforts to reintroduce the native trout data suggest the reintroduced native species within the tribe’s ancestral territory. trout species has been attempting to Marie Barry, a former director of the spawn in the watershed during the past Washoe Environmental Protection three drought years. Department, started collaborations with the “We’re switching from scientific study Lahontan cutthroat trout working group and and research into active management,” was a member of the group for years in an said Stephanie Byers, senior fishery effort to re-establish the trout to its historic biologist at the Lahontan National Fish range in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Hatchery Complex in Gardnerville, Fishing has always been an important Nevada. part of the Washoe lifestyle, said Darrel “The research identified the strategies Cruz, tribal historic preservation officer. and management actions we needed to Lahontan cutthroat trout, mountain create a niche for the Lahontan cutthroat Lahontan cutthroat trout are shown in Glen Alpine Creek near Fallen Leaf Lake. whitefish, and minnows were the primary trout to survive and over-winter in native fish species in the Lake Tahoe Fallen Leaf Lake. Now we can go and — one that can also support a native “Some level (of non-native Basin that sustained the Washoe people implement those actions on a watershed species fishery. trout) will probably persist in the for thousands of years. The seasonal life scale to make that niche bigger and Recreational fishing is an important watershed. But in order for these patterns of the fish influenced the seasonal make them more successful.” part of this effort and the Lahontan cutthroat trout to grow to the sizes life patterns of the Washoe who depended The Pilot Peak strain of Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex will that were historically in the system, on them, Cruz said. cutthroat trout is the Lake Tahoe continue its annual stocking program, management of the non-natives is At the turn of the last century, the Washoe Basin’s native lacustrine, or lake, trout Byers said. imperative,” Smith said. people, who had fished and managed species. The species was extirpated, or “The Pilot Peak fish are proving to be “This is very exciting for us. We’ll fishing in the Lake Tahoe Basin for disappeared, from the Region by the great fighters in other waters. They’ll finally get to see what the Lahontan thousands of years, were forbidden from 1930s, mainly because of habitat loss leap out of the water and are described cutthroat trout can do when we give fishing in Lake Tahoe and portrayed as and the impacts of a commercial fishing as being like torpedoes. A kayaker up them a chance and we’re looking the cause of the Lahontan cutthroat trout’s industry that peaked at about one in Fallen Leaf Lake reported his catch forward to the success we’ll have as decline and near extinction. In fact, it was million pounds per year. to us. He thought he had a 24-inch fish we start to manage the lake trout and unregulated commercial fishing practices “Commercial fishing operations on the line with the fight the fish was rainbow trout.” along with other contributing factors that were catching thousands of these fish putting up. When he finally pulled it The Fallen Leaf Lake reintroduction caused the decimation of the species, Cruz and marketing them as far away as in, it was a 12- to 14-inch fish. He was project is a top priority of the Tahoe said. San Francisco in the 1800s,” said Jason thrilled,” Byers said. Basin Recovery Implementation More recently, the Washoe Tribe of Smith, a staff research associate with Management actions will focus on Team and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Nevada and California was granted a the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the reducing populations of non-native lake Management Oversight Group. special day for traditional fishing, and can University of Nevada, Reno. trout and rainbow trout in Fallen Leaf The interagency teams include now use traditional fishing practices utilizing Lahontan cutthroat trout weighing Lake and Glen Alpine Creek. the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, harpoons, nets, spears, and traps made upwards of 20 pounds once lived in Lake trout pose a predation threat for California Department of Fish and with natural resources. Cruz said this is Fallen Leaf Lake and other waters in the Lahontan cutthroat trout and rainbow Wildlife, Nevada Department of important to the tribe to keep traditions Lake Tahoe Basin. The record Lahontan trout pose a hybridization risk, so Wildlife, Tahoe Regional Planning alive, a very important part of its culture as cutthroat trout for Lake Tahoe weighed weirs and nets will be used to reduce Agency, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and a native people. a little more than 31 pounds. populations of those non-native trout. California, U.S. Forest Service Lake The goal of the management plan is Lake and rainbow trout captured as Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and to create a viable, naturally reproducing part of year-round suppression efforts the Tahoe, Truckee, and Humboldt- population of Lahontan cutthroat trout will be donated to area food banks and Toiyabe national forests. in the Fallen Leaf Lake watershed wildlife sanctuaries. PAGE 18 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 19 Why we choose Grant program boosts walking, cycling to walk or ride With the warm weather this summer, On Our Way supports ideas to encourage human-powered transit many of us were riding our bikes to work, on errands, and just for fun. By Karen Fink Recently, I drove my car to work on a day Tahoe Regional Planning Agency when rain and hail threatened. During the day, I occasionally thought of how my drive Six Lake Tahoe local governments, home would be in a heated, water-tight one school district, and two community vehicle. No speeding cars whizzing past organizations have been working over and splashing me, no ragged asphalt to the last six months on projects to make navigate. their communities a better place for Feeling safe and comfortable is those who want to walk, cycle, or use something that we usually take for granted transit services rather than drive a car. in a car. While driving has its risks, we These projects are all part of the On can reach almost all of our day-to-day Our Way program, a new federally destinations on a paved road. funded effort managed by the Tahoe When biking or walking, however, we Regional Planning Agency. On Our Way sometimes need to get creative to feel safe. projects are funded through the Federal That may mean riding our bikes on the Highway Administration, and include sidewalk or the dirt, taking a longer, indirect matching funds, staff, or volunteer time route to avoid busy streets, or riding in the from project proponents. More than vehicle lane with cars. $580,000 in grant funding has gone to A father and son take advantage of a nice fall day at Lake Tahoe to head off to school on a tandem bicycle. Connected bikeways help make cyclists more comfortable on their trips. For many people, particularly new Tahoe communities since the program’s riders, visitors, or kids and their parents, launch this year. A list of awarded uncertainty about the connectivity and projects can be viewed at www.tmpo. District (LTUSD) Safe Routes to through major corridors. A project on the safety of bike routes can be stressful. And org/onourway.aspx Schools Framework. Based on surveys U.S. Highway 50 corridor in Meyers will that influences the choices we make when On Our Way encourages communities and observations of kids arriving at design streetscape improvements that we leave the house. Whenever we go to look at ways to make their streets and leaving school, the project team promote walking, biking, transit use, and somewhere, “safe and cozy” plays into our more appealing for biking, walking, recommended projects for the four increased public safety. decision-making. Does a mental image of or transit use while at the same time district elementary schools. This Placer County’s project, located in our upcoming voyage direct us toward the incorporating environmental and framework can now be used to initiate Tahoe City, will examine centralized bike or the car? economic enhancements. The program projects for priority improvements like parking strategies and new pedestrian Biking and walking are healthy ways is based on the principle that biking sidewalks. connections to establish a vibrant to get around — for individuals and the and walking are healthy ways to get Another project related to school pedestrian-oriented downtown. Washoe environment. But before people will make around — both for individuals and the access is the South Tahoe Middle School County is developing a Corridor that choice, they need to feel comfortable environment — but that people will Connectivity Project, through which Management Plan for the Mount Rose on their cycling or walking trip. Connected only choose those routes if they feel the LTUSD will be identifying ways to Highway Scenic Byway to integrate bikeways, well-marked crossings, and comfortable while traveling on them. connect the South Tahoe Middle School transit, points of interest, bicycling walkable plazas encourage people to walk Connected bikeways, well-marked to nearby neighborhoods, parks, and the corridors, and parking. These projects all and bike to their destinations. crossings, and walkable plazas Lake Tahoe Community College. include public outreach components to More than anything else, the idea of safe, encourage people to walk and bike Douglas County used an On Our Way gather input on corridor alternatives. comfortable routes for walkers and cyclists to their destinations. And these grant to create visual depictions for the In addition, Washoe County is looking helps explain why TRPA has launched improvements provide a variety of Tahoe Douglas Area Plan of potential at ways to enhance the user experience of the On Our Way grant program. Have a benefits — they not only help the pedestrian, bicycle, and stormwater the Nevada Stateline to Stateline Bikeway suggestion for how to achieve this? For Lake by reducing car travel and the treatment improvements. The visuals and the State Route 28 Scenic Byway, and more information on the On Our Way associated runoff, but they can also are intended to spark the public’s is using On Our Way funds to develop a projects and to get involved in making your create vibrant streetscapes that attract imagination for changes to important Wayfinding Signage Master Plan for this community more walkable and bikeable, economic investment and encourage travel corridors leading to Lake Tahoe. corridor, as well as studying ways to fund visit www.tahoempo.org. people to get outside and enjoy their The this summer maintenance of the bicycle trail. — Karen Fink communities. On Our Way seeks to collected trail surveys and user counts The strong partnerships behind accelerate these kinds of improvements. to inform its project, “Connecting Tahoe each of these eight projects, slated to Some of the initial projects funded Rim Trail Users to Transportation be completed by the summer of 2016, by On Our Way focus directly on safety Alternatives.” This project will speaks to the widespread level of and connections for kids accessing recommend ways the transit system can commitment and interest in making that school facilities. The Community better connect trail users to trailheads. bike, walk, or transit trip a cozy and Mobility Group of the Lake Tahoe Placer, El Dorado, and Washoe comfortable one. Sustainability Collaborative recently counties are working on corridor completed the first On Our Way management plans to promote Karen Fink is principal transportation planner project — a Lake Tahoe Unified School improved transportation choices with TRPA. PAGE 18 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 19

Tahoe’s 3 faults capable Mountaintop cameras keep watchful eye of producing major damage

Firefighters use the 360-degree online views to spot blazes early By Tom Lotshaw Minor earthquakes are relatively common By Tom Lotshaw at Lake Tahoe, but large earthquakes Tahoe Regional Planning Agency happen every few thousand years. There are three main faults in the Lake Four mountaintop cameras the Tahoe Basin, one on the West Shore, University of Nevada, Reno set up around one mid-Lake, and one that crosses the Lake Tahoe to help people spot wildfires Northeast Shore near Incline Village. didn’t take long to show their value. Research suggests that the largest fault, In August, days before the Lake the West Tahoe fault, is more than 1,000 Tahoe Summit, Mac Heller, a firefighter years past its average recurrence time with the U.S. Forest Service, remotely between earthquakes. accessed a camera on All three faults are capable of generating for a look around. He was scanning earthquakes in the low magnitude-7 range. Spooner Summit after lightning storms, The fault along the West Shore was the and he spotted wisps of smoke among source of three magnitude-7 earthquakes the trees. about 11,400 years ago, 7,800 years ago, Heller reported the smoke sighting and 4,500 years ago. and firefighters quickly responded and “If you start looking at those intervals it put out a small half-acre wildfire. He gives you pause,” Graham Kent, director then shot off of the University of Nevada Seismological an email to Find the fire Laboratory, said. “We feel more and more Graham Kent, Camera locations cameras online confident that those dates are spot on, and director of the McClellan Peak To access the that the West Tahoe fault is well beyond its University California cameras, visit http:// average recurrence time.” of Nevada Tahoe alerttahoe.seismo. A magnitude-7 earthquake could cause Seismological Conservancy unr.edu and click on serious damage to manmade structures Laboratory. Lake Tahoe Wildfires. around Lake Tahoe. Last year’s earthquake “His last line Snow To see time-lapse in Napa, California, was a magnitude-6 and was, ‘Great job Valley footage created by the it caused several hundred million dollars in keeping the cameras for several damage. first of many recent wildfires, visit With the faults running under Lake Tahoe, (fires) small.’ https://www.youtube. underwater ground movement could also That right Heavenly com/user/nvseismolab. trigger a seiche wave up to 30 feet tall that there says it all could cause additional damage. The term to me,” Kent seiche describes a wave in a closed basin, said. The mountain-top cameras installed caused by an earthquake or prolonged “At the summit, nobody talked about by the University of Nevada, Reno winds. that fire because it was knocked down around the Tahoe Basin paid If an earthquake triggered a sizeable before getting out of control. The system dividends in August when a firefighter used the one on Snow Valley Peak landslide into Lake Tahoe, that seiche wave has proven its capability. Now it’s about to spot a small, lightning-caused fire could grow bigger, possibly much bigger. building it out to ensure this place starting on Spooner Summit. “We have seen evidence of waves that doesn’t burn down.” could reach as high as 300 feet,” said Scott Kent oversaw the installation of the Valentine, an earth sciences professor at cameras. They were put in as part of Lake Tahoe Community College. other upgrades made to mountaintop can be extinguished before they grow. Members of the public will be able to A wave of that size is believed to have observatories around Tahoe that report “The fire personnel folks are loving access the cameras for a look at the Basin. been caused at least once before by the seismic, environmental, and climate them,” Kent said. They just won’t be able to operate them collapse of a large sediment shelf on the data to the Nevada Seismological The cameras enhance a disaster the way authorized personnel can. West Shore near Meeks Bay. Laboratory’s statewide seismic network. preparedness platform that’s being Kent wants to see more cameras set up “When you’re in a closed basin it acts like The cameras are a new tool for created to detect natural hazards such at the observatories around Tahoe, and to a bathtub, where the waves can ricochet firefighting agencies in the Basin. as fires, floods, and earthquakes, and see them installed soon. off the walls. They can either destroy one They offer real-time, high-definition, notify people about those hazards as “I think this is a big increase in our another and neutralize, or if two large 360-degree views of their surroundings early as possible. The platform is dubbed ability to keep things from burning crests meet they can basically double up,” and can tilt, pan, zoom, and create ALERT Tahoe, which stands for Access to down. We’re trying to bring a 21st Valentine said. time-lapse footage. The goal is to help Leverage Emergency Information in Real century monitoring network to Lake firefighters spot wildfires early so they Time. Tahoe,” he said. Continued on page 21 PAGE 20 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 21 Are you eligible? To find out if you are eligible for a rebate New rebates offered for old woodstoves in your area and live in the Tahoe Region, contact your local office of air quality prior Woodsmoke can cause air pollution and affect Tahoe water quality to any purchase or installation. Contact information for each jurisdiction is provided By Jennifer Cannon below. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency El Dorado County and the City of South Lake Tahoe: Though most people enjoy the cozy ■■ Prior to any appliance removal or ambiance of a crackling fire on a cold installation, contact: Adam Baughman, El evening, the fact is that smoke from Dorado County Air Quality Management inefficient wood-burning appliances and District, 530-621-7571, adam. open fireplaces is a substantial source of [email protected], to find out if air pollution in the Lake Tahoe Region. you are eligible for the Chimney Smoke The smoke emitted from incomplete Reduction Incentive Program. wood combustion contains fine ■■ Visit: https://www.edcgov.us/ particulate matter, greenhouse gas Government/AirQualityManagement/ emissions, carbon monoxide, and Woodsmoke from old stoves can negatively affect visibility, human health, and air and water Grants_and_Incentive_Refunds.aspx. toxic air pollutants such as benzene quality at Lake Tahoe. and formaldehyde, which are known Placer County: serious health threats. upgrading to a newer appliance, such ■ carcinogens. ■ Visit www.placer.ca.gov and click on the Newer, efficient, EPA-certified as a high-efficiency gas, pellet, or Smoke, particularly in the wintertime, link for “Wood Burning Appliances & Info” woodstoves burn one-third less wood woodstove or fireplace insert that is can get trapped near the surface of Lake for updates, notifications and information and emit only 1.4 pounds of fine certified by the EPA. Typically, new Tahoe and the ground in atmospheric on the Air District’s Burn Bright Burn particles per million British thermal certified appliances burn the wood inversion layers that can decrease Right Wood Stove Replacement Units of heat output, while pellet stoves more completely, resulting in less visibility as well as lake clarity. Program. Stoves purchased prior to emit 0.49 pounds. Replacing an old, pollution and more heat generation. According to the EPA, open fireplaces receiving a voucher are ineligible for uncertified woodstove for a new cleaner- Consequently, higher-efficiency emit an average of 28 pounds of fine funding. burning, EPA-certified model can reduce appliances save money from reduced particles per one million British Thermal Nevada: emissions by 50 percent and result in fuel needs, contribute to healthier ■ Units of heat output. Uncertified older ■ Contact: John Handzo, at the Business particular matter emission reductions indoor air quality, and promote safety, woodstoves emit 4.6 pounds of fine Environmental Program at University equivalent to getting five diesel buses off since complete combustion prevents the particles. These wood-burning appliances of Nevada, Reno; (775) 834-3674, the road. buildup of flammable chimney deposits can remain in use for decades. As a [email protected] If you have an older wood-burning of creosote, a frequent cause of home ■ result, they can be a long-term, persistent ■ Visit: http://www.unrbep.org/. stove or fireplace (generally, those fires. contributor to air pollution and pose manufactured before 1990), consider To encourage homeowners to replace Tips to burn cleaner: older, heavily polluting stoves, the ■■ Locate heating appliances centrally in Relative Emissions of Fine Particles Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and a building along with a fan or blower several local agencies have teamed assembly to optimize heat distribution up to offer rebates ranging from$400 and circulation. Professionally install to $1,400 for the replacement of older heating appliances and service annually. Average emissions woodstoves and fireplace inserts ■■ Examine your chimney smoke. If you see 28 (lbs/MMBtus of heat output with qualified, EPA-certified heating smoke rather than clear heat waves and for heat source type) appliances. These rebates are targeted water vapor, try these tips: 4.6 Data: U.S. EPA for existing homes in the Lake Tahoe n Begin with a hot fire that is Region, and are not available for new constructed with a generous amount of construction. The rebate programs are kindling, then add small pieces of wood being administered by local agencies, to start the fire and eligibility requirements and n Ensure that the wood is dry and rebate amounts vary from program to seasoned for at least 6 months (never program. All of the rebate programs burn trash, coal, or treated wood) operate on a first-come, first-served n Maintain a hot fire, and give the fire basis, so rebates will be issued while the enough air to breath. funding lasts. Source: US EPA Burn Wise The rebate programs are expected to 1.4 result in the removal or replacement .49 of about 200 older heating appliances, 0.013 0.008 which is expected to result in an annual reduction of 5 tons of particulate matter. Fireplace Uncertified EPA-certified Pellet Oil Gas Jennifer Cannon is an associate planner in woodstove woodstove Stove Furnace Furnace TRPA’s Long Range Planning Division. PAGE 20 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE 21 Connected Tahoe working Group backs new tourism model to expand high-speed Internet service in Basin Sustainable Tahoe promotes ‘geotourism’ adventure concept Connected Tahoe, a project of the Tahoe Prosperity Center (TPC), is focused on expanding high-speed Internet and cellular By Tom Lotshaw service within the Tahoe Basin as part of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency the TPC’s mission of promoting regional Jacquie Chandler, volunteer director sustainability through economic vitality. of the nonprofit group Sustainable The TPC received a two-year Advanced Tahoe, has spent the last 8 years Services Fund grant from the California working to help a new tourism model Public Utilities Commission to support the emerge at Lake Tahoe. Connected Tahoe Project. Chandler and her Sustainable Tahoe The goals for the Internet project are to: colleagues envision a “geotourism” ■■ Collect and map current broadband economy that helps protect Tahoe by infrastructure inspiring visitors to become stewards ■■ Conduct a community-wide broadband of the Lake and getting them interested needs assessment and speed test and engaged in its well-being. ■■ Analyze the data to determine the “So many organizations are focused underserved areas within the Basin on environmental cleanup at Lake ■■ Assist interested Internet service Tahoe,” Chandler said. “We are focused providers in applying for grants to expand on attracting visitation that doesn’t high-speed broadband in underserved require cleanup.” communities identified through the Basin- Geotourism is a term coined by Sustainable Tahoe’s Geotourism Expo at Sand Harbor featured a lakelup, at which the wide assessment. Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California taught visitors some of the tribe’s cultural practices. the National Geographic Center for The goals for expanding cellular service Sustainable Destinations. It is defined event was held at Sand Harbor State neighborhood, a heritage tour of the are to: as “tourism that sustains or enhances Park in August. It featured a “lakalelup” West Shore, and a rock climbing tour in ■■ Attain comprehensive cell coverage for the geographical character of a place, with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and Meyers. the Lake Tahoe Basin its environment, culture, aesthetics, California, the original inhabitants Chandler hopes Tahoe’s geotourism ■■ Minimize impact on the environment heritage, and the well-being of its and stewards of the Tahoe watershed. offerings will grow to become a four- ■■ Create a predictable and efficient residents.” Members of the tribe offered visitors a season brand. process for cell coverage expansion The model requires recognition that unique opportunity to “learn by doing” “We usually host about 20 ■■ Enhance public safety and there’s much more to Tahoe than just its the cultural practices that remain adventures, but I think there are about environmental monitoring. ski resorts and casinos, long the staples important parts of the tribe’s heritage. 2,000. We just haven’t found them yet. To find out more about both these of its tourism industry. It also means Other activities showcased by the As the community owns its part in projects, go to www.tahoeprosperity.org the Region must offer a wide range of Tahoe Geotourism Expo included making geotourism a reality for Tahoe, and sign up for the Tahoe Prosperity Center activities and adventures that connect fly fishing tours, a presentation they reap the rewards and prosperity it newsletter. visitors to unique environmental and about Tahoe’s geological formation, will bring,” she said. cultural assets. paddleboard yoga, yoga hikes, a kayak The goal is to more deeply connect “We have three criteria for geotourism tour of the Upper Truckee River, a visitors to Lake Tahoe. adventures,” Chandler said. “They have Mark Twain kayak tour of Tahoe, “When you connect, you care, and to be fun, meaningful, and low carbon an electric bike ride that explored when you care, you share,” Chandler as much as possible.” how neighborhood storm runoff said. “Visitors who are passionate about Showcasing geotourism adventures is affects Tahoe’s water clarity, a bird Tahoe, who understand Tahoe, will the focus of Sustainable Tahoe’s Tahoe watching tour at Spooner Lake, a never trash Tahoe. That’s geotourism, Geotourism Expo. The fourth annual historical walking tour of the Al Tahoe that’s sustainable.”

Earthquakes overdue? Seismologists keep a close eye on Tahoe faults

Continued from page 19 living or vacationing here, but also on the sediment released during an average earthquake early warning network being The three main faults at Lake Tahoe see environment. Kent said the area needs to magnitude 7 earthquake in the Basin,” Kent tested in California. Once operational, that about 1.7 millimeters of movement each year be better prepared for a quake in terms of said. “I’m not saying don’t fight for water network will be able to give people in the on average, but some sites have shown as quickly alerting people and getting them to clarity in the Lake now. But you have to Basin five to 10 seconds of advance warning much as 12 feet of ground movement during safety. understand there are environmental drivers for strong shaking and up to several minutes a single seismic event. “If you take the worst 10 years in Tahoe other than humans that are dramatic.” of warning for seiche waves that will strike An earthquake at Tahoe could have building history and continue them for 500 When completed, the seismic network various shorelines at the Lake, Kent said. significant impacts for not only the people years, there is still more fine particulate at Tahoe will be added to the nascent 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 four 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 $100 gift certificate from a local nursery for a native plant. If you are interested in becoming an underwriter, Just cut out and mail in the subscriber Thanks to the following sponsors: please contact Sarah Underhill, design and project form and your check made out to the Platinum level sponsor manager at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, at Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. 775-589-5211 or [email protected]. Please add the Tahoe In Depth account Tahoe Regional Planning Agency number 0000552 on the note line. Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Agency What readers are saying: I have just spent time reading the winter and summer YES! I want to become a subscriber to publications. As a half-year resident I appreciate the update Tahoe In Depth and continue “Protecting, about a number of issues that confront Tahoe. I found the articles Enjoying & Exploring the Lake Tahoe Gold level sponsor informative and helpful. Good work! Basin.” Please find enclosed my check California Tahoe Conservancy R.R. – via email for Tahoe Fund I work for Explore Tahoe and love being able to give visitors ______Tahoe In Depth and get them interested in Tahoe and help to ______U.S. Forest Service connect them with the land and the lake in a more meaningful way. Tahoe In Depth is very well done and a good tool toward that goal. Subscriber Levels: Nevada Division of State Lands o $1 - $99 Friend Keep up the great work :-) o $100 - $249 Supporter G.F. – South Lake Tahoe, CA o $250 - $499 Benefactor Congratulations on a fantastic issue of Tahoe In Depth. The o $500 - $999 Advocate Silver level sponsor paper does a really nice job of describing current issues and trends o $1,000 - $2,499 Champion Tahoe City Public Utility District in a very user-friendly format. We had some out-of-town visitors o $2,500 and up Philanthropist over the weekend and it was a wonderful way to share some details about what we do and what’s going on in the basin. You all did Name:______Bronze level sponsor a fantastic job putting this together – many thanks for your hard Address:______work! Tahoe Water Suppliers Association B.L. – via email ______Subscribers City:______Drop us a line at [email protected]

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A simple way to make Tahoe better. jeremy jones, pro snowboarder & big mountain freerider PAGE 24 n TAHOE IN DEPTH TAHOE IN DEPTH n PAGE PB Firefighters become Tahoe’s first Hotshot crew Tallac Hotshots are sent to the front lines of the toughest fires for hand-to-hand combat

By Jim Sloan Tahoe In Depth When a wildfire breaks out, they are the ones who head to the front lines, carrying their own tools, their own fuel, and their own water. They head to the hottest part of the fire, wherever it might be – in a deep ravine, a thick forest, or a steep mountainside – and they fight the fire and create firebreaks with chainsaws, heavy steel rakes called McLeods and pickaxes called Pulaskis (axes with a grubbing edge). It could be two weeks of 16-hour days before they get a home-cooked meal, a decent night’s sleep, or get to take a breath of fresh, smoke-free air. They are Hotshots, members of small, mobile, and elite firefighting crews that are sent into the worst possible conditions with an almost impossible task: to control a wildfire without the help of water, bulldozers, or fire engines. Their job is hand-to-hand combat with flames that can reach 100 feet in height, in some of the most remote terrain imaginable. Now the Tahoe Basin, where wildfires have become an increasingly dangerous threat, has its own Hotshot crew. The Hotshot crews are sent to the the most difficult parts of a fire, where they work to create firebreaks using chainsaws and hand tools. Tallac Hotshots, headquartered in Meyers, is one of only 108 crews in the the equipment they can carry. Hotshots well as physically. Grove said his crew members are country that have met the extremely can respond to all types of national “We make sure to go into the season grateful for the chance to be a part of the strict and demanding federal standards emergencies, including hurricanes, in top physical shape,” Grove said. “But Tallac Hotshots. required to qualify. tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and the truth is that the work requires even “A lot of our guys were born and Formerly the Tallac Hand Crew, other disasters. more mental resilience than physical raised around Lake Tahoe and they the newly certified Tallac Hotshots Crew Superintendent Aaron Grove toughness. have a true passion for this area,” he completed a demanding and extensive said the Tallac Hotshots were sent into “We’re mostly sent to the difficult, said. “They love this community and certification process in order to become action very soon after being certified active portions of the fire. You’re out think of it as an honor to represent and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin earlier this year. They fought a fire in there for weeks, sometimes, and it’s 16 protect the Lake Tahoe area as its first Management Unit’s first Interagency Clear Creek above Carson City and then hours a day of hard, hazardous work. It and only Hotshot crew.” Hotshot crew. numerous lightning-caused fires on the takes its toll.” Grove notes that Hotshots play an Hotshot crews consist of 20 Sierra Front before being sent to the In the weeks leading up to fire season, important role all year. firefighters, trained in wildfire Klamath National Forest for most of the Grove brings in his full crew – only “We’re not just about fire,” he said. suppression tactics. They are on call summer. nine Hotshots work year-round – so the “We’re out remodeling forest structures, 24/7, provide initial attack response or While competition for the limited 20-member outfit can begin training. working with recreation, doing fuels large fire response for fast-moving fires openings on the Hotshot crew is fierce, The crew physically trains twice a day reduction, prescribed fire management in remote regions, and are trained to it’s not a glamorous life when the fires for two to four hours for up to a month and support, hazard tree removal, meet stringent physical requirements. are burning, Grove said. His crew can before they’re ready for their first call. eradicating invasive weeds, general Within two hours of receiving orders, be asked to stay on the fire lines for as “Fitness for us is not muscles,” Grove forest stewardship, providing fire Hotshots must be ready to travel long as three weeks without a day off, said. “It’s cardio and long repetitions. training, and other duties as assigned. anywhere in the country, and are often and it’s not unusual for crew members There aren’t many workouts that We’re here to provide a quality, flown by helicopter or hike into steep to lose several pounds over the course emulate swinging a Pulaski and hauling professional service and we’re proud of terrain where they fight fires using only of a fire season. It’s taxing mentally as around a chainsaw for 16 hours a day.“ that. We never shy away from work.”