document review 7/15/09
Restoration in Progress
Environmental Improvement Program Update planning horizon 2008–2018 Restoration in Progress
table of contents
The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 Environmental Improvement Program 3 56
Executive Summary Recreation & Scenic Resources Lake Tahoe: A National Treasure
It’s our moral
obligation to be faithful 18 67
stewards of our Watersheds, Habitat, Applied Science ‘ ‘ & Water Quality heritage and protect this area for futur‘‘ e generations. So that’s why 42 79
we’re here Forest Management Program Support today.
Vice President Al Gore Lake Tahoe Presidential Forum July 27, 1997 50 82
Air Quality & Transportation EIP Coordination and Measuring Progress
— 2 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Executive Summary
LAKE TAHOE: A NATIONAL TREASURE
Lake Tahoe is one of the largest, deepest, and clearest lakes in the world. Its cobalt blue appearance, spectacular alpine setting, and remarkable water clarity is recog - nized worldwide. The Lake’s earliest inhabitants, the Washoe Tribe, demonstrated a deep respect for the fragile environment that was their home and still revere this magnificent place. Recreational opportunities and scenic vistas have made Lake Tahoe a top national and international tourist destination.
Like many national treasures, the Lake Tahoe Basin is threatened by the impacts of the land use and transportation patterns devel - oped in the last generation. The Lake's water clarity declined by nearly a foot every year from the late 1960s to the end of the cen - tury, and has only recently begun to stabilize. Fine sediment par - ticles and algae-nourishing phosphorus and nitrogen continue to flow into the Lake from urban and highway runoff, air pollution, and other sources. The Basin’s transportation infrastructure is inadequate to handle traffic in peak travel seasons and to accom - modate bike and pedestrian users, and public access to the Lake is limited.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 3 — Lake Tahoe is situated within the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range straddling the California-Nevada border. The main crest of
the Sierra Nevada Range is found to the Elko west and the Carson Range to the east.
Two thirds of Lake Tahoe is in California S
and the remainder is in Nevada. i e Reno r r a Carson City Sacramento N ev San Francisco a n d c ev a a a li d fo a rn ia Las Vegas
Lake Tahoe Fast Facts:
Los Angeles • Lake Tahoe is 2 million years old • Average surface water temperatures are • Holds 39 trillion gallons of water 68˚ Fahrenheit in the summer and 41˚ in the winter • Size of watershed: 501 sq. miles • 63 streams feed into Lake Tahoe San Diego • Lake surface area: 192 sq. miles but only one, the Truckee River, *Map not to scale • 12 miles wide flows out • 22 miles long • Approximately 3 million people visit • 72 miles of shoreline Lake Tahoe every year • 1,645 ft. deep • The Lake is designated as an • 6,223 ft. elevation (natural rim) Outstanding National Resource Water • 2 states: CA, NV under the Federal Clean Water Act • 5 counties, 1 city • Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States • 66,000 Tahoe Basin year-round residents • Lake Tahoe is so deep that a single drop of water entering the Lake • Majority of private property owners today will take about 650 years to are part-time residents find its way out • USFS and state agencies manage approximately 85% of land area
— 4 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — We have a shared responsibility to build on “ our commitment at all levels to be sure the Lake and its environs are protected. “President Bill Clinton, Lake Tahoe Presidential Forum, July 26, 1997 President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore at the 1997 Lake Tahoe Presidential Forum.
The Tahoe Basin is facing several new and A Shared Responsibility emerging challenges. The Angora Wildfire of Restoring and protecting Lake Tahoe has been 2007 raised awareness that the Basin’s over - a shared responsibility since 1969 when the stocked forests have dramatically increased the states of California and Nevada established the risk of catastrophic wildfire. The recent Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the appearance of several aquatic invasive species nation’s first bi-state environmental planning also threatens the ecological health of the Lake, and regulatory agency. The United States the quality of its beaches, and the drinking Congress ratified the Bi-State Compact which water supplies of many local communities. created TRPA and the federal government is a Looking to the future, the impacts of climate key partner in this shared responsibility. TRPA change pose a major threat to both the environ - has a unique role in working cooperatively with ment and economy of the Tahoe Basin. The its federal, state, local, and private partners to average surface temperature of Lake Tahoe in protect the ecological health of the Basin while July has risen by more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit providing for orderly growth and development since 1999, and more precipitation is falling as consistent with environmental standards. The rain rather than snow. If these trends continue, Agency’s 15-member board includes members sediment-laden runoff may increase, and the from the two states, locally elected officials, Lake may no longer mix enough to retain its and a non-voting Presidential appointee. clarity. These changes could also devastate the The Compact, as revised in 1980, gave TRPA tourist-dependent economy. authority to adopt environmental quality stan - Significant continued investments will be dards, called thresholds, and to define the needed from federal, state, local, and private capacity of the Region to accommodate addi - sources to effectively address these challenges, tional development. The TRPA Governing and to maintain a collaborative effort in pro - Board adopted the threshold standards in tecting the environment and the economy of 1982, and in 1987 they enacted a Regional the Lake Tahoe Basin. Plan setting forth strategies to achieve the
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 5 — At left: President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore aboard a research vessel on Lake Tahoe.
thresholds. The Compact also requires the The Federal Partnership Regional Plan to contain provisions to help The federal government has a long history of reduce dependency on the private automobile conservation in the Lake Tahoe Basin. in order to better protect air and water quality. Preservation efforts include congressional History of the Environmental approval of the Compact, the consolidation of three national forests into the Lake Tahoe Improvement Program Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) of the US TRPA launched the Environmental Forest Service to protect the watershed, and the Improvement Program (EIP) in an effort to passage of numerous funding bills. better implement the Regional Plan following At the 1997 Lake Tahoe Forum, President the Presidential Forum at Lake Tahoe in 1997. Clinton and Vice President Gore renewed the Recognizing that capital investments, research, federal commitment to Lake Tahoe by issuing and monitoring were essential components of an Executive Order creating the Lake Tahoe the Regional Plan, the EIP called for an invest - Federal Interagency Partnership. Through this ment of $908 million in capital projects and collaborative effort, the federal agencies agreed $58.7 million in research and monitoring. to increase federal funding to strive toward The EIP also identified hundreds of specific attainment of environmental thresholds, and projects and programs to be undertaken by to coordinate all federal activities in the Basin. more than 50 funding partners, including Oversight of the partnership is provided by the federal, state, and local agencies and the pri - Tahoe Regional Executives, which consists of vate sector. The projects were focused on the regional administrators of partner agen - improving air, water, and scenic quality, forest cies. Day-to-day coordination and program- health, fish and wildlife, and public access to level implementation rests with the Lake Tahoe the Lake and other recreation areas. The prime Basin Executive Committee (LTBEC), which directive of the EIP was to move the Tahoe consists of the local federal officials in the Basin closer to environmental threshold Tahoe Basin. attainment.
— 6 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA) of Service, the Natural Resources Conservation 2000 authorized the Federal share of the EIP Service, the Federal Highway Administration, funding, which allowed the Forest Service to United States Geological Survey, and the invest $300 million in EIP projects and pro - Environmental Protection Agency. grams. In 2003, Congress amended the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act State Commitments (SNPLMA) to allow the proceeds from sales of The states of California and Nevada have also surplus federal lands in southern Nevada to played a key role in developing and implement - fund the federal share of the EIP. Through the ing the EIP. In 1997, Governor Wilson of LTRA, SNPLMA, and other sources, the feder - California and Governor Miller of Nevada al agencies invested more than $293 million in convened a gubernatorial summit in anticipa - the EIP from 1997 to 2006. tion of the Presidential Forum, and signed a The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Memorandum of Agreement pledging their (LTBMU) of the U.S. Forest Service adminis - support for the EIP. ters 75 percent of the land in the Lake Tahoe Voters in Nevada then approved a bond meas - Basin, and is responsible for a broad range of ure to provide $82 million, Nevada’s share of EIP projects and programs. Other federal EIP funding for the first decade. The Divisions agencies providing significant contributions of State Lands, Environmental Protection, and include the Army Corps of Engineers, the Transportation are largely responsible for over - Bureau of Reclamation, the Fish and Wildlife sight and funding of EIP projects in Nevada.
looking back: eip capital investment in projects by funding sector: 1997-2006
Federal: $293 million (27%)
State of CA: $446 million (40%)
State of NV: $82 million (8%)
Local: $53.4 million (5%)
Private: $216 million (20%)
TOTAL: $1.1 billion
Funds reflected in this graph represent projects completed or in progress.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 7 — In 1982, TRPA adopted nine environmental threshold carrying capacities (thresholds), 1w9hich8set 2environmental standards for the Lake Tahoe Basin and indirectly define the capacity of the Region to accommodate additional land development. The nine thresh - olds are water quality, soil conservation, air quality, vegetation, wildlife, fisheries, scenic resources, noise, and recreation. Many of the environmental thresholds will take generations to achieve and a sustained commitment to conservation is imperative. The EIP is intended to accelerate threshold attainment.
Environmental Threshold Goals for the Lake Tahoe Basin
Water Quality: Return the Lake to 1960s water clarity and algal levels by reducing nutrient and sediment in surface runoff and groundwater. Soil Conservation: Preserve natural stream environment zones (SEZ), restore 25% of disturbed urban SEZ areas (1,100 acres), and reduce total land coverage. Air Quality: Achieve strictest of federal, state, or regional standards for carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulates; increase visibility; reduce U.S. 50 traffic; and reduce vehicle miles of travel. Vegetation: Increase plant diversity in forests, preserve uncommon plant communities including deep - water plants, enhance late seral forests and reduce forest fuels, and maintain minimum sustainable populations of sensitive plants including Tahoe Yellow Cress. Wildlife: Provide habitat for special interest species, prevent degradation of habitats of special significance. Fisheries: Maintain 180 miles of good to excellent stream habitat, achieve nearly 6,000 acres of excellent lake habitat, and attempt to reintroduce Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Scenic Resources: Maintain or improve 1982 roadway and shoreline scenic travel route ratings, maintain or improve views of individual scenic resources, and maintain or improve quality of views from public outdoor recreation areas. Noise: Minimize noise disturbance from single events, and minimize background noise disturbance in accordance with land use patterns. Recreation: Preserve and enhance a high quality recreational experience. Preserve undeveloped shorezone and other natural areas, and maintain a fair share of recreational capacity for the general public.
— 8 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — The state of California also fulfilled its funding The major EIP partners in local government commitment in the first decade of the EIP. include the counties of Washoe, Douglas, Through projects funded primarily by the El Dorado, and Placer, the city of South Lake California Tahoe Conservancy, State Parks, and Tahoe, and local utility and fire protection Caltrans, the state of California committed districts. Private partners include a broad more than $446 million to EIP projects from spectrum of interests, including the Heavenly funds made available from Propositions 204, Mountain Resort and Homewood ski area, the 12, 40, 50, 84, and other sources. Chambers of Commerce on the north and south shores, the North Lake Tahoe Resort Local and Private Contributions Association, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Local and private contributions have been one of and the Lake Tahoe Transportation and Water the hallmarks of the EIP. Because stormwater Quality Coalition. runoff from local roads and private residential and commercial development conveys sediment Looking Back – A Decade of and other pollutants that degrade Lake clarity, Accomplishments erosion control measures known as best manage - In total, all partners contributed more than ment practices (BMPs) are an important compo - $1.1 billion for EIP projects and programs in nent of the Regional Plan and the EIP. Through the first phase. Approximately 270 EIP capital investments in BMPs and other projects, local projects are on the ground, and hundreds more and private sources have contributed nearly $270 are in the planning and implementation stages. million in the first decade of the EIP. These projects have improved the health of
eip investment by environmental threshold: 1997-2006
Categories of Investment The environmental and ecological value of the Basin is expressed in terms of categories called the “Environmental Thresholds.”
Wildlife 2% Fisheries 2% Vegetation 6% Recreation 5% Air Quality/Transportation 23%
Scenic Resources 5% Soil Conservation 7% Water Quality 50%
In recent years, funding for forest health and vege - tation projects has increased dramatically and will continue to help reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 9 — Left: US Senator Dianne Feinstein of California addresses the public at the 12th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit. Seated at right include Governor Jim Gibbons of NV, Undersecretary of Agriculture Mark E. Rey, and Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne. Right: Sunset at Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe forests and watersheds, reduced traffic cooperatively began to develop a water quality congestion and air pollution on the Basin’s restoration plan for Lake Tahoe, known as the roadways, and increased public access to the Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL, as Lake and other recreation areas. required by the Clear Water Act. As part of The latest water quality data suggest that these those efforts, the states have issued a “Clarity investments are also making a difference in Challenge” which calls for an improvement in reversing the downward slide in Lake Tahoe’s clarity from 70 feet to 80 feet in 15 to 20 years. fabled water clarity. After decades of steady The agencies are now in an extensive collabora - decline, the Lake’s clarity has stabilized in tive process to complete the TMDL, and TRPA recent years, and new modeling results predict will be incorporating the TMDL findings and that the Basin’s clarity goals can be achieved strategies into the update of the Regional Plan. with sustained funding and project implemen - Addressing the potential impacts of climate tation from the EIP partners. change will also be a new element of the EIP. The EIP partner agencies are launching a com - Looking Ahead – A Renewed prehensive climate change strategy to reduce the Commitment Basin’s carbon footprint, to adapt to already The next 10-year phase of the EIP will build well-documented changes in local forests and upon our accomplishments to date, with an watersheds, and to help redevelop the Basin’s increased emphasis on monitoring and focused dated urban areas into vibrant, sustainable research, adaptive management, and perform - communities. ance benchmarks. These new areas of emphasis Other EIP priorities include: are essential to ensure that the most cost-effec - • Achieving the fuels reduction targets in the tive projects are implemented, and to better 10-year Multi-Jurisdictional Fuels Reduct ion document and evaluate progress toward meeting and Wildfire Prevention Strategy; the environmental thresholds. • Restoring and protecting the Basin’s Another priority will be to launch new strategy watersheds and stream environment zones; to advance Lake Tahoe’s clarity goals. In 2002, the states of California and Nevada
— 10 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — • Adopting and implementing a priority projects, and to document our efforts comprehensive aquatic invasive species in annual progress reports over the next decade management plan; of EIP implementation. • Expanding the Basin’s transit facilities The next phase of the EIP will focus on six areas: and bike and pedestrian trail network; • Watersheds, Habitat, & Water Quality • Achieving the milestones in the • Forest Management Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and Tahoe • Air Quality & Transportation Yellow Cress Recovery Plans; and • Recreation & Scenic Resources • Improving Lake access and recreational • Applied Science facilities • Program Support An additional $2.5 billion in public and private investments will be needed over the next decade EIP partners developed these six areas of to effectively implement these and other EIP emphasis through a collaborative process and to programs and to maintain progress toward contribute to threshold attainment and mainte - meeting the Basin’s environmental threshold nance. These six areas reflect a programmatic standards. While approximately $700 million approach for grouping initiatives under the EIP has already been committed to this phase by the by connecting projects directly to the threshold EIP partners, an additional $ 1.8 billion remains benefits they produce. Each of the six areas of to be secured. TRPA and its federal, state, local, emphasis include specific goals, actions, fund - and private partners will be working together to ing needs, measures of progress, project devel - raise these funds, to establish opment guidance, and monitoring needs.
Committed and Unfunded Capital Costs 2008-2018 (in millions) as of December 2008
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— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 11 — Bob Richards takes a water clarity measurement. “Since 2001, we have had seven years in which Lake clarity has consistently been better than the long-term trend would have pre - dicted. This is unprecedented.”
– Geoffrey Schladow, Director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, * UC Davis.
A ConservaAtion Pclan fcor LaokemTahoe: plishments The Environmental Improvement Program Forest Management • The EIP is a public-private partnership that rivals some • 21,293 acres have been treated to achieve ecosystem of the largest collaborative restoration initiatives in the restoration and/or forest fuel reduction goals United States in its scope • Revegetated 374 acres • Approximately 270 EIP capital projects have been • Completed the Lake Tahoe Basin 10-Year Multi- completed and hundreds more are in the planning and Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention implementation stages Strategy which qualifies Lake Tahoe to receive federal • The next phase of the EIP spans 10 years. funding.
EIP Research/Monitoring and Technical Assistance Air Quality and Transportation • Funded $48 million in research/monitoring • Achieved a 20% reduction in vehicle traffic near Stateline, • Established the Tahoe Science Consortium to better Nevada since 2001 because of transit-oriented redevelopment inform agency decision making • Constructed or rehabilitated 20 transit facilities and in- • Federal agencies have provided nearly $15.5 million in creased transit ridership to 1.5 million passengers annually technical assistance to EIP partners. • Replaced 18 vehicles in the public transit fleet with clean-burning vehicles Watersheds, Habitat, and Water Quality • Constructed or planned 127 miles of new multi-purpose trails. • Acquired 3,064 acres of sensitive land • Improved over 13,000 acres for wildlife habitat Recreation and Scenic Resources • Restored 739 acres of wetlands including • Constructed or rehabilitated 82 public facilities to 108 acres within the urban boundary increase accessibility and the quality of the recreational experience • Treated stormwater runoff from 26 miles of state highways, 323 miles of city/county roads, and 80 miles • Relocated more than 4 miles of overhead utility lines of USFS lands underground along highway corridors • Revegetated or removed 55 miles of dirt road in forests • Acquired 2,388 linear ft. of Lake shoreline for public access. • Completed and planned 25 projects to help restore the Upper Truckee River watershed which delivers more * Accomplishments reported through 2007. sediment into Lake Tahoe than any other tributary. — 12 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Environmental Improvement Program Update At-a-Glance Program Watersheds, Habitat, and Water Quality • Restoring Nevada Priority Watersheds Stormwater Management Program • Acquiring Environmentally Sensitive Lands • Reducing Stormwater Pollution from City and • Enhancing Fish and Wildlife Habitat County Roads • Reducing Stormwater Pollution from State Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Program Highways • Implementing Tahoe Yellow Cress Conservation Strategy • Reducing Stormwater Pollution from Forest Roads • Restoring and Recovering Lahonton Cutthroat Trout • Retrofitting Public and Private Facilities • Protecting Other Sensitive Species
Watershed Management Program Managing Invasive Species Program • Restoring the Upper Truckee Watershed • Controlling Invasive Terrestrial Species • Restoring California Priority Watersheds • Managing Invasive Aquatic Species
Forest Management Air Quality and Transportation
Forest Ecosystem Health and Reducing Hazardous Fuels Program Air Quality and Transportation Program • Advancing Forest Ecosystem Health and Reducing • Improving Air Quality Hazardous Fuels • Improving Transit and Trails Connections • Utilizing Biomass from Forest Fuels Reduction
Recreation and Scenic Resources
Recreation Program Applied Science • Improving Lake Access • Developing a Comprehensive Trail System Science Program • Improving Recreation Facilities • Monitoring and Research • Improving Educational and Interpretive Programs and Facilities • Applied Research Scenic Program • Data and Information Management and Reporting • Improving the Scenic Quality of Roadway Units • Improving the Scenic Quality of Shorezone Units
Program Support
Program Support, Reporting, and Technical Assistance Program • Technical Assistance and Public Education • Annual Coordination and Reporting • Operations and Maintenance of Capital Projects
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 13 — Looking Forward: Key EIP Goals 2008-2018
Watersheds, Habitat, and Water QGuality oalRs ecreation and Scenic Resources • Enhance or restore stream environment zones • 40 recreation rehabilitation or construction projects (wetlands) in priority watersheds • 6 miles of overhead utilities to be under-grounded • 400 terrestrial and aquatic invasive species sites to be • 500 projects to meet scenic quality standards along treated annually shoreline and scenic highways. • 300 miles of roadways to be retrofitted with water quality improvements to reduce fine sediment loading Applied Science • 346 acres of wildlife habitat to be improved/protected • Refine and implement monitoring and evaluation programs to assess the status of environmental • Cut fine sediment and nutrient loading as part of the conditions and determine the effectiveness of EIP “Clarity Challenge” target of 78 feet of clarity by 2028 restoration projects • Continue to acquire and restore priority environmentally • Support applied research to understand causal sensitive lands to protect and conserve the natural relationships and quantitatively describe underlying environment ecosystem processes • Restore and recover a self-sustaining lake form of • Improve data and information management to utilize Lahont an Cutthroat Trout in Lake Tahoe and Fallen web-based systems; develop and adopt standard Leaf Lake. operating procedures for seamless data analysis and public reporting. Forest Management • 68,000 acres to be treated for forest fuel reduction Other Program Elements and ecosystem restoration, as identified in the 10-Year • Provide education and technical assistance to the Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire public to advance the EIP and overall environmental Prevention Strategy stewardship • Reduce open pile burning –utilize 125,000 tons of • Operate and maintain EIP projects to ensure perform- biomass ance of capital investments • 1,500 acres of SEZ aspen communities to be improved. • Provide program administration and tracking. Air Quality and Transportation • 43 miles of bike and pedestrian trails to be constructed to help reduce dependency on the private automobile as directed by the Bi-State Compact • Increase transit ridership from 1.5 million passengers per year to more than 3 million • Reduce road sanding • Replace 10 street sweepers with innovative machines to reduce fine sediment loading from roadways into Lake Tahoe • Implement waterborne transit system.
Left: Increased transit ridership and new bike trails are some of the key goals of the EIP. Right: From left, US Senator Harry Reid of NV, US Senator Dianne Feinstein of CA, CA Secretary of Resources Mike Chrisman, Governor Jim Gibbons of NV and seated is US Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne at the 12th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit held at the Valhalla Historic Site.
— 14 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABLE PLANNING, & THE EIP
Global climate change is projected to have unprecedented impacts on the health of the environment and economy in the Lake Tahoe Basin. As temperatures rise and more precipitation falls as rain rather than snow, management efforts to protect the Basin’s forests, fish and wildlife, and fabled water clarity will face unique challenges. These changes are already well documented: • Evening ambient low temperatures in the Basin have risen more than 4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1911, while the number of days with average air temperatures below freezing has dropped from 79 days to 52 days since that time. • Since 1999, the average surface water temperature of Lake Tahoe in July has increased almost five degrees, from 62.9 to 67.8 degrees Fahrenheit. • Increased runoff, combined with warmer Lake temperatures, has fueled the growth of algae, which absorbs light and further reduces water clarity. • The Lake is becoming more hospitable to invasive plants and fish, with warm-water species like bass and carp increasingly common. • Across the Sierra Nevada, fires are starting earlier, burning longer and over larger areas, which threatens water quality, wildlife habitat, and rural and resort communities. To address these impacts, the EIP partner agencies are formulating a Basin-wide strategy to address climate change. The strategy is intended to ensure that all major planning and regulatory programs at Lake Tahoe are designed to take into account the projected impacts of climate change. For example, future EIP water quality and erosion control projects may need to be designed for larger peak flows in the winter, and habitat improvement projects may need to take into account potential changes in the type, location, and distribution of vegetation communities.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 15 — The climate change strategy will provide a starting point for sus - tainable decision making in the Tahoe Basin. These actions will be addressed in a combination of plans and programs, includ - ing the EIP, the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan Update, the Regional Transportation Plan, Community Plans, and local actions. As part of this comprehensive strategy, the EIP will be broadly focused on maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and water - sheds and on improving mobility and access with environmen - tally-friendly transit. Mandates and incentives to develop sus - tainably-designed communities, projects, and green infrastruc - ture will be developed as part of the update of the TRPA Regional Plan.
Forest Management and Watersheds Forests will continue to be managed for ecosystem health and public safety purposes to reduce the threat of wildfire; this may in turn prevent the release of GHG emissions during wildfires. Public land managers would use a science-based approach for restoration and management of the existing forests to minimize wildfires. Forest management will also consider what to do with forest fuels in a manner consistent with reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Areas of significant disturbance would be improved through revegetation, restoration, and use of best management practices (BMPs). Forest fuel treatments within the wildland-urban interface (WUI) and communities will help reduce wildfire risk while considering scenic quality, proper soil and watershed function, water quality, and wildlife habitat. EIP programs will set out to make the Tahoe Basin a model of forest management for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Actions
• Reduce risk and severity of fires and catastrophic events • Create forests that are resilient to rising temperatures, wildfire, changing hydrology, and insect outbreaks • Revegetate disturbed areas and manage vegetation for adaptation to climate change • Restore and improve habitats for fish and wildlife • Control and reduce the spread of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species and infestations as the climate changes • Restore watersheds for hydrologic function.
Wildland Urban Interface Urban Zone Defense Zone Threat Zone General Forest
— 16 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Transportation and Access In rural destinations similar to Lake Tahoe where large population bases are within a few hours by car, transportation is the largest contributor to the release of GHG. To address these effects, Basin communities and recreational destinations should be served by a centrally-managed transportation system. Consolidation of automobile travel for both visitors and commuters should be facilitated by various transportation options. Complete streets are a solution for connecting revitalized mixed-use centers, nodes, and neighborhoods. These streets would be tailored to meet the needs of each community. Other neighbor - hood specific solutions would include improved sidewalks and trail connections. This shift in travel patterns would provide multiple environmental improvements to air and water quality and reduced GHG. Improved connections and mobility options would help to reduce traffic volumes, year-round mobility, and an enhanced visitor experience.
Actions
• Invest in environmentally-friendly transportation for public fleets • Reduce dependence on the automobile by providing increased transportation options • Improve the Basin’s transit systems and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through Basin-wide bike trails, improved transit options, and waterborne transit networks • Encourage pedestrian/transit-oriented redevelopment to reduce GHG emissions and VMT • Shift to more efficient modes of transportation to improve quality of life while reducing GHG emissions • Centralize cost-effective parking to encourage walking, bicycling, and local transit use which addresses specific needs of each Basin community • Design complete streets to integrate pedestrian and non-auto-oriented Regional Transit facilities to reduce automobile traffic and related emissions, increase pedestrian safety, and provide opportunities for community interaction. Regional Gateway
Bicycle Connections Highways/Bus Water Transit
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 17 — WATERSHEDS, HABITAT, & WATER QUALITY
Lake Tahoe’s clarity results from the small amount of land draining into it compared to the large amount of precipitation that falls directly onto the Lake’s surface. Other factors include the granitic soils which help slow runoff, and the adjacent wetlands which absorb sediment and nutrients. The transparency of the water reflects the clear, blue sky giving Lake Tahoe a breathtaking cobalt appearance.
lake tahoe clarity goal Though Lake Tahoe’s waters remain pure compared to most water bodies, clarity has declined over the past 40 years. If I Clarity Goal/ undisturbed, the Lake’s water clarity would transition so Standard slowly the changes would be undetectable over a human life - 100 ft. time. Historic logging practices in the 1800s followed by 78 ft. I 20-Year Target “Clarity Challenge” more recent urban development contributed to rapid decline in Lake clarity. 70 ft. I Current Clarity as of 2007 Lake Tahoe’s water quality and clarity issues are not caused by industry or by wastewater treatment plants as is the case in many places. Rather, 1960s and 1970s development and the daily activities of the thousands of residents and millions of visitors in the Lake Tahoe watershed have contributed to the Lake’s degradation.
— 18 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — StormwSSattetroorrMmmanawwgeaamtteeenrrt PMMrogram aannaaggeement
To date, more than half of the funds invested in the EIP focused on restoring Lake clarity. Most projects addressed erosion control and source runoff improvements, as well as the implementation of Best Management Practices on developed properties. Because roadway runoff is one of the primary causes of clarity loss, two-thirds of the water quality work under the updated EIP focuses on stormwater management. EIP partners will prioritize stormwater treatment in urban core areas since these areas are the primary source of fine sediment loading into the Lake.
Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives
Water Quality Recreation Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
Program Elements The goal of the stormwater management program is to reduce the amount of fine sediment particles entering Lake Tahoe. Stormwater management consists of the following four programs: • Reducing Stormwater Pollution from City and County Roads • Reducing Stormwater Pollution from State Highways • Reducing Stormwater Pollution from Forest Roads • Retrofitting Public and Private Facilities with Best Management Practices Stormwater management projects incorporate stormwater drainage conveyance and treatment facili - ties as well as source control measures for effectively reducing runoff and improving Lake water quality. Property/easement acquisitions and public/private partnerships are important elements of these projects because in many cases sufficient space does not exist within road rights-of-way for water quality projects to be constructed. Improved project level monitoring will help evaluate the effectiveness of different stormwater strategies and improve projects moving forward. For example, studies are under way to explore area-wide runoff treatment systems which could be used in the future. Stormwater projects follow established project delivery processes for maximum benefit.
Adapting to Climate Change Climate change and water quality models for the Lake Tahoe region predict that as more precipita - tion falls as rain rather than snow, peak stormwater flows may increase. As a result, EIP water quality and erosion control projects will need to be designed for larger peak flows. These and other challenges posed by projected climate change impacts will also be addressed.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 19 — Science Drives Water Quality Program
TMDL: The Total Maximum Daily Load is a water quality restoration plan to deter - mine the maximum amount of pollutants that Lake Tahoe can absorb while meet - iTng watMer quality staDndards. ThLe EIP U: pdate relies on science gleaned from the TMDL effort to priortize water quality programs and projects.
The Lake Tahoe TMDL water quality restoration plan reflects a $10 million investment in the work of more than 200 professionals and scientists who have analyzed 30 years of data on the Lake and its tributaries. Scientists developed two models: the watershed and the clarity models. The three primary pollutants causing clarity loss in Lake Tahoe are nitrogen, phosphorus, and fine sed - iment. The watershed model provides the sources of these pollutants by land-use category to allow the community and decision makers to make informed policy choices and to assess the cost- effectiveness of different strategies.
Recent science has given stakeholders a clearer picture not only of what is causing the Lake’s clar - ity loss but also what can be done about it and how much those solutions might cost. The bot - tom line: fine particles are the number one culprit in the clarity loss equation and 72 percent of those particles are coming from developed areas. Roads act as sources and as conveyor belts, depositing fine sediments into the Lake from “urban upland” areas which have more than one per - cent land coverage. Reducing the amount of fine sediment particles entering the Lake has the most potential for helping to reverse clarity loss. The TRPA Regional Plan Update, which includes the EIP, will contain implementation strategies, including regulations and incentives, to achieve an interim clarity target of about 80 feet. To reach this “clarity challenge,” EIP partners must take actions to achieve a 34 percent reduction in fine particles from 2004 levels as well as reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus. This target is an important EIP goal and will be challenging. However, for the first time ever, we know it’s scientifically possible and recent clarity data shows we’re mov - ing in the right direction.
sources of fine sediment particles entering lake tahoe *
Urban Upland 72%
Atmospheric Deposition 15%
Non-Urban Upland 9%
Stream Channel Erosion 4%
Shoreline Erosion < 1%
* particles less than 16 micrometers Figure courtesy of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board.
— 20 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Reducing Stormwater Pollution from City and County Roads Primary Implementing Agencies: City of South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County and General Improvement Districts, El Dorado County, Placer County, Washoe County
ocal roads convey stormwater runoff into Lake Tahoe, contributing the largest input to clarity Lloss and other water quality impacts. This pro - gram contains erosion control projects that reduce both the volume of water running off these road - ways, and the amount of fine sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus discharging into Lake Tahoe. On the California side of the Tahoe Basin, there are 471 miles of county and city streets. On the Nevada side, there are 137 miles of county streets. Roadways transport polluted stormwater into streams, roadside ditches, and other areas Municipal stormwater systems can help reduce pollution at the Goal which ultimately drain into Lake Lake by capturing and filtering runoff. To reduce erosion Tahoe. Sand and cinders applied to roads during winter months con - and stormwater tribute additional fine sediments to Project level monitoring is an important element of this runoff from local stormwater. program. Stormwater management projects must be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of specific control measures. roads. Water quality projects on local roads will incorporate stormwater New technologies designed to provide higher levels of treatment drainage conveyance and treatment are evaluated for applicability in the development of these proj - facilities as well as source control measures. Projects will install ects. As implementing agencies comply with the Total Maximum curb and gutter facilities along roadway shoulders as well as pipes Daily Load program, they will consider strategies which may and roadside rock-lined channels. In some cases, projects will include larger, area-wide treatment options such as pump and adjust road profiles to ensure runoff is directed toward treatment treatment facilities where practical. Operations and maintenance facilities. of these projects is crucial to meeting water quality goals. Treatment facilities include stormwater retention and detention Accomplishments to Date basins, drop inlets with sediment traps, treatment vaults, bioswales and the use of subsurface infiltration galleries. Because To date, EIP partners have retrofitted 323 miles of county and city in many cases sufficient space does not exist within road rights- roads with stormwater quality improvements. Roadways will need of-way to construct water quality projects, property acquisition additional treatment to meet TMDL requirements. and easements may be necessary.
Unfunded Need for Reducing Stormwater from City and County Roads (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $81.92 $82.63 $20.09 $48.79 n/a $233.43
These shares represent the capital improvement costs only and future operating and maintenance costs for the local jurisdictions are projected to be an additional $18.5 million. A private share is not included since these projects are located along public roadways. However, private sector contributions for water quality improvement total $204.8 million and are identified in the BMP Retrofits on Private and Public Parcels program.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 21 — Reducing Stormwater Pollution from State Highways
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Transportation
tormwater runoff from state highways is a major contributor to Lake Tahoe’s clarity decline. SProjects will reduce both the volume of water running off state highways and the amount of fine sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus in Lake Tahoe that originates from highways. Reducing the runoff volume is important because runoff causes erosion of downstream channels. Fine sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus have the greatest impact on the Lake. There are 64 miles of highways on the California side of Lake Tahoe, and 40 miles on the Nevada side. The California Many of the Basin’s roads and highways drain directly into the Department of Transportation and the Nevada Department of Lake and require water treatment upgrades. Transportation manage stormwater runoff from these roads. Because highways typically are much wider than local roads, they Project level monitoring will also be critical in measuring the suc - produce greater volumes of stormwater runoff per mile of road cess of state highway stormwater treatment projects. Monitoring than do local streets. Due to high traffic volumes and driving will guide the operation and maintenance of control measures to safety concerns, agencies apply large quantities of sand and cin - maximize water quality improvements, and to improve the ders to highways during winter designs of future projects. months to prevent accidents. Though street sweepers are TMDL science identified stormwater treatment throughout the Goal used on roadways periodically, road network as imperative to achieving water quality standards To reduce erosion and a large quantity of these road at Lake Tahoe. Future projects may include larger, area-wide treat - abrasives end up in the Lake. ment facilities such as the construction of pump and treatment stormwater runoff facilities where practical. In this program, state agencies from state highways. will install stormwater drainage Accomplishments to Date conveyance and treatment facil - ities as well as source control To date, 26 miles of California and Nevada highways have been measures similar to those installed along county and city roads. retrofitted with BMPs. Several large California Department of Project implementers use source control techniques such as reveg - Transportation highway erosion control projects are currently etation and slope stabilization to reduce the amount of sediment planned and funded and many are under construction. Several that is transported onto highways. Nevada Department of Transportation projects are also in the pipeline.
Unfunded Need for Reducing Stormwater from State Highways (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $36.6 $27.44 $46.4 n/a n/a $110.44
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities. The federal share includes the different fund - ing programs of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Local and private funding contributions for stormwater management are shown in other program areas.
— 22 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Reducing Stormwater Pollution from Forest Roads
Primary Implementing Agencies: US Forest Service
he National Forest road network at Lake Tahoe provides important management and Trecreational access to National Forest System Lands. Many of these roads are not paved, however, and contribute dust and stormwater runoff to Lake Tahoe and its tributaries. This program includes retrofit and/or removal of certain roads to reduce stormwater runoff. National Forest System Lands in the Tahoe Basin are managed by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and contain approximately 240 miles of system roads. Some forest roads are located in sensitive areas with steep slopes. Others are located near streams and water bodies. Runoff Goal To reduce erosion Roads on forest lands are retrofitted with erosion control from these roads erodes measures under the EIP. hillsides and enters water and stormwater bodies. The USFS uses a runoff from Forest consistent with other stormwater projects. Bridges are used to systematic approach to Service roads. keep vehicles out of sensitive stream areas. TMDL research has managing runoff and dust identified forest road restoration projects for achieving water qual - from these roads. ity standards at Lake Tahoe. Of the approximately 240 miles of system roads in the Tahoe Accomplishments to Date Basin, approximately 85 miles are paved roads and 155 miles are unpaved roads. Forest road water quality projects incorporate The USFS has decommissioned approximately 160 miles of roads, drainage conveyance and treatment facilities as well as source reducing the road-system miles from 400 to the current 240. control measures and stream-crossing improvements. Conveyance Numerous stream crossings have been reconstructed with larger facilities primarily include rock-lined roadside channels, culvert drainage pipes or bridges. Four bridges have been constructed to replacement and installation and adjustment of road profiles restore healthier stream function. Approximately 80 miles of roads through the installation of rolling dips to direct runoff off the have been retrofitted with BMPs. roads. Treatment facilities and source control techniques are
Unfunded Need for Reducing Stormwater from Forest Roads (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $7.17 n/a n/a n/a n/a $7.17
Forest roads in this program are associated with the national forest road network and all resources dedicated to this effort are currently designated as a federal share. State, local and private contributions toward reducing stormwater from forest roads are captured in other program areas.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 23 — Retrofitting Public and Private Facilities with Best Management Practices Primary Implementing Agencies: Private Property Owners, Local Government Jurisdictions, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, Public Land Management Agencies, Tahoe Resource Conservation District
rosion from developed land in the Tahoe Basin addition, vehicles driven or parked on bare dirt compact the soil, is the biggest driver of Lake clarity loss. reducing infiltration and increasing runoff. Developed lands also Stormwater runoff from residential, commercial, contribute other types of pollutants. Fertilizer applied to lawns and E gardens, releases nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients. When tourist, recreation, industrial and public service projects these nutrients reach the Lake, they stimulate algae growth. conveys sediment and nutrients onto public roads and ultimately to Lake Tahoe. By retrofitting developed pub - BMPs are the first line of defense to reduce stormwater erosion lic and private parcels with erosion control measures, from developed properties. Private property owners are the pri - mary implementers of BMPs throughout the Tahoe Basin. BMPs known as Best Management Practices (BMPs), this pro - are improvements such as infiltration trenches and drywells that gram will help keep runoff from entering roadways. infiltrate roof and driveway Most of the rain and snow that falls on impervious surfaces on runoff on-site which prevent these lands (i.e., rooftops, driveways and parking areas) runs off runoff from entering the public Goal right-of-way. Revegetation of dis - and flows into roadside drainage channels. This runoff then com - To reduce erosion bines with stormwater from public roads to produce a large vol - turbed areas and stabilization of ume of water containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and fine sedi - and stormwater eroding slopes keep soil in place and prevents the transport of ment. Roadside ditches erode and when these flows enter natural runoff from public stream channels, the channels also erode. Once the stability of a sediment and nutrients off-site. natural stream is disturbed, the process continues for years or and private facilities. Paving dirt driveways and park - even decades. ing areas also helps improve water quality. Large developed Stormwater running off disturbed land picks up soil particles from properties require a higher level of BMP implementation and may unvegetated land or bare soil. During storms, soil particles from include the construction of detention and infiltration facilities as these bare areas are washed into street gutters or storm drains. In well as treatment vaults.
These examples show completed erosion control work on residential parcels.
Unfunded Need for BMP Retrofits on Private and Public Parcels (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $60.4 $16.81 $1.6 $14.4 $204.8 $298
All entities have a responsibility to implement BMPs on their facilities to improve water quality by addressing stormwater flows.
— 24 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Public entities also implement BMPs on publicly-owned properties. Accomplishments to Date To accelerate BMP implementation, EIP partners are working with private property owners on neighborhood or area-wide treatment As of December 31, 2008, 10,457 properties were retrofitted with solutions. Through outreach to residents in neighborhoods where BMPs, out of 43,470 total parcels (residential, commercial, and public projects are being designed, property owners have oppor - industrial) in the Basin. In Nevada, 46 percent of parcels have tunities to meet their retrofit requirements and public agencies been retrofitted with BMPs with more than a 50 percent compli - can implement more effective water quality improvement projects. ance rate in the Priority One Watershed area of Incline Village. In California, 16 percent of parcels have been retrofitted. In the Tahoe Providing assistance to property owners is an important element Basin as a whole, 25 percent of parcels have been retrofitted with in implementing BMPs. Local, regional, state, and federal agencies, erosion control BMPs. and conservation districts assist private landowners in implement - ing BMPs. EIP partners provide technical assistance in the form of BMP site evaluations and implementation plans. TRPA, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in conjunction with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, will continue to provide this technical assis - tance. Public education and technical assistance are crucial compo - nents in integrating BMPs with defensible space for fire safety.
By completing BMPs, individual homeowners are doing their part to protect the Lake.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 25 — WaterWWshedaatMteearrnssahhgeeemddentMMPrograaannmaaggeemmeenntt
What happens on land affects water quality and Lake clarity. Watershed management is a holistic approach designed to improve Lake clarity, restore stream environment zones (SEZ), and make progress on vegetation, soils, wildlife and fisheries environmental threshold standards. Many Tahoe watersheds and aquatic habitats are degraded. Many streams no longer function prop - erly as a result of past or ongoing human activities. Poorly functioning streams contribute signifi - cant quantities of sediment and nutrients to the Lake. Land use practices within watersheds have also led to increased sedimentation and stream channel alteration has damaged aquatic habitats. For example, native fish are no longer able to move within or between some water bodies. EIP partners will conduct watershed assessments where appropriate to identify and prioritize indi - vidual projects. In most watersheds, projects are needed to improve the geomorphic function and floodplain connectivity of streams. Projects are designed to replenish overdrafted groundwater tables and restore native vegetation, as well as implementing BMPs to reduce sediment and nutri - ent loading in non-urbanized sections of watersheds. EIP projects also focus on enhancement of specific aquatic habitat types or the processes that create and maintain those habitat types. Projects will remove, improve, or replace structures such as culverts, dams, or bridges that create move - ment barriers for aquatic species or reduce the hydrologic function of streams. Revegetation is needed to stabilize stream banks and restore floodplains. Public acquisition of sensitive lands will help ensure that private development does not disproportionately impact the watershed. These restoration projects benefit all environmental thresholds and are the most cost-effective methods to reduce pollutant loading to the Lake, according to TMDL data.
Program Elements On the California side of the Basin, individual watersheds are prioritized based on the degree to which they are degraded and the extent to which they pollute Lake Tahoe as indicated by the Lake Tahoe TMDL. The California tributaries depositing the most sediment into Lake Tahoe are the Upper Truckee River, Blackwood Creek, and Ward Creek.
Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives
Water Quality Recreation Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
— 26 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — On the Nevada side of the Basin, high-priority watersheds targeted for restoration include Third, Rosewood, and Edgewood Creeks. Because of the similar types of degradation and the comparable management actions needed in these watersheds, the EIP identified these watersheds as high priorities. In addition to physical management of watersheds, the EIP includes programs for public acquisition of environmentally sensitive land in multiple watersheds. The watershed restoration effort consists of the following programs: • Restoring the Upper Truckee Watershed • Restoring other California Priority Watersheds • Restoring Nevada Priority Watersheds • Acquiring Environmentally Sensitive Land • Enhancing Fish and Wildlife Habitat
water clarity trend at lake tahoe 1968–2007
60 20 70
S 25 80 T R E E E T 90 F E 30
M 100 110 35 120
655700 755800 855900 955000 055 100 YEAR
Data Source: Annual Secchi Disk Measurements, UC Davis, Tahoe Environmental Research Center.
Secchi disk: Named for Father Pietro Angelo Secchi, an astronomer among the first to test the instrument when he lowered it into the Mediterranean Sea in 1865. At present, UC Davis researchers test Lake Tahoe’s clarity every 7-10 days year-round by submerging the Secchi disk into the water and recording the depth at which the disk disappears.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 27 — Restoring the Upper Truckee Watershed
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, California State Parks, City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, US Forest Service
he Upper Truckee watershed is the largest in the Tahoe Basin, draining more than 54 square Tmiles. The watershed is the single largest source of fine sediment and nutrients flowing into Lake Tahoe. The Upper Truckee River’s major tributary streams include Trout and Angora Creeks. Annually, some 2,078 tons of sediment are transported to Lake Tahoe from the Upper Truckee watershed, or about two-thirds of the total amount reaching the Lake. In addition to causing a decline in clarity, fine sediments contribute to the degradation of aquatic habitats for fish and other wildlife. Urbanization Goal within this watershed The Upper Truckee River is the number one contributor of fine To restore or enhance has disturbed its nat - sediments to Lake Tahoe. ural ability to filter the natural functions and Accomplishments to Date pollutants before they processes of the Upper make their way into Many watershed management projects were completed in the Truckee River and its Lake Tahoe. Upper Truckee watershed during the first phase of the EIP. They include the following Stream Environment Zone (SEZ) connecting floodplain. The Upper Truckee water - Restoration Projects: shed was once a major • Dunlap fishery for the Tahoe Basin, with Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT) and mountain white - • Cold Creek fish. This fishery has been replaced by introduced species, includ - • Angora Creek ing rainbow, brown, and brook trout. River and stream fish habitat • Industrial Tract has been degraded and is in poor condition due to the influx of • Trout Creek sediment, loss of riparian plant cover, reduction in macroinverte - brate populations and stream-channel widening. Manmade struc - • Upper Truckee River enhancement projects tures such as bridges and culverts have created barriers to fish • Planning and conceptual design to reduce impacts migration, preventing fish access to several miles of remaining of the Lake Tahoe airport spawning habitats in the upper watershed. • Planning for restoration of the Upper Truckee Marsh
Unfunded Need for Restoring the Upper Truckee Priority Watersheds (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $32.85 $40.7 n/a n/a n/a $73.55
Federal and state partners will restore the vitality of Lake Tahoe through land conservation, acquisitions, and restoration projects within the Upper Truckee Watershed. The Upper Truckee Watershed is located in California and therefore no cost share for Nevada is shown. Determinations of local and private shares occur at the project level and will be reported as projects are implemented.
— 28 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Restoring California Priority Watersheds
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, California State Parks, City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, Placer County, US Forest Service
n addition to restoring the Upper Truckee River watershed, the EIP will focus on other California Iwatershed restoration programs. Projects are prioritized based on the highest level of environmen - tal benefit for the amount of resources required. The Blackwood Creek watershed covers 11 square miles on the west side of the the Tahoe Basin. This watershed is the highest per-acre contributor of fine sediments and nutrients to Lake Tahoe and the second leading contributor of fine sediments per water - shed. The Ward Creek watershed covers approximately 10 square miles on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. This water - shed is the third highest Cove East Restoration Project, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Goal contributor of fine sedi - To restore or enhance the ment and nutrients to Lake and hydrologic function. The California Tahoe Conservancy is Tahoe. Meeks Creek water - natural functions and currently designing a project to enhance fisheries and shed covers 8.8 square natural SEZ functions in a highly degraded portion of the processes of streams and miles on the west side of watershed located near the mouth of Blackwood Creek. their floodplains in CA the Tahoe Basin and is also a major contributor of • Ward Creek watershed: EIP partners completed a priority watersheds. nutrients and sediment to comprehensive watershed assessment. This assessment Lake Tahoe. identified watershed enhancement needs and prioritized actions within the watershed. EIP projects such as the Large areas of stream environment zones exist in the Taylor, Tallac, removal of a retired dam that was creating a barrier to fish and Spring Creek watersheds on the south side of the Tahoe movement have addressed issues called out in the Basin. Grazing, logging, road construction, and recreation ameni - assessment. ties have altered watershed functions in these areas. • Meeks Creek and other watersheds: EIP partners completed a comprehensive assessment of the ecosystem and projects Accomplishments to Date are under way by the USFS. An ecosystem assessment completed for the Taylor, Tallac and Spring Creek watershed • Blackwood watershed: Several hydrologic and habitat provides the USFS with a better understanding of their assessments have identified restoration needs. The USFS has natural function and processes, ecosystem function and completed several projects to remediate the effects of gravel processes, current and historical wildlife species composition mining adjacent to the stream channel, and to replace an and the human and natural disturbances that have altered or undersized bridge that created a barrier to fish migration impaired them.
Unfunded Need for Restoring California Priority Watersheds (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $27.36 $22.42 n/a n/a n/a $49.78
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities. However, there may be opportunities for local and private involvement as projects are further scoped and defined and those contributions will be reported as projects are implemented.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 29 — Restoring Nevada Priority Watersheds
Primary Implementing Agencies: Incline Village General Improvement District, Nevada Division of State Lands, Nevada State Parks, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, Washoe County
n Nevada, the Burke Creek, Edgewood Creek, Road construction, residential and commercial development, recre - Incline Creek, North Canyon Creek and Third Creek ational roads and trails, golf courses and ski resorts have con - watersheds have been identified as high-priority tributed to the degradation. Many of the same alterations that I have impacted water quality have also degraded the quality of watersheds in need of restoration and management. the fisheries and aquatic habitat by limiting or even eliminating The interruption of natural hydrologic processes and fish passage for spawning and foraging. Activities, including log - the resulting influx ging and grazing have heavily impacted these watersheds. of nutrients and The goal of this program is to improve water quality; restore natu - sediment have ral biological, physical, and chemical processes to streams, SEZs Goal degraded the quali - To restore or enhance the and floodplains; and improve the aquatic habitat. Projects will ty of these water - focus on enhancing or restoring stream environment zones, natural functions and sheds and have improving wildlife habit, and continuing watershed assessments processes of streams and impacted water to prioritize projects. quality, fisheries, their floodplains in NV Accomplishments to Date stream environ - priority watersheds. EIP partners have completed restoration projects on Second Creek, ment zones and Rosewood Creek and Incline Creek. In addition, partners devel - wildlife habitat. oped a watershed plan for the Edgewood Creek watershed which identifies future restoration opportunities.
At left: Water quality projects like this one in Incline Village, NV strive to achieve multiple environmental benefits for Lake Tahoe. At right: Flow measurement device at Village Green Pond, Incline Village, Nevada.
Unfunded Need for Restoring Nevada Priority Watersheds (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $3.25 n/a $9.9 n/a n/a $13.15
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities. However, there may be opportunities for local and private involvement as projects are implemented.
— 30 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Acquiring Environmentally Sensitive Lands
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, US Forest Service
ublic acquisition and restoration of sensitive • Protected valuable soil, vegetation, wildlife, and fisheries lands directly support achievement of all nine resources from further degradation Penvironmental thresholds. Since 1982, USFS, • Enhanced public ownership and access to Lake shoreline California Tahoe Conservancy, and Nevada Division of • Protected and enhanced scenic resources State Lands acquisition programs have acquired and • Improved air quality by retaining vegetation protected more than 20,000 acres of sensitive lands, • Reduced vehicle miles traveled associated with residential comprised of more than 10,000 subdivided lots. and commercial development. By acquiring many of the sensitive lands adjacent to rivers, creeks, Program Highlights: meadows, and the Lake, public agencies have protected and pre - served the integrity of cultural and historic resources of the indige - • Reduced the development potential nous people who occupied the Tahoe Basin in years past. within the Lake Tahoe Basin by Goal approximately 20 percent To acquire and Accomplishments to Date • Protected thousands of acres of restore priority Since 1997, more than 3,064 acres have been acquired by state and wetlands, meadows, and steep environmentally slopes prone to erosion federal agencies. Significant acquisitions during this period include more than 300 acres and 2,600 feet of lakefront at the Upper Truckee • Protected miles of rivers and streams sensitive lands. Marsh, nearly 1,800 acres associated with High Meadows and recent - • Provided a land base for stormwater ly an additional 754 acres surrounding Incline Lake in Nevada. quality projects to achieve further water quality improvement
Restored meadows and wetlands like these provide critical habitat for wildlife and benefit water quality.
Unfunded Need for Acquiring Environmentally Sensitive Lands (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $47.6 $19.33 n/a n/a n/a $66.93
Currently, only the state of California and the federal government have acquisition programs in place. Nevada acquisitions are largely completed.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 31 — Enhancing Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of Wildlife, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service
ish and wildlife are an integral part of the ecosystem at Lake Tahoe. This program will Fenhance the biological integrity of ecosystems by improving the environmental conditions necessary for the full range of native species, including species not specifically identified as special status. Wildlife species in the Lake Tahoe Basin are being impacted by a loss of habitat including key habitat types neces - sary for food, cover or reproduction. Goal Fragmentation of remain - To enhance fish and ing habitats and direct impacts from humans also wildlife lake habitat Survival of the Northern Goshawk requires careful habitat imperil these species. EIP protection at Lake Tahoe. associated with fish projects focus on wildlife and wildlife move - habitat enhancement and EIP partners will coordinate fish and wildlife habitat enhancement ment corridors. protection to help compen - projects with vegetation management projects and forest fuels sate for past degradation. management efforts to ensure that multiple environmental bene - fits can be gained. Project implementers will prioritize fish and These program elements will include enhancement and protec - wildlife habitat enhancement actions using the best available sci - tion of fisheries and aquatic habitat within Lake Tahoe, including ence. Factors affecting project prioritization include: type of habitat creation of cover, feeding, and spawning habitat. Restoring or to be restored (breeding, foraging, dispersal, etc.), potential for fur - rerouting roads and trails and creating physical or spatial buffers ther degradation if project is not initiated, status of species likely will help to protect wildlife species from direct human impacts. to benefit from the project, compatibility with other EIP programs, cost-effectiveness and ability to implement. Accomplishments to Date Accomplishments include enhancing 13,450 acres of important wildlife habitat and protecting 606 acres of critical habitat through public acquisition.
Efforts to reestablish the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are critical to the biological integrity of the Lake.
Unfunded Need for Enhancing Fish and Wildlife Habitat (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $4.09 $3.85 $1.76 n/a n/a $9.7
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities as most opportunities exist on public land. Enhancing both fish and wildlife habitat are often components of larger watershed restoration or forest management activities. Determinations of local and private shares occur at the project level and will be reported as projects are implemented.
— 32 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — TThhrreeaatteenneedd,, EEnnddaannggeerreedd,, aanndd SSeennssiittiivvee SSppeecciieess Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Program
The Lake Tahoe Basin is home to many special status plant and animal species, including federal, state, and regionally listed threatened, endangered, or petitioned species. These species are considered sensitive due to low population sizes or distribution, declining abundance, or other factors that place them in peril. This program will protect and expand (in appropriate locations) populations of special status species and communities of concern and improve the habitats and environmental conditions they require. The development of a conservation strategy for Tahoe Yellow Cress as well as the ongoing effort to reintroduce the native Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are two examples of work accomplished to date. Additional projects will assist these species. Physical improvements to conserve these species will be guided by this portion of the EIP.
Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives
Water Quality Recreation Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
Priorities Projects will be implemented to enhance all 21 special status species in the Tahoe Basin. However, several species have been identified as top priorities based on the effort needed to enhance and sustain them. Priority assigned to each species will be reevaluated annually. These three top priorities for this program include: • Implementing the Tahoe Yellow Cress Conservation Plan • Restoring and Recovering Lahontan Cutthroat Trout • Protecting Other Priority Sensitive Species
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 33 — Implementing the Tahoe Yellow Cress Recovery Plan
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada and California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, Private Property Owners, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service
ake Tahoe is the only place in the world where the Tahoe Yellow Cress ( Rorippa subumbellata ) Lis located. This rare plant grows along the shoreline and is listed as critically endangered by the state of Nevada, endangered by the state of California, and is a candidate for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. The Conservation Strategy for Tahoe Yellow Cress (TYC), developed in 2002, serves as guidance for conservation. The pri - mary objective of this program is to de-list this species through the development of additional con - servation measures and mitigation techniques. By working together in an adaptive framework, EIP partners have undertak - Goal en field studies and laboratory genetics To protect and research needed to carefully evaluate and implement actions to protect and conserve Tahoe enhance Tahoe Yellow Cress. Because Yellow Cress. of these efforts, existing TYC popula - tions are protected and new popula - tions are growing. Specific actions that should continue being implemented include protecting occupied habitat and potentially suitable habi - tat which could support natural populations, improving the vigor of existing populations, and interagency adaptive management of Reestablishment of sensitive plants such as the Tahoe Yellow the TYC Conservation Strategy. Cress pictured here is a top priority of the EIP. Accomplishments to Date measures, key management questions have been identified, an Tahoe Basin agencies adopted a conservation strategy in 2002. adaptive-management program is under way, and agencies are Based on that strategy, agencies have implemented conservation conducting experimental reintroductions.
Unfunded Need for Implementing Tahoe Yellow Cress (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $0.72 $0.8 $0.1 n/a n/a $1.62
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities while recognizing that the opportunities for restoration activities would also affect a combination of both public and private lands. Any local or private funds expended as part of this programmatic implementation would be documented and reported as projects are implemented.
— 34 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 — Restoring and Recovering Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Primary Implementing Agencies: US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service
he Lahontan Cutthroat Trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi ) once flourished in the Tahoe TBasin but no populations have been found in the Lake since the 1930s. Currently, the species is fed - erally listed as a threatened fish covered under a spe - cial rule that permits recreational harvest under state fishing regulations. The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT) Recovery Plan, finalized in 1995, recommended that plans be developed to address reintroduction and recovery of the fish. The objective of this program is to reestablish Lahontan Cutthroat Trout into the Lake Tahoe Basin to meet recovery objectives within the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan, and protect the Upper Truckee River population of the fish. It is important that native fish populations once again take The Tahoe Basin Recovery Implementation Team’s goal is to hold in the Tahoe Basin. reestablish LCT in Lake Tahoe by identifying and prioritizing recov - ery activities. The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout has been successfully Accomplishments to Date reintroduced to the Upper Truckee River and Fallen Leaf Lake areas. Based in part on success in those locations, EIP partners will A population has been reintroduced into Fallen Leaf Lake and is identify the most promising means of reintroduction of the fish to currently maintained by hatchery propagation of a strain of the Lake Tahoe. fish that originates from the original Lake Tahoe population. This reintroduced population supports a popular recreational fishery. It also provides the opportunity to conduct research on how the fish uses available habitat and how it interacts with non-natives. Goal Performance and growth of the strain of the fish in its historic To reestablish and protect populations lake habitat also must be observed. The first phase of research, of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout within its completed last year, emphasized the food web in Fallen Leaf Lake with emphasis on lake trout predation. Phase two research is historic range. underway that will investigate habitat utilization, longevity, growth, and survivorship in Fallen Leaf Lake.
Unfunded Need for Restoring and Recovering Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $18.06 $2.86 n/a n/a n/a $20.92
The state of California and the federal government will implement the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan. Shares for the state of Nevada, local and private sectors are not identified.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 35 — Protecting Other Priority Sensitive Species
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of State Lands, Nevada Department of Wildlife, US Forest Service
umerous additional special status species and communities of concern exist in the Lake NTahoe Basin. The protection, enhancement and restoration of these species and communities is necessary to achieve the thresholds and desired con - ditions identified by the Regional Plan and in some cases may be required by federal, state, or local regu - lations. The goal of this program is to protect species by implementing conservation measures and acquir - ing important habitat. Other special status species to be addressed include, but are not limited to:
• California spotted owl ( Gambelia silus ) Osprey at Lake Tahoe. • Bald eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) • Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus ) • Lake Tahoe draba ( Draba asterophora ) • Mountain beaver ( Aplodontia rufa ) Goal • Trowbridge’s shrew ( Sorex trowbridgii ) To protect critical • Northern goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis ) habitat needed by • Native amphibians including the moun- Special Status Species tain yellow-legged frog ( Rana muscosa ) and Communities of • Migratory birds and native meso- carnivores such as marten Concern. Projects will include efforts to physically or spatially buffer species and habitats, efforts to Bald eagles have consistently nested on the improve specific physical attributes required by shoreline of Lake Tahoe over the last 10 years. species or their habitats and managing human uses to reduce impacts to habitats.
Unfunded Need for Protecting Other Priority Sensitive Species (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $4.85 $2.32 $0.68 n/a n/a $7.85
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities. Enhancing both fish and wildlife habitat for the protection of sensitive species are often components of larger watershed restoration or forest management activities. Although not anticipated, local and private shares will be determined and reported as projects are implemented.
— 36 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — ManMMaging IaannnvaaasiggveiinnSpggecieIIs Pnnrovvgraamssiivvee SSppeecciieess
Past resource management practices including fire suppression, grazing, development, and logging have significantly altered ecosystem dynamics in the Lake Tahoe Basin. In their altered state, ecosystems are less able to support wildlife and are unable to adequately respond to natural or imposed disturbances. These degraded ecosystems face a growing threat from invasive species, which can replace native species and be detrimental to ecosys - tem integrity by altering natural balances and significantly reducing habitat for other plant and animal species. Threats from invasive species are a serious concern for the future of Lake Tahoe. The primary objective of this program is to improve the biological integrity of ecosystems in the Basin, and in doing so ensure the existence of a full range of native species, seral stages, habitats, and ecological processes. Achieving this objective will require a coordinated effort between multi - ple entities to manage vegetation communities and habitat. This work will reduce impacts from non-native species, reduce direct human impacts on wildlife, increase species richness, and create inter-connected habitats within and outside the Basin.
Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives
Water Quality Recreation Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
Priorities The integrity of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and in particular the maintenance of the entire suite of native species, is only possible if invasive species are controlled. A collaborative partnership of public agencies and the Lake Tahoe community are working to control terrestrial invasive species, to manage existing aquatic invasive species, and to prevent the introduction of quagga and zebra mussels. The following two priorities will be the focus of this program: • Controlling Terrestrial Invasive Species • Managing Aquatic Invasive Species
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 37 — Controlling Terrestrial Invasive Species
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, Private Property Owners, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, USFS, US Fish & Wildlife Service
nvasive weeds are a threat to Lake Tahoe’s flora, fauna, and water quality. The Lake Tahoe Basin is Ivulnerable to weeds spreading from transportation corridors, recreational use, and development. Invasive weeds completely alter native communities by form - ing pure stands of one invasive plant by monopoliz - ing the resources, excluding native plants, and degrad - Goal ing wildlife habitat leading To protect the bio - to reduced recreation and land values. logical diversity of Roots of invasive weeds do not the Lake Tahoe bind the soil as well as native Terrestrial invasive species pose a major threat to Lake Tahoe. Basin from terrestri - plants and cause erosion which At left: Bull Thistle, invasive weed. At right: Toad flax. adversely affects Lake clarity. In al invasive species. order to eradicate weeds before • EIP partners treated 21 net acres in the Basin in 2007 to large infestations occur, EIP part - eradicate terrestrial weeds which represents a 32 percent ners must survey, map, and treat decrease in the area requiring treatment from 2006. In invasive species to control existing infestations and prevent new 2008, partners treated 8.7 net acres in the Basin which introductions from spreading and becoming established. represents a 59 percent decrease in the area requiring Immediate detection and eradication of invasive species signifi - treatment from 2007 cantly reduces the cost and effort required to remove an estab - • Assistance to landowners in the Angora Fire area to survey lished weed infestation. and treat historical weed infestations during the post-fire Accomplishments to Date revegetation period • EIP partners reached more than 5,600 people in 2008 via A diverse partnership of agencies and community members are trainings, presentations, events, radio spots, mailings and working together to more effectively identify, map, and manage nox - workshops ious and invasive weeds within the Lake Tahoe Basin watershed. • 380 homeowners received one-on-one site consultations on • Detection surveys completed on more than 1,880 miles of invasive plants from local conservation districts roads and more than 8,000 acres of public and private • 6,200 weed brochures distributed by EIP partners lands, including 3,100 acres in the Angora Fire burned area • EIP partners developed and launched a new website in • 520 sites monitored in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including 2009 with a reporting component to increase weed historical and new infestation sites detection efforts around the Tahoe Basin.
Unfunded Need for Controlling Terrestrial Invasive Species (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $1.19 $0.75 $0.36 n/a n/a $2.3
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities while recognizing that opportunities for treat - ment on private lands will be captured and private funds expended reported.
— 38 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Managing Aquatic Invasive Species
Primary Implementing Agencies: Nevada Division of State Lands, Private Property Owners, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service
quatic invasive species pose one of the most serious threats to Lake Tahoe. Such species Acan be extremely detrimental to native species in addition to threatening water quality. There are currently large infestations of noxious weeds in the Lake including Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed. Additionally, researchers have dis - covered large concentrations of the Asian clam. Recent detections of quagga and zebra mussels in the Western United States pose a significant threat to Lake Tahoe and aggressive measures are in place to reduce the risk that they will be introduced in Lake Tahoe. Agencies implemented a mandatory boat Asian clam beds like this one are a growing concern at Lake Tahoe. inspection program in 2008 to protect Lake Tahoe. High risk vessels must be decontaminated before EIP partners are focused on preventing new introductions of aquatic launching into Lake Tahoe and boat ramps are closed invasive species and managing negative impacts from existing inva - when inspectors are not sive species. Managing invasive species is also necessary to pre - present. Additionally, out - serve the native biodiversity of the Tahoe Basin’s aquatic ecosys - Goal reach and education pro - tems and achieve desired conditions identified in the Regional Plan. grams inform the public To protect the bio - Accomplishments to Date about what they can do to logical diversity of prevent invasive species A treatment program for Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf the Lake Tahoe introductions. pondweed is currently in place and a pilot project assessing remediation methods for Asian clams is underway. In addition, Basin from aquatic If left unchecked, established inva - the comprehensive Lake Tahoe Region Aquatic Invasive Species invasive species. sive aquatic species will pose a Management Plan is pending approval by the States of California significant threat to native plant and Nevada and the Federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. and animal species and will harm Extensive public outreach regarding existing aquatic invasive the natural beauty of the Lake. Aquatic ecosystems are also heavily species infestations and education on clean boating practices is impacted by invasive animals including warm water fishes such as ongoing. Through outreach, regulations, watercraft inspections by large mouth bass and bluegill, sunfish and other species, such as public agencies and private launch facilities, quagga mussels have bullfrogs. These species not only compete for food and prey upon not been introduced in Lake Tahoe. native species and coldwater game species, but also alter habitat.
Unfunded Need for Managing Aquatic Invasive Species (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $6.31 $3.34 $1.08 $1.08 $5.94 $17.75
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 39 — SScciieennccee HHiigghhlliigghhttss Watersheds, Habitat, & Water Quality
• Researchers discovered in recent years that inorganic fine sediment has caused most of the decline in Lake Tahoe clarity versus water quality degradation from the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. These findings led to development of a Lake clarity model and a pollutant loading model to inform the Lake Tahoe TMDL. • Monitoring of sediment loads and stream flows by the Lake Tahoe Implementation Monitoring Program provides key data needed for the clarity and pollutant loading models. • Data synthesis efforts, such as the annual State of the Lake report, continue to pull together research findings and monitoring data to inform the public of the status and trends in environmental conditions Basin-wide. • Comprehensive science studies of natural resources completed to date include several assessments of Basin watersheds and Basin-wide inventories of plant and animal species and their habitats. With $10 million invested in water quality research to inform the development of the Lake Tahoe TMDL, the EIP is using cutting-edge science to prioritize projects to achieve watershed restora - tion and Lake clarity goals. Despite this body of knowledge, gaps and uncertainties still exist.
Science Priorities • Developing a better understanding of how watershed restoration projects reduce sediment loadings and improve Lake clarity. • Developing an inventory, classification, and performance tracking system to support agency programs to restore and protect stream environment zones in the Tahoe Basin. • Assessing the effectiveness of stormwater management projects in treating and reducing polluted runoff in urban areas as well as understanding their effects on riparian habitat condition and species of concern. • Developing a Regional Stormwater Monitoring Program (RSWMP) to collect, coordinate and disseminate data aimed at assessing the effectiveness of capital stormwater management and erosion control investments designed to achieve Lake Tahoe clarity goals. • Documenting and predicting effects of climate change on Lake Tahoe Basin resources and management activities.
— 40 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Recovery and conservation plans for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and Tahoe Yellow Cress have included science efforts to guide and assess these programs, while ongoing monitoring has provid - ed basic information on the status and trends of key wildlife species (e.g., northern goshawk). However, EIP partners need critical assessments to ensure we set realistic targets given large-scale shifts related to climate change and forest-management efforts. The top science priorities for threatened, endangered and sensitive species include: • Developing science-based performance measures and adaptive management approaches for at-risk species conservation and recovery programs. • Improving our understanding of sensitive species’ responses to forest management and conservation actions. • Completing a comprehensive evaluation of conservation measures and restoration efforts for special communities and threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. These evaluations should include an assessment of potential outcomes given habitat modification due to climate change and Basin-wide forest-management efforts. • Developing a basin-wide long-term status and trends monitoring program for species of concern and special communities (e.g., fens, wetlands, aspen communities).
Managing Invasive Species Numerous invasive species (both terrestrial and aquatic) now have established populations in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the threat of additional introductions persists present. The effects of aquatic invasive species are most pronounced in the nearshore habitats of Lake Tahoe, while recently disturbed forest and urban areas are most susceptible to the invasion of terrestrial species. The top science priorities for managing invasive species include: • Using carefully designed pilot projects, complete science-based evaluations of the effectiveness of alternative strategies to control and manage invasive and noxious species that are now established in the Tahoe Basin. • Developing and maintaining a basin-wide monitoring program of both aquatic and terres trial habitats to assess the distribution and abundance of invasive species now established in the Tahoe Basin. This monitoring program should also serve as one component of an early warning system to detect new invasions. • Examining the factors affecting nearshore water quality and ecology. • Conducting focused studies to develop invasive species threshold carrying capacities for terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 41 — FOREST MANAGEMENT
The Lake Tahoe community has worked diligently to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire over the last decade. The Angora Fire of June 2007 demonstrated that “it’s not a matter of if, but when” large-acreage wildfires will occur at Lake Tahoe. The fire destroyed more than 245 homes and structures and environmental impacts to the for - est are extensive.
forest management goal Logging at Lake Tahoe beginning in the mid- 1800s and ensuing fire suppression have resulted 89,293 I 10-Year Target Acres in overcrowded forests. Overcrowding has made forests susceptible to drought stress, disease, and insect attacks, all of which have caused many of the Basin’s trees to die. While low intensity wildfire is necessary for a healthy forest, the density and buildup of fuels can lead to catastrophic wildfires I Acres Treated that threaten life, property, Lake clarity, scenic val - as of 2007 21,293 ues, and wildlife habitat. Acres 24% of Goal Achieved
— 42 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — History of the Lake Tahoe Basin Forest The forests of today are a legacy of the choices made only 150 years ago— just a small fraction of time in Lake Tahoe’s life span. The discovery of silver in Virginia City brought early European settlers into the Tahoe Basin and touched off drastic changes to the forest. Clear cutting in parts of the Basin bared the hills, and without roots to hold the soil in place, massive erosion brought sediment rushing into the Lake. This sediment clouded the crystal clear waters and altered the fragile balance between the Lake and its surrounding ecosystem. After exhausting timber resources, the loggers moved on and vegetation slowly returned to Tahoe’s hillsides. Unfortunately, because so many trees were cut at once, the natural regeneration and fire suppression actions that followed produced a different forest than in the pre-logging era. The Tahoe Basin’s trees are two to six times denser than a healthy forest with a substantially higher pro - portion of white fir, and a lower proportion of fire resistant and drought tolerant Jeffrey Pine. This species mix contributes to a much heavier fuel concentration and poses a threat of cata - strophic fire. The resulting forest condition increases the risk of property loss, threatens human safety, and threatens Lake clarity, forest vegetation, and wildlife habitat. Today, EIP Forest Management projects focus on forest thinning, defensible space within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), biomass utilization, and the implementation of the 10-Year Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy which includes community wildfire protection plans.
1870: Loggers begin to clear cut forests of Tahoe.
1870-1900: Two-thirds of the forest was cut and shipped to the Comstock Lode.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 43 — ForestFFEcooorrseyessstttemHHHeeeaaaltllhttahhnd aHannazdadrdHHouaaszzFuaaerrldds oRouuedssucFtFionuueellss
The Forest Ecosystem Health and Hazardous Fuels Reduction program will strive to make Lake Tahoe’s forests more resistant to catastrophic wildfire and improve their ability to respond to natural disturbance. This will be achieved by restoring forests to more natural densities, age structure, and species composition while preserving and enhancing ecosys - tem values. Utilization of biomass can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create alternative energy in the process. Projects will be designed to achieve multiple environ - mental benefits such as reducing fuel loading while improving riparian vegetation and overall ecosystem health.
Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives
Water Quality Recreation Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
Priorities The top priorities for this work were developed to help reduce the fire threat to the communities within the Lake Tahoe Basin and restore pre-Comstock (1850) species composition and structure to surrounding forests. High tree mortality in overstocked forest stands resulted in high fire dan - ger, and these stands must be treated to both reduce that threat and restore a functioning ecosys - tem. The following will be central to this work: • Advancing Forest Ecosystem Health and Reducing Hazardous Fuels • Utilizing Biomass from Forest Fuels Reduction
Adapting to Climate Change Lake Tahoe’s forested landscapes offer the potential to both mitigate and adapt to the threats of climate change. The EIP forest management projects will be designed to: • Increase the storage of carbon in the Basin’s forests • Reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions • Maximize the use of biomass facilities to supplement pile burning of forest wood waste and to generate alternative energy • Grow more diverse forests that are resilient to rising temperatures • Design habitat improvement projects to take into account potential changes in the type, location, and distribution of vegetation communities.
— 44 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Advancing Forest Ecosystem Health and Reducing Hazardous Fuels Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, California State Parks, Local Fire Districts/Agencies, Nevada Division of Forestry, Nevada Division of State Lands, Nevada Fire Safe Council, Private Property Owners, US Forest Service
atastrophic wildfire poses a serious threat to life, Vegetation management projects will be closely coordinated with property and the Lake Tahoe environment. The other environmental improvement projects such as stream envi - goal of this program is to to manage and ronment zone restoration and enhancement to maximize benefits. C Vegetation management projects will be prioritized based on the enhance forest ecosystem health while reducing haz - 10-Year Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention ardous fuels in a manner that will help achieve the Strategy. Factors affecting prioritization include: fire regime condi - applicable environmental threshold carrying capacities. tion class, degree of change from historical conditions, potential Several plant communities are of special concern for further degradation if project is not initiated, compatibility with because of their rarity, importance to a large number of other EIP programs, cost-effectiveness, and likelihood that imple - species, declining abundance, or reduced distribution. mentation will be successful. Preservation and enhancement of these plants (includ - EIP partners will perform understo - ing aspen stands, late seral stage conifer forests, cush - ry thinning using mechanical or ion plant communities, and fens) are essential to sus - Goal hand treatment techniques, bio - tain the biological integrity of Basin ecosystems. To protect forest mass removal, mastication, chip - ping, and prescribed fire to reduce In addition to protecting and enhancing specific vegetation com - ecosystem health the quantity of ground fuels. munities, other ecosystem management efforts will be necessary. and reduce forest Projects will occur throughout the These include: forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, fuels. including the wildland urban inter - • Forest thinning and prescribed fire to enhance face and on publicly and privately underrepresented species or achieve desired densities or owned lots in developed areas. age structures In order to achieve natural conditions partners will implement • Activities intended to mimic fire or other natural disturbance projects in consideration of historic fire conditions. Projects are regimes at the appropriate magnitude, extent, and prioritized based on the 10-Year Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction frequency and Wildfire Prevention Strategy and other factors including: • Appropriate use of landscape design to buffer sensitive areas • Propagation, planting, or other techniques to increase the • Importance to special status species extent and vigor of underrepresented plant species. • Vegetation community type
Before treatment. After initial treatment (future fuels and restoration projects will occur).
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 45 — • Aspect, slope and elevation Owners of private lands must also create defensible space. • Proximity to developed areas Individual homeowners in California are required by the Public Resources Code to reduce wildfire hazards around their homes • Fuel types and amount of fuel loading and Nevada Fire Districts have similar requirements. Because most • Time since last treatment residential parcels are small and owned by part-time Tahoe Basin • Protected wildlife habitat residents, coordinating projects to gain an efficiency of scale is • Fire regime condition class difficult. Local fire districts and fire safe council chapters are on hand, however, to assist private landowners with their defensible The fuel treatment prescriptions for the general forest are space work. designed to modify fire intensity and spread while reducing high- density stands and insect infestation and disease in treated areas. Accomplishments to Date Emphasis in these areas is on landscape-scale fire modification. Forest areas adjacent to urban areas are the most critical areas on More than 96 acres of old growth forests have been protected or which to focus fuel reduction work. Fuels treatments reduce the enhanced while approximately 240 acres of disturbed lands have threat to developed areas from wildland fire and reduce the been revegetated. Additionally, forest fuels reduction work has potential of structure fires from spreading into the open forest. been completed on more than 21,000 acres and additional work is currently being planned and implemented. Hand crews have In the early 1980s, the treated urban lots covering over 1,500 acres. Treatment methods Forest Service, California, include chipping, mastication, and burning. The Tahoe Fire and and Nevada began acquir - Fuels Team reduced hazardous fuels on 1,500 acres in 2008. ing environmentally sensi - tive lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Most of the parcels are located within or adjacent to the devel - oped communities of the Aspen stand choked with white fir Basin and vary in size encroachment. from a fraction of an acre to several hundred acres. Currently there are thou - sands of publicly owned urban lots. Many of these lots have received initial treatments to reduce the threat of wildfire from within the community and maintenance treat - Aspen stand after treatment. ments are planned.
Unfunded Need for Advancing Forest Ecosystem Health and Reducing Hazardous Fuels (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $82.14 $31.93 $4.36 $16.35 $58.86 $193.64
— 46 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — fuels treatments completed and future acreage targets
Angora Wildfire June 2007: The devastation caused by the Angora Wildfire underscores the
ity urgent need for fuels reduction at Lake Tahoe. An illegal campfire started the blaze which burned 3,100 acres and destroyed more than 245 homes and structures. Tahoe Basin fire organizations, land management agencies, and private property own - ers are implementing the Multi- Jurisdictional Fuels Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy over the next 10 years which will help reduce the risk of future catastrophic wild - fires. A post-fire Forest Service analysis demonstrated fuels treat - ments in and around the Angora burn area moderated the fire behav - ior. These treatments provided fire - fighters safer areas to fight the wild - fire, and as a result, helped save many homes from destruction.
I 21,293 acres of fuels treated as of December 2006 I 68,000 acres planned for fuels treatments from 2008-2018
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 47 — Utilizing Biomass From Forest Fuels Reduction
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of State Lands, Nevada Fire Safe Council, Placer County, US Forest Service
rojects to be implemented through this program Accomplishments to Date generate biomass that is typically chipped, masti - Several preliminary assessments of biomass potential in and Pcated, and/or left in the forest and pile or broad - around the Lake Tahoe Basin have been prepared. Placer County cast burned. Smoke from burning impacts air quality, has helped local residents collect and remove biomass to a facility contributes to an increase in nutrient loading to Lake outside the Basin. Most biomass is taken to the cogeneration Tahoe, creates greenhouse gases, and generates con - plant at the Northern Nevada Correction Center in Carson City, cerns from adjacent residents. Nevada or to Loyalton, California. Small quantities are being used at other facilities including a chip board plant in Rockland, Fuel reduction and forest ecosystem restoration projects require California. broadcast and pile burning to maintain the effectiveness of those treatments. Current estimates indicate that approximately 12,500 green tons of biomass per year for 10 years could result from the forest fuels reduction implemented through this program. Projects are planned to transport this material to localized co-generation Goal facilities for the generation of heat and/or electricity. Although the To improve air quality in the Tahoe material is still burned, the facilities are designed to reduce the amount of smoke to meet air quality standards. Transportation Basin and use the byproducts of costs often must be subsidized to make projects economically fea - fuels reduction work. sible. The objective of this work is to link forest health treatments and biomass energy production. Diversion to biomass facilities reduces the amount of forest material that is burned or left in the forest where roads are accessible to remove the material.
Before treatment. After treatment.
Unfunded Need for Utilizing Biomass from Fuels Reduction (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $7.1 $1 $0.9 $1 n/a $10
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by federal and state entities while recognizing that opportunities for treat - ment on private lands will be captured and reported.
— 48 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — SScciieennccee HHiigghhlliigghhttss Forest Management
Restoring forest structure and composition, particularly within and surrounding urbanized areas, is a major priority for land management agencies and other EIP partners. • Research findings have shown that overly dense forest stands are more susceptible to drought stress, disease and insect attacks, and that fuels reduction measures substantially decrease the rate of spread and the intensity of wildfires, such as the Angora Fire of June 2007. • Monitoring of fire behavior and impacts during and after the Angora Fire clearly shows the benefits of fuels reduction treatments. Monitoring of the implementation of vegetation treatments and fuels reduction projects annually shows between 85 and 100 percent effectiveness of the BMPs installed to prevent erosion during and following project operations.
Science Priorities: • Evaluating the effectiveness of forest fuel management projects in reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire in the wildland-urban interface. • Developing a Basin-wide forest monitoring program that operates in concert with fuels reduction projects to quantitatively assess at various spatial scales the effects of fuels reduction projects on the spectrum of ecosystem management objectives. • Conducting focused studies to better understand changes in habitat loss, habitat alteration, or habitat use in urban forests. • Monitoring soil, water, habitat and species responses to vegetation treatments and fuel reductions • Continuing to study economic viability of various biomass removals and utilization • Conducting focused studies to evaluate alternative strategies to minimize the impacts of fuels management projects in stream environment zones. • Undertaking focused studies to determine the appropriate management strategies that maximize defensible space, but at the same time function to minimize erosion. • Documenting and predicting effects of climate change on forest health.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 49 — AIR QUALITY & TRANSPORTATION
Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, within driving range of three large urban centers: The San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Valley, and the Reno metropolitan area. Visitors from these areas come to Lake Tahoe predominantly by automobile. Locally-produced pollution degrades Tahoe’s air quality. Sources include engine exhaust, wood smoke, road dust, and particulate matter from construction dust.
bike and pedestrian trails The millions of people who enjoy visiting Lake Tahoe every year cause impacts to the ecosystem. Mobile sources of air Future Goal 263 I pollution, mainly motor vehicles, are among the most sig - Miles nificant sources of pollution and greenhouse gases in the Tahoe Basin. Pollutants from all sources can land on the Lake’s surface, affecting water clarity. When pollutants are 170 I 10-Year Target trapped near the surface of the Lake during a thermal inver - Miles sion event, the rate of deposition is greater. 127 I Miles of Trails Completed or More than half of the nitrogen that enters the Lake annual - Miles Improved ly—218 metric tons—is deposited through the atmosphere. One quarter of the phosphorus—about 7 tons—drops from 48% the air. To address the ever-growing impact of transporta - of Goal Achieved tion on Lake Tahoe’s air quality, numerous EIP projects have focused around transportation and pedestrian projects.
— 50 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — ImprovAAiniigrrAiQQr Quuuaaalilltyiitanyyd TaarnnanddspoTTrtrraaatinnonssppProoorrgttraamttiioonn
Most of the air pollution impacting visibility, human and ecosystem health in Tahoe origi - nates within the Basin. Transportation and wood burning activities are the primary sources of pollutants causing air quality degradation, which contributes to the non-attainment of air quality thresholds. The goals of this program are to reduce wood burning and depend - ency on the private automobile, while removing fine sediment particles from roadways. Providing financial incentives through matching funds or voucher programs will help accelerate the replacement of non-compliant wood burning fireplaces and stoves that are direct sources for air pollution. Acquiring high efficiency street sweepers will help remove fine particles from roadways before they become airborne. Removing fine particles from roadways will also benefit water quality. Finding ways to reduce the dependency on the automobile by building bike trail networks, improv - ing transit systems, and rehabilitating existing transportation networks to support walkable commu - nities are strategies that can also improve air quality. Tahoe’s Regional Transportation Plan includes policies, strategies, and projects that will help improve the Basin’s transportation network.
Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives
Water Quality Recreation Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
Priorities Priorities are designed to contribute to the achievement of the air quality thresholds and implement TRPA Compact goals related to transportation and reducing the dependence on the automobile. The following two priorities are the focus of this program: • Improving Air Quality by Reducing Wood Smoke and Dust • Improving Transit and Trail Connections
Adapting to Climate Change Improving mobility and access to and around Lake Tahoe will be a major focus of the Basin’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. The EIP Air Quality and Transportation projects will be designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change by: • Creating a coordinated regional highway, transit, and parking system • Improving bicycle and pedestrian connections between neighborhoods and communities • Increasing the use of alternative fuels in vehicles and the public transportation fleet • Developing Basin-wide bike trail and waterborne transit systems.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 51 — Improving Air Quality
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Department of Transportation, Local Government Jurisdictions, Nevada Department of Transportation, Private Property Owners
irborne particulate matter has become a Recent science shows that high efficiency street sweepers can significant concern due to its negative effects significantly reduce particulate matter before it becomes airborne. on human and ecosystem health, as well as to Particulate matter is not only a health concern, it also poses a A threat to water quality as fine sediment is the major contributor to visibility. The primary sources of airborne particulate the loss of Lake clarity. Funding will help state and local public matter in the Basin are: road dust, deicing practices, works agencies acquire high efficiency street sweepers as well as snow removal, the burning of wood products, construc - a monitoring program to quantify benefits of the sweepers. tion dust, and vehicle exhaust. This program will signifi - Although the air quality in the Basin is considered better than cantly reduce the amount of particulate pollution in the most of the urban areas that surround it, the Basin remains in Basin through a wood non-attainment with some of the air quality standards set by fed - smoke control program and eral, state, local, or regional regulatory agencies. For this reason, Goal acquisition of high efficiency the air quality program focuses on the need to reduce pollutant To improve air street sweepers. levels. To this end, the primary pollutants of concern for air quality include ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen quality by reducing The replacement of non-compliant (NOx), particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10), and particu - wood smoke wood-burning fireplaces and late matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). stoves throughout the Region has and dust. been occurring over many years. Accomplishments to Date TRPA ordinances require removal or replacement of non-compliant Agencies in the Basin currently operate a limited sweeper pro - wood heaters upon the sale of a home. Similar programs exist gram. However, it is not sufficient to adequately control particu - throughout the country and many communities are finding ways lates. Over the last decade a first-tier wood stove retrofit program to fund voucher programs to incentivize compliance. Funding was in place. acquired for this work will support a voucher program to encour - age the replacement of non-compliant wood stoves and fireplaces.
Unfunded Need for Improving Air Quality (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $0.4 $0.4 n/a $2.4 $4.8 $8
Currently the majority of funding for this program is the responsibility of the local and private share. Nevada provides funding for air quality improvements through support of bike trails in the Improving Transit and Trail Connections program area.
— 52 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Improving Transit and Trail Connections Primary Implementing Agencies: Local Government Jurisdictions, California Tahoe Conservancy, California Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Division of State Lands, North Lake Tahoe Resort Assocation, Tahoe Transportation District, US Forest Service
key to improving air quality by increasing public transportation use is to connect existing transit services within the Tahoe Basin as well Goal A To improve air as provide convenient transit services to and from the surrounding communities. Building bike trails and bike quality in the lanes also plays a role in reducing the dependency on Lake Tahoe Basin. the automobile. In addition, upgrades to regional road - ways are needed.
Improved connections Transportation Priority Projects Regional Transit and mobility options are • U.S. Highway 50 Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements Project: important for reducing Regional traffic volumes, creating The goal of this project is to improve the character of the Gateway year-round mobility, and highway by making the corridor pedestrian and bicycle Bicycle Connections friendly. New features will include landscaping and lighting Highways/Bus enhancing the visitor Water Transit to create a more aesthetic section of roadway as well as experience. water quality improvements. • Tahoe City Transit Center: The goal of the project is to • U.S. Highway 50 Stateline Corridor Project: The project enhance opportunities for residents, commuters, and visitors realigns U.S. 50 and spans South Lake Tahoe, CA and to use public transit services in North Tahoe. Stateline, NV. Lake Parkway would be expanded to • Lake Tahoe Waterborne Transit: Waterborne transit would accommodate traffic through the area. The primary goal is to create a transit option that is an attractive alternative to improve mobility while balancing transportation needs with the automobile and can be initiated in an efficient, community goals of economic vitality and environmental environmentally and cost effective manner. preservation. • Fanny Bridge/SR 89 Realignment Project: The project Tahoe Transportation Network addresses traffic congestion due to high traffic volumes Congress gave Lake Tahoe the official designation of having a during the summer months, the structural deficiencies Metropolitan Planning Organization in 1999 in recognition of the requiring seismic retrofit within the next 10 years, and the Basin’s unique transportation issues. The Tahoe Region is served planned transit and parking facility south of Fanny Bridge. primarily by two publicly operated transit systems. On the south • State Route 28/Kings Beach Commercial Core Improvements: shore, public transit service is provided by BlueGO which is oper - Goals include improved water quality treatment facilities, ated through a cooperative transit partnership involving the City increased bicycle and pedestrian mobility, enhanced scenic of South Lake Tahoe, South Shore casino and resort properties, El and aesthetic character of the Kings Beach Commercial Core, Dorado and Douglas Counties, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and and improved safety with planned parking and an additional The Ridge Resorts. At the north end of the Lake, Placer County pedestrian crossing. operates the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) system. Both
Unfunded Need for Improving Transit and Trail Connections (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $63.82 $82.86 $5 $14.26 $5.14 $171.08
-- — THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 53 — transit systems have struggled with a lack of adequate operating Accomplishments to Date and capital funds. Within the last decade, EIP partners have constructed 53 miles of The Lake Tahoe Basin has an extensive system of bicycle facilities; bike and pedestrian facilities, bringing the total to 127 miles. In however, the bicycle system is incomplete, lacking connections addition, partners have constructed or rehabilitated 29 transit facili - between communities. Bicycle facilities may be multi-use, mean - ties to increase transit ridership. ing they provide for bicycle and pedestrian travel, and range in design from separate paths to shared routes on highways. annual transit ridership Pedestrian facilities are located in more urbanized areas and include both sidewalks and walkways, which are generally paved and include off-street bicycle routes. However, many parts of the 3 I 10-Year Target for system are underutilized based on the lack of winter maintenance, Million Annual Ridership long crossing distances and connecting segments between urban areas. In 2004, the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization completed a Bicycle-Pedestrian Element to the Regional Transportation Plan which will be implemented through the EIP. Many existing urban roadways are not designed as complete/smart streets. A smart street brings together people, jobs, and services 1.5 I Annual Ridership and is designed in a way that makes it efficient, safe, and conven - in 2007 ient to travel on foot or by bicycle, transit, and car. Literature sug - Million gests that higher mixed-use densities and shorter trip distances lead 950,000 I Annual Ridership to resource conservation and greater efficiency. in 1997 A basic tenet of the complete/smart street concept is the encour - agement of advanced weather information, roadway changeable 50% advisory signs and traffic and parking management advisories. of Goal Achieved Installing intelligent transportation systems is also an important part of reducing congestion.
Above: Lake Tahoe on a poor visibility day. At left: Trail projects, such as the Lakeside Trail at Fanny Bridge, promotes biking which in turn can reduce vehicles on the road, improves air quality, and enhances visibility.
— 54 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — SScciieennccee HHiigghhlliigghhttss Air Quality and Transportation
EIP partners have identified an urgent need for improved air quality monitoring infrastructure and evaluation tools to measure and mitigate the impacts of air pollutant levels on human health and Lake clarity. • Research has shown atmospheric pollution degrades Lake Tahoe clarity with particulate matter and nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. • Monitoring has shown that urban air quality is distinct from air quality in undeveloped areas of the Basin. And it supports the conclusion that local pollution sources (including fires, woodstoves, roadway dust, and vehicle exhaust) produce most of the atmospheric pollution in the Tahoe Basin.
Science Priorities • Developing a comprehensive, Basin-wide air quality monitoring program to better assess the long-term status and trends of air pollutants under a range of meteorological conditions. • Developing a greenhouse gas emissions inventory to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of transit programs, forest management activities, and other strategies to reduce emissions and meet new federal and state regulations. • Conducting focused studies to quantify the sources and pathways of airborne pollutants (especially particle deposition) to Lake Tahoe. • Developing an air quality model that utilizes the full suite of meteorological, chemical, and particulate data. • Conducting a synthesis analyses to document and predict the effects of atmospheric pollution and climate change on Lake Tahoe Basin resources and management activities. • Increasing the Tahoe Basin’s capacity to monitor the status and trends of transportation characteristics in order to improve transportation management strategies.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 55 — RECREATION & SCENIC RESOURCES
Lake Tahoe’s majestic beauty, proximity to urban areas, and renowned recreational opportunities attract more than three million visitors annually, according to the US Forest Service. Ranging from Lake access on urban shorelines to trails which lead to the solitude of the backcountry, residents and visitors from around the world enjoy Lake Tahoe’s diverse recreational offerings. Well-planned, designed and coordinated facilities are needed not only to support, but also ease the impact on Tahoe’s most unique natural resources.
recreation projects During the first 10 years of the EIP, programs focused on the acquisition of land, access to the Lake, and retrofitting recreation facilities to enhance the 122 I 10-Year Target Facilities public’s recreational experiences and to help achieve and maintain recreation environmental thresholds. EIP funds have brought additional acres of natural
82 I Constructed or lands and miles of Tahoe’s shoreline into public own - Facilities Rehabilitated ership and enabled the implementation of new beach Facilities as of 2007 access, developed facilities, and recreational trails. These programs have helped protect Tahoe’s fragile 67% natural resources from overuse. of Goal Achieved
— 56 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — RecreaRtioencPrreoagrtaimon
The Bi-State Compact emphasizes protecting, preserving, and enhancing the nationally significant recreational values of the Tahoe Basin, with an emphasis on increasing public access to Lake Tahoe and its shoreline. The EIP works to restore and construct public facilities and to build and link trail systems. Construction of viable access points and pub - lic facilities reduces improper use of sensitive areas and contributes to the preservation of the Tahoe Basin. Significant private investments, particularly at the Basin’s ski areas, pro - vide important recreational amenities and also contribute to the attainment of the recre - ation environmental threshold carrying capacities. Public access and recreation opportunities remain limited in many areas around the Lake despite EIP program accomplishments over the last decade. A continuing commitment to providing for the recreation needs of residents and visitors is critical in order to fulfill Compact mandates.
Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives
Water Quality Recreation Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
Priorities EIP partners developed the following areas of emphasis to meet the goals for dispersed, developed, and urban facilities and to reduce the impacts of recreation facilities on other resources, such as water quality. Programs are proposed in the following four areas: • Improving Lake access • Developing a comprehensive trail system • Improving recreation facilities • Improving educational programs and interpretive facilities.
Adapting to Climate Change Public access and recreation projects are the foundation of the Basin’s green economy. To support Lake Tahoe’s increased focus on ecotourism, EIP recreation projects will expand overcrowded recreation facilities, increase public access to the Lake, improve educational and interpretative facilities, and enhance the scenic quality of roadways and shoreline.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 57 — Improving Lake Access
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, Local Government Jurisdictions and Utility Districts, US Forest Service
he public’s ability to access the Lake Tahoe shore - line is constrained by the limited number of facil - Tities and beach opportunities, which operate at or above capacity during the summer peak use period. The primary objective of this program is to provide Lake access in various forms. With growing populations inside and outside of the Tahoe Basin, demand for access shows no sign of waning. Historic development patterns around the Lake have concentrated population centers on the north and south shores, privatizing much of the shoreline in these areas. Population density, number of overnight lodging facilities, and easy access for day users from nearby urban areas concentrates demand on the north and south Keeping the Lake shoreline open and accessible is a top shores. Beach access often insufficiently accommodates demand. recreation goal. The highest priorities for new public land and beachfront acquisi - tions are in Kings Beach and the City of South Lake Tahoe, where Accomplishments to Date existing public facilities cannot meet demand. Retention of exist - ing public and quasi-public access opportunities in these and EIP partners have made significant strides in improving public other areas is also critical. New and existing lakeshore access must access, particularly in the Tahoe Basin’s urbanized areas. In Tahoe also be linked with public transportation. City, for example, the Tahoe City Public Utility District in partner - ship with the California Tahoe Conservancy and several EIP part - The Lake Tahoe Water Trail and its proposed network of facilities ner agencies planned, constructed, and revitalized Commons and services could promote and enhance public Lake access and Beach providing Lake access, a community gathering place, and a non-motorized boating, particularly kayaking, around the 72-mile lakefront bike trail that serves shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Building on the success of the Tahoe Rim as the hub of the town. The Trail and the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail, the development nearby Truckee River Outlet of support facilities and services could significantly improve public Goal project also provided addition - access opportunities to the Lake and its shoreline, and foster pub - To improve public al Lake access at Lake Tahoe’s lic stewardship of these resources. In combination with the grow - access to lakefront outlet structure. Significant ing hiking and biking trail networks around the Basin, the water water quality benefits resulted trail could be a key asset in the further development of affordable, recreational activities. from these projects as well. non-motorized recreational opportunities while protecting natural resources.
Unfunded Need for Improving Lake Access (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $2.75 $31.9 n/a $3.3 $.55 $38.5
Currently the state of Nevada does not have a specific lake access program, however, access is often improved through the implementa - tion of different recreation projects.
— 58 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Developing a Comprehensive Trail System
Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, California and Nevada State Parks, Nevada Division of State Lands, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, US Forest Service
n recent decades, public agencies have made sub - stantial public acquisitions of lands within the Basin Ito improve recreational opportunities. The comple - tion of the Tahoe Rim Trail represents a cornerstone in the development of a Basin-wide trail system to con - nect the public to their lands and public lands to our communities. However, access to these lands and the Rim Trail is inhibited by a lack of an effective feeder trail system and supporting facilities. The primary objec - tive of this program is the completion of a comprehen - sive trail system in the Tahoe Basin. The USFS has prepared Road and Trail Access and Travel Management (Trail ATM) plans since 2002. The purpose of the Road and Trail ATM plans is to establish sustainable, adaptable trail systems that balance environmental concerns with the need Connecting trails will enhance the outdoor experience at Tahoe. for public access. Implementation of these plans will reduce use conflicts, improve recreation access on trails throughout National Forest System lands, reduce resource impacts, reduce long-term natural-roaded management regimes during analysis, design, and maintenance costs, and better meet public needs. The plans con - implementation. The plans also consider existing impacts to sider existing and future needs in establishing a sustainable trail resources and ways to reduce existing impacts while meeting system that is adaptable as recreation needs for a variety of uses. uses change over time. Many Projects within this program area include trail improvements such existing trails follow align - as loops, connectors, and crossings; day use support facilities; sce - Goal ments established many To improve air quality nic overlooks and vista points; and support infrastructure facilities decades ago that were never including restrooms, parking, transit, and directional signage. intended to receive the type of and reduce the While many support facilities are currently available only during recreation use encountered impact of recreation the summer season, winter demand and uses may become more today. The plans consider important over time and agencies will consider this in the adap - recreation settings such as on the environment. tive management framework. wilderness, non-roaded, and
Unfunded Need for Developing a Comprehensive Trail System (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $13.76 $5.58 $3.44 n/a $6 $28.8
Trails in this category are located on public lands in the general forest area.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 59 — The Tahoe Rim Trail has been recognized as one of the top trail completion of the 155-mile Tahoe Rim Trail marks the most signifi - experiences in the country and the current demand has exceeded cant accomplishment to date. Other notable facilities include the the available facilities. Trail users identified the need to complete completion of the 3.75-mile Marlette Lake Trail, Sand Harbor to connector and loop trail systems. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association Memorial Point Trail, Eagle Falls trailhead, Rainbow Trail retrofit, has also identified project needs for construction of parking and improvements at Inspiration Point and Memorial Point. trailhead facilities at key points along the Tahoe Rim Trail System primarily at highway crossings. In addition to the Rim Trail, other trail links—both within and outside of the Basin—are important to connect other designated and planned trail systems such as a connection from the Rim Trail to Reno. Bridges or other well-designed crossings over waterways or stream environment zones are needed to eliminate safety hazards to trail users or reduce erosion problems. Such bridges or cross - ings will reduce environmental impacts by minimizing erosion caused by existing trails and crossing practices.
Accomplishments to Date Over the last decade, the EIP partners have invested in improving the Basin-wide trail system through consolidation of trails use, redesign of existing trails and facilities, including rerouting from sensitive areas, and development of new trails and facilities. The
Connecting trails will enhance the outdoor experience at Tahoe.
— 60 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Improving Recreation Facilities Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, California and Nevada State Parks, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Marinas, Local Government Jurisdictions and Utility Districts, US Forest Service
ecreation facilities at Lake Tahoe are in high demand year-round. Some developed recreation R sites, such as day use and overnight facilities near Emerald Bay, are commonly at capacity throughout much of the summer season. Overnight camping facilities are also in short supply at peak periods and ski resorts experience peak demands on their facilities dur - ing the winter. The primary objective of this program is to improve regional day use and overnight recreation facilities. The Forest Service’s 2005 National Visitor Use Monitoring analysis projects an increase in recreation demand of 1.6 percent per year, or 50,000 additional visitors each year, for the next 20 years. In order to address increasing or changing demands, long-range planning must identify new opportunities to increase the availabil - ity of overnight recreation facilities. The current emphasis is on The visitor center at the Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park at Sand upgrading visitor experiences through infrastructure replacement Harbor. (e.g., replacement of outdated sanitary facilities and ski lifts), redesigning of recreation facilities including day use and boat Accomplishments to Date parking as well as meeting user expectations for amenities such as showers in campgrounds and summer activities at ski resorts. EIP partners have improved existing facilities and acquired new public areas over the last decade. The North Shore has a network Where existing camp - of places where the public can enjoy the Lake at high-quality day grounds are removed in use facilities, including Commons Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian order to achieve other Goal Bay, and the Truckee River Outlet. Campgrounds at Sugar Pine To improve the quality of environmental benefits or Point, Emerald Bay State Parks, Meeks Bay Resort, and Zephyr private sector invest - recreation facilities and Cove had water quality improvements and visitor enhancements ments, a priority must be constructed. EIP projects improved the Lake Forest, El Dorado, and the recreation experience. placed on development Tahoe Vista boat launches. Modifications to the Eagle Falls of replacement overnight Trailhead and Pope Beach enhanced access to the day use facili - facilities. Burton Creek ties there. Other notable new facilities and retrofits include the and Van Sickle State Parks present opportunities for new camp - significant enhancements to the visitor experience at Vikingsholm ground development, as well as for additional day use facilities, and at the new Sand Harbor Visitor Center. Heavenly, Homewood, which in turn protect natural resources. and Northstar ski resorts have all made substantial investments in improving their recreation facilities.
Unfunded Need for Day/Overnight Recreation Facilities (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $16.5 $29.72 $9.9 $5.5 $30.8 $92.42
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 61 — Improving Educational Programs and Interpretive Facilities Primary Implementing Agencies: California Tahoe Conservancy, California and Nevada State Parks, Local Government Jurisdictions, Private Businesses, US Forest Service
he unique environment of Lake Tahoe, and the residents and visitors. A comprehensive, Basin-wide educational many years of scientific research here, provide an program must be implemented for various Tahoe target audiences. Toptimal setting in which to inform and educate visitors about the Lake and the important role they can Accomplishments to Date play in its restoration. The Meyers Interim Interagency Visitor Center provides informa - tion and orientation at one of the most heavily traveled entry The Basin lacks visitor information centers, which can serve the points to the Tahoe Basin. Additionally, the Forest Service has dual function of education and orientation. Facilities are needed at developed new interpretive signage and upgraded associated key entry points into the Tahoe Basin to orient and inform visitors. recreation facilities at Inspiration Point, Eagle Falls, Logan Shoals EIP partners have identified the need for a Basin-wide plan to Vista, Stateline Lookout Overlook and Interpretive Trail, Tallac identify interpretive needs Historic Site, and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, which includes and themes to support all the Stream Profile Chamber, Rainbow Trail, and Lake of the Sky programs and environ - Amphitheater. Goal mental thresholds. EIP partners recently completed two major visitor facilities: Sand To improve visitor centers Public education programs Harbor Visitor Center provides a wide range of educational pro - and implement interpretive are also limited. Education grams at Sand Harbor State Park in Nevada, and Explore Tahoe: programs range from K-12 An Urban Trailhead, is an interpretative and educational center at and educational programs. and college programs to the hub of South Lake Tahoe’s most heavily-used tourist area. continuing education for
At left: USFS staff members educate local school children. Middle: Tree planting in Angora Burn area. At right: 3rd graders at an educational field trip in the Angora burn area.
Unfunded Need for Education and Interpretive Programs (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total $4.23 $8.02 $.14 $.14 $.84 $13.37
— 62 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — ImprovSiSngccSeecnneniiccQuQQalituuyaPlroigtryam
Despite significant development and alteration of the landscape for more than a century, the Tahoe Basin continues to attract visitors because of its powerful and stunning landscape character. Unfortunately, in some cases, the built environment detracts from the Basin’s scenic quality and contributes to the non-attainment status of scenic thresholds. Preserving and enhancing the Region’s scenic values allows the Basin to continue to function as a major recreation and tourist attraction which is vital to the local and regional economies. Many North American resort com - munities make conservation of the natural scenery, protection of scenic views, and design of the built environment matters of public policy. The primary purpose of this program is to imple - ment projects that reduce the visual dominance of the human-built environment. The public and private sectors have worked collaboratively over the last decade to remodel com - mercial and residential buildings, revegetate bare soil, and underground major utility lines. These EIP projects support the direction of the Bi-State Compact to find an equilibrium between the natural and built environments. This EIP program is intended to meet the broad goal of achieving the scenic desired conditions and thresholds. To upgrade the scenic quality at Tahoe requires that building along the Lake shoreline and through scenic highway corridors be improved. Private property owners undertake most of these improvements which represents an important private contribution toward achieving the goals of the EIP. Projects completed by EIP partners in this program will leverage private-sector, opportunity-driv - en scenic improvements. Cost estimates consist of forecasted expenditures needed over the next 10 years to make substantial progress toward the scenic threshold attainment. In some cases, where costs are known, costs associated with large projects such as undergrounding major utility lines have been incorporated into the funding needs.
Priorities Primary Threshold Categories Improved by Program Objectives • Improving the scenic Water Quality Recreation quality of roadways Air Quality Fisheries and Wildlife • Improving the scenic quality of shorelines Soil Conservation Noise Scenic Quality Vegetation
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 63 — Improving the Scenic Quality of Roadways
Primary Implementing Agencies: CalTrans, NDOT, Private Property Owners, Sierra Pacific Power Company
any residents and visitors experience the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe from the per- M spective of roadways throughout the Basin. Because most development occurred at Tahoe from the 1960s through the early 1980s, the built environment is dated and needs capital improvements. This program is designed to improve the scenic quality ratings of roadway units not in attainment with the environmental threshold carrying capacities. The Scenic Quality Improvement Plan, adopted by TRPA in 1982, targets areas along the Basin’s major highways where improvements to scenic quality are needed. The key method of improv - ing scenic quality along Goal roadway units is to reduce Good design is essential to helping Tahoe Basin roadways blend To improve the scenic the visual dominance of in with the surroundings. buildings and structures by Scenic improvements to date: quality along Lake implementing context-sensi - Tahoe’s scenic roadways. tive designs and installing • Heavenly Village Redevelopment/Urban Improvements appropriate landscaping. • Ponderosa Ranch Landscaping Additionally, moving over - • Kings Beach Recreation Area Improvements head utility lines under - ground provides substantial scenic improvement within roadway • Incline Village Urban Improvements units. Along state and local highways, scenic improvements result • Sierra Boat Company Mural and Façade Improvements from applying design standards for highway structures such as • Raley’s Center Redevelopment/Urban Improvements improved lighting, guard rails, median treatments, revegetation of • Round Hill Mall Redevelopment/McCall Realty Rebuild/ disturbed areas and treatment of cut-and-fill slopes. Cost estimates Chase Realty Remodel for this priority are based on the expected investments made by the private sector through new and redevelopment projects. • North Stateline Urban Improvements • Tahoe City Urban and Marina Improvements Accomplishments to Date • Tahoe Meadows Multi-Use Path The 1982 plan targeted 23 scenic roadway units for scenic restora - • Carnelian Bay, Tahoe City, Highway 50 Utility tion. As of 2006, 10 roadway units have reached threshold attain - Undergrounding Projects ment and the remainder have shown improvement. • Industrial Ave. to Sawmill Rd. Utility Undergrounding
Unfunded Need for Improving the Scenic Quality of Roadways (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total n/a n/a n/a n/a $39 $39
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by private entities. However, many of the roadway projects con - structed by state, federal partners and locals include scenic improvements are reported as projects are constructed in other pro - gram areas.
— 64 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Improving the Scenic Quality of Shorelines
Primary Implementing Agencies: California and Nevada State Parks, Private Lakefront Property Owners, Private Marinas, Public Land Management Agencies
njoying Lake Tahoe’s beaches is a fundamental zone can detract from scenic quality unless they are built according part of the recreation experience for residents to specific design standards. Public and private development and visitors. The Basin’s recreation and scenic including buildings, parking lots, and other structures can be con - E structed or reconstructed in a way that makes them less visible. threshold standards are intended to enhance the pub - lic’s access to these values. Substantial improvements also occur on public lands as a result of new recreation projects and the rehabilitation of existing facilities. This program’s goal is to improve the threshold travel route and scenic quality ratings of shoreline units not in attainment with the Accomplishments to Date environmental threshold carrying capacities. The Scenic Quality Improvement Plan identifies areas for improvement and specifies Examples of projects that have directly or indirectly benefited sce - the types of projects needed to increase the scenic quality within nic quality in the shoreline include: the shorezone. • Tahoe City Marina Boathouse Remodel The key method of improv - • Commons Beach Redevelopment ing scenic quality along Goal shoreline units is the reduc - • Tahoe Vista Recreation Area Redevelopment To improve the scenic tion of the visual dominance • USFS Restroom Architectural Upgrades quality along the of structures located in the • Single Family Residential Rebuilds Consistent with Shoreland shorezone and along the Ordinances shoreline of Lake Tahoe. shoreline. Piers and boat - • Hyatt Floating Dock houses located in the shore
At left: A local Tahoe family enjoys a picnic at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. At right: A relaxing day at the beach in Lake Tahoe.
Unfunded Need for Improving the Scenic Quality of Shorelines (in millions)
Federal State of CA State of NV Local Private Total n/a n/a n/a n/a $7 $7
Funding responsibility for this program is primarily assumed by private entities. Opportunities for federal, state and local partners to improve the scenic quality of the shoreline occur in other program areas.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 65 — SScciieennccee HHiigghhlliigghhttss Recreation and Scenic Resources
• Research findings by the Forest Service, which published the National Visitor Use Monitoring results in 2002 for Lake Tahoe Basin and conducted a follow-up survey in 2006. Other Basin-wide surveys conducted by TRPA and project-level research using more specific surveys related to project sites or narrower user categories. These surveys give recreation managers insights into visitor satisfaction with developed and dispersed recreation opportunities, both day use and overnight. • Monitoring of visitor use occurs by a number of means beyond special studies, including the Forest Protection Officer work conducted by the Forest Service (e.g., monitoring snowmobile and OHV use). • USFS research related to scenic integrity and unique landscape character types.
Science Priorities • Researching which communication approaches are most effective at informing a multitude of Tahoe Basin user groups to influence recreation user behaviors in support of resource and recreation goals. • Developing a consistent, Basin-wide recreational survey that tracks seasonal changes, user satisfaction, and long-term changes in recreation trends and demand. • Developing statistical analysis of the factors associated with recreational quality to help direct future infrastructure investment. • Developing objective scenic quality indicators to identify and preserve unique landscape character types. • Monitoring the use patterns for existing recreation sites and activities to help inform priorities for future facilities • Monitoring effectiveness of educational and interpretive programs in encouraging voluntary participation in resource protection/conservation. • Evaluating infrastructure capacity and recreational needs for Basin-wide and site-specific areas.
— 66 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAM
The Lake Tahoe Basin is a highly complex biophysical and social environment. The challenges posed by its restoration and continued management for multiple benefits are paralleled by few places in the world. Restoration and management of the Basin’s ecosystem have required the sustained engagement of federal, state, and local govern - ments, and the private sector. Yet determining how to proceed with conservation and restoration efforts in the face of limited information remains a central challenge.
A fully integrated and stable science program is essential to providing the information and knowl - edge to support sound stewardship of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Science Program that supports the EIP is comprised of three interrelated elements: monitoring, applied research, and data management, synthesis, and reporting. Together, these programs are intended to meet the science needs of the EIP. Environmental Thresholds Drive Science Just as the EIP's purpose is to achieve thresholds, science needs and priorities are driven by Compact threshold requirements and policy direction. The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2000 also includes language about providing for a science program as part of the EIP: The Secretary [of Agriculture] shall provide for continuous scientific research on and monitoring of the implementa - tion of projects on the [EIP] priority list, including the status of the achievement and maintenance of environmental threshold carrying capacities. This policy directive is supported by several policies and goals within the TRPA Regional Plan and the Federal Vision for the EIP (Lake Tahoe Basin Executives 2006).
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 67 — Goal and Objectives The goal of the Science Program is to meet the knowledge needs of the EIP and the Tahoe Basin through the collaborative and integrated efforts of local, state, and federal governments, the sci - entific community, and the public. To meet this goal, the following objectives must be achieved: • Provide a framework for the efficient use of resources to reduce management and policy uncertainties and address gaps in knowledge. • Maximize coordination between agencies and the science community. Define roles and responsibilities. Establish communication linkages with decision makers. • Continually work to maximize the credibility of the program and all science results by incorporating independence and the use of peer review. • Recognize the diverse science needs of management and regulatory agencies and allocate science resources compatible with capital program priorities. • Provide a significant source of summarized and synthesized Lake Tahoe-specific science results. The program needs to be useful to agencies, stakeholders, and the public and must help reduce uncertainty in decisions and actions and improve EIP capital program effectiveness. • Ensure the program is adaptable and includes processes for amending or adding program elements to improve its performance as needed over time. • Utilize best available science and technology to collect new data, conduct analyses, manage information, and make results available in a timely fashion. • Obtain long-term, stable funding at a level commensurate with carrying out necessary science activities including monitoring, research, information management, and reporting program elements.
Program Elements To support the information needs of land and resource managers and regulatory agencies, scien - tific activities are best organized and implemented through an integrated science program. This Science Program is comprised of three interrelated program elements: 1) monitoring, 2) applied research, and 3) data management, synthesis and reporting. These elements work together within a continual improvement and adaptive management cycle to meet the goal and objectives identi - fied above.
— 68 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — MonitMMoringooPnnroiigttrooarrm iinng
Monitoring is the primary means of characterizing the extent to which the Region is meeting envi - ronmental goals, or whether a project, program, or policy is performing as expected. Monitoring results are a primary source of scientific information needed to manage and restore complex sys - tems. The results of monitoring provide an information source for quantifying and reporting progress to decision-makers and the public, focusing research, adjusting land use policies and prioritizing future restoration actions.
Monitoring Program Elements Implementation Monitoring is the monitoring of management actions in relation to planned activities. This form of monitoring catalogues the completion of projects or activities as designed. It also documents compliance with environmental regulations and mitigation obligations in proj - ect implementation. Implementation monitoring provides the most basic information related to EIP project implementation (e.g., providing the EIP number, location, type, implementation entity, and cost associated with EIP projects). Effectiveness Monitoring is the monitoring of the effectiveness of management practices and actions in achieving desired outcomes. This type of monitoring should be an integral part of capital improvement, regulatory, and incentive programs, so that the outcomes of individual or combined effects of actions taken under various programs are known. Effectiveness monitoring does not address the uncertainties that are associated with techniques or designs, nor does it attempt to com - pare the relative effectiveness of different techniques or designs—these questions reside in the realm
Lake Tahoe shoreline. UC Davis research vessel.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 69 — of applied research. Integration of effectiveness monitoring and research to address priority uncertainties is the efficient approach to maximizing information gains. Status and Trend Monitoring is the monitoring of the status and trends of resources, habitats, and their agents of change. This is the principal type of data gathering that informs man - agement about overall environmental and resource conditions relative to established environmental objectives and thresh - olds. Typically, this type of monitoring serves to track the sta - tus and trends of indicators selected to represent a set of con - ditions pertinent to environmental objectives. Each of these types of monitoring is necessary to provide rel - UC Davis researcher. evant information for better management and restoration of habitats and resources in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The various types of monitoring can be applied at different spatial scales depending on the type of information desired. Generally, implementation monitoring is applied at the project scale, whereas effectiveness monitoring may be applied at a variety of scales (e.g., project, watershed, or region) depending on the questions of interest. Status and trends monitoring is often focused at the region or sub-regional level to provide infor - mation about overall environmental and resource conditions.
Types of Questions Management/ Monitoring Addressed Policy Implications
Did project implementation Verifies that implementing Implementation comply with regulatory agencies complied with Monitoring >> conditions and meet >> regulations and fulfilled mitigation obligations? mitigation obligations > >
What is the condition of natural Status and Trend resources and the environment Informs management and how do they compare to priorities and policy Monitoring >> environmental thresholds >> decisions and desired conditions? > > What are the project-specific Effectiveness outcomes and how do Informs design and implementation of capital Monitoring >> they compare to planned >> outcomes improvement projects
This diagram shows the relationships among various types of monitoring and the ways in which those types of monitoring can inform managers and policy makers. The questions also indicate how various types of monitoring need to provide infor - mation at the project, program, or in the case of thresholds, Basin-wide scales.
— 70 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — ApplieAd RepseparlchiePdroRgraem search
Applied research is one of the main ways science can help to reduce the uncertainties that are con - fronted by resource management and regulatory agencies. Research tests the strength of relation - ships to help determine which processes are most important in a system and how changes can best be monitored. Applied research focuses on developing research results of direct application to management information needs. In an applied science program, research and monitoring should be highly coordinated to ensure that the most pertinent information is being gathered to answer the important questions. Research aims to produce an ever-greater knowledge of events, behaviors, processes, theories, and laws. Research may include laboratory or field experiments, or the development of models. It is a structured process of inquiry that seeks to discover, interpret, and revise our knowledge of facts. Research and monitoring operate most effectively together. Monitoring, particularly status and trends monitoring, generates the knowledge necessary to pose new hypotheses about key cause- effect relationships, and the role of underlying processes in shaping ecosystems. Research is the means by which new hypotheses are tested and helps explain the environmental conditions that are observed.
Contemporary Lake Tahoe Food Web
Figure based on data from Beauchamp 1994, Chandra 2003, Vander Zanden et al. 2003, Chandra in review.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 71 — Applied Research Program Elements Review and Synthesis – The focus of this research element is to document the state-of-knowledge about a specific topic by compiling and synthesizing existing data and/or studies conducted within or outside the Basin. For example, the US Forest Service – Rocky Mountain Research Station pub - lished the “Rainbow Series” to provide managers at a national scale with a single source of infor - mation on wildland fire effects on various ecosystem components. This type of applied research does not typically require field or laboratory investigations. Conventional Investigations – This research element aims to test hypotheses about ecosystem relationships or management treatment or policy effects in order to reduce uncertainties about a topic or to advance our understanding of a topic in which there is incomplete understanding. This type of applied research uses the scientific method and typically includes field or laboratory observation or experimentation. Directed Studies – This research element aims to fulfill a specific agency or manager’s informa - tion need to support a management decision or action. These studies can include both review and synthesis and conventional investigations. Examples of directed studies include but are not limited to developing or improving predictive models, analysis of remote sensing data to reveal the distri - bution and abundance of a landscape feature of interest, and research to support the development of monitoring and evaluation protocols and plans.
annual algal growth
Why is algal growth important? Algae clouds the Lake’s transparency and harms water quality.
— 72 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Data MDDanaaagttemaae,,ntAA, Annnaaalllysiyysssaiinssd RaaennpoddrtiRRngeePpprooogrrrttaiminngg
Knowledge gained through monitoring and research needs to be shared with decision makers and the public so that it can be put to use. Synthesis serves to interpret information gathered from different sources and disciplines, so that robust answers can be generated for particular problems. Data management systems are needed to store, document, manage, and share information with diverse audiences. Improvements in data management, synthesis and reporting include: 1) utiliz - ing web-based systems to store and analyze data 2) developing and adopting standard operating procedures for data management that provide for seamless data analysis and synthesis, and 3) disseminating monitoring and research results in ways that are understandable to a broad range of people.
Data Management, Analysis and Reporting Systems Program Elements Data and Information Management – The efficiency of report generation hinges on a well- developed data management infrastructure and standard operating procedures for their treatment. The objective of this program element is to promote the management of data and information in ways that ensure their quality and accessibility to interested users. The Tahoe Integrated Information Management System (TIIMS) is a web-based platform that currently exists and could be used to support this need with additional investment into its functionality and operation. Data Summary and Synthesis – This priority would provide the infrastructure, procedures, and capacity to complete summary and synthesis efforts designed to convert data into information. From a management standpoint, data summary and synthesis combined with reporting comprise the most important element of an integrated science program, because it is these activities that provide research and monitoring results in forms that managers can apply directly to management actions, decisions, and policy choices. To meet the growing data and information needs of resource manage - ment agencies and the public, it is important that data are translated into information and informa - tion is converted to knowledge as efficiently as possible in order to maximize its potential benefits.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 73 — Reporting – Two reports will be regularly produced to communicate the results of monitoring and research efforts: • Annual Briefing Report - Completed annually, this report will summarize the results and information gained from monitoring and research efforts. The report will provide a snapshot of project effectiveness and the status and trends of various indicators.
• State of the Tahoe Basin Report - Completed every fifth year, the State of the Tahoe Basin Report is envisioned to include a more comprehensive synthesis of monitoring and research results generated over the previous four to five years. Information and results provided in this report will focus on combining and synthesizing the results of applied research, implementation, effectiveness, and status and trend monitoring with capital program activities and outputs. The report would be intended to meet agency reporting mandates and needs. For example, the US Forest Service and the TRPA are mandated to produce a report on environmental conditions relative to desired conditions and environ- mental thresholds, respectively. This information will be used to evaluate and potentially modify management strategies and implementation programs. This report will also alert high-level officials to emerging issues that may require new or alternative policies. This information also would serve to stimulate discussions about capital priorities.
Unfunded Need for Science (in millions):
Science Activity Federal California Nevada Local Private 10-yr. Funding Target Effectiveness Monitoring Up to 2% of annual capital funding may be invested $27 +/- 11 Status and Trends Monitoring $6 $18.7 $9.3 - - $34 Applied Research $20 $2.6 $2.4 - - $25 Data Mgmt, Synthesis, Reporting $1.5 $2 $0.9 $0.6 - $5 $27.5 $23.3 $12.6 $0.6 - $91
— 74 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — The ScSiecncienPrcogeraPm Marnoaggremaem nt System
The Science Program is intended to continue the extensive scientific investment in the Tahoe Basin and to take monitoring, research, and reporting to the next level. There currently is no functioning management system to organize existing resources and activities and to create new procedures as necessary to fully integrate science efforts with resource management. In particular, there is a need for the science and management/regulatory communities to collaboratively: • Identify and prioritize research, synthesis, and other science information needs of management and regulatory agencies, • Establish processes to track and synthesize science efforts, and • Convert the analyses and results into knowledge that can then be used to inform decision making. Within the context of the Environmental Improvement Program, there is a need for the Science Program to provide information essential to improving the effectiveness of the capital projects. Information generated from science activities may also influence management strategies and policy decisions. Implementation of a Science Program Management System is essential to obtaining the information necessary to improve and optimize the rate and degree to which thresholds are achieved. This information also can provide an objective basis for adjusting thresholds. The EIP Science Management System follows the same annual Plan >> Do >> Check >> Act cycle as the capital improvement program management system, and is intended to complement and support that system. It is based on the Generalized Management System Design Manual (Sokulsky and Beierle, 2007) developed during the Pathway planning process for application to major Tahoe Basin programs.
UNR researcher.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 75 — Tahoe Science Consortium Agencies
Peer TSC Executive Review Tahoe Interagency SYMBOL KEY Committee Committee Executives
> Policy and > > Strategic Direction > > > >
TSC SMIT TSACC > > > Program Committee Science- Tahoe Science Planning and of Scientists Management >>> Agency Coordination Executive Director Integration Team Committee Coordination > > > > > > > > > Program
> and Project
Implementation > >
Science Technical Agency >
Community Work Technical > > Staff >> Groups Interaction and > communication routes
Organizational structure to support ongoing integration of science activities and management issues in the Lake Tahoe Basin (from Hymanson 2008). This diagram identifies the entities involved and the routes of interaction and communication among the entities.
While certain elements of this process are already being implemented, it will take considerable effort among all EIP participants to conduct the full range of activities. Roll-out of the manage - ment system will require strategic thinking about the most important components of the system and the degree of effort each step should involve, commensurate with available resources. This will likely be a factor in each year’s round of management decisions concerning the following year’s activities. Although several components of this system are undertaken currently, they are neither fully coor - dinated nor are they integrated systematically into management and policy decision-making. By providing a structure to guide and supplement existing efforts, it is intended that iteratively, over time, we will achieve a fully integrated science program. The management system will: 1) ensure funding of science endeavors commensurate with the need and priority, 2) clarify roles among the scientific and governmental communities, 3) inform subsequent actions via fully vetted recom - mendations, and 4) ensure that the program continually improves over time.
— 76 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — PROGRAM SUPPORT
Making the EIP work requires the collaboration of approximately 50 partner organi - zations and the public. Program support initiatives include project management, technical assistance, public education and program reporting. Technical assistance and public outreach are necessary program elements to allow projects to be imple - mented effectively. Annual tracking and coordination are crucial to ensuring the suc - cess of the EIP. The Program Support Focus Area captures all of these critical com - ponents as well as the operations and maintenance needs for capital facilities.
Conserving Lake Tahoe takes all of us. With important complement to all EIP strategies its goals firmly anchored in stewardship and that will accelerate achievement of a healthy, transparency, the program support component repaired ecosystem. of the EIP will provide the resources required to implement priority programs. Our focus is to foster a broader understanding of the fragile environment of Lake Tahoe and to spur behav - ior change to support the mission of the EIP. Restoration projects can turn the tide of degradation, but stewardship of this beautiful Lake and land is up to all who tread here. Reaching out to residents and visitors is an
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 77 — Through constant outreach efforts and with technical assistance from partner agencies, the public is learning about the fragility of the Lake, homeowners are learning about the proper use of fertil - izer, erosion control, and how to create defensible space from wildfires, and boat owners are learning how to prevent the introduction and/or spread of invasive aquatic species. Linking these efforts is the Environmental Improvement Program’s visual identity. The EIP logo provides a cohesive foundation for newsletters, collateral materials, and project signage which brings more than 50 partner agencies together under one umbrella. This visual identity is crucial to growing public understanding of the collaborative effort to conserve Lake Tahoe. The Best Management Practices and Defensible Space/Fire Safety Programs are significant components of current and future education and technical assistance efforts. Across the Region, individual property owners are implementing erosion and stormwater control practices through the BMP program that will help reduce the amount of fine sediment entering the Lake. Property owners are likewise implementing defensible space measures to reduce their risk from wildfires. Giving the public the tools and technical assistance to install such conservation measures is a mon - umental task, but it opens the door to a new way of thinking about everyday impacts. Public edu - cation will continue to play a vital role in the next phase of the EIP. As evidenced by the reaction to the Angora Wildfire, residents and property owners need additional information about inte - grating environmental practices and fire safety and the EIP will address this need.
Technical Assistance Technical assistance, also referred to as program assistance, can be described as efforts that help increase knowledge which can then be used by others in the execution of individual projects. Technical assistance can assist in implementation of capital projects, operations and maintenance, and science. For example, the study and development of common urban stormwater design crite - ria and models in a technical assistance effort can serve all subsequent individual urban stormwa - ter projects. Similarly, technical assistance is also the creation and ongoing operation of partner - ship efforts which results in an efficient program execution of individual projects, such as in the Forest Management Program and the Aquatic Invasive Species Program.
Program Support (Technical Assistance, Program Administration, Public Education) Funding Target:
Program Support $44 million
Operations and Maintenance $142 million
— 78 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Maintaining Capital Facilities through Operations and Maintenance The operation and maintenance (O & M) of capital facilities is a key component of the Environmental Improvement Program. Without adequate O & M the value and benefit realized from capital improvement projects will degrade over time. Activities supported in this area include any increased operation and maintenance responsibilities created as a direct result of implementa - tion of a capital improvement related to an EIP program. Operation and maintenance responsi - bilities that would exist regardless of the EIP are not included in the cost estimates for the next ten years. The unfunded need for O & M over the next ten years is approximately $142 million. These costs are primarily associated with transportation system needs, stormwater management, and forest ecosystem health and hazardous fuels reduction activities. Over 50 percent of these costs will be the responsibility of local government and private entities. For example, although much of the costs associated with reducing and treating stormwater from the local public road network is fund - ed by the federal and state governments, funding agreements require O & M costs be borne by the entity receiving the federal or state grants.
At left: US Senator Harry Reid of NV, US Senator Dianne Feinstein of CA at the 12th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit. Below: Project signage helps educate the public about where funds are being invested to protect Lake Tahoe.
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 79 — EIP COORDINATION AND MEASURING PROGRESS
EIP partners continue to work together to effectively implement the Environmental Improvement Program. Communication among partners and agencies occurs regularly as a part of the day to day implementation activities associated with the project delivery process. In addition to this regular, ongoing coordination, there are interaction points among EIP partners to ensure annual reporting occurs in a timely manner and to evaluate progress of the program.
EIP coordination and annual reporting is defined by the continuous improvement cycle which serves as the management system for the EIP. Continuous improvement is the formal process of enhancing performance over time. It is the systematic practice of developing plans with performance standards, tracking and reviewing actual performance, and using information to improve effectiveness of EIP activities. This process has several goals:
• Informing management decisions to improve program effectiveness • Establishing a formal annual process to account for and report EIP accomplishments • Defining key coordination points between implementers, funders and TRPA • Providing for better integration of science into the evaluation of program accomplishments and project development.
The EIP management system is guided by the Tahoe Interagency Executive (TIE) Committee, its Steering Committee, and a subcommit - tee of the TIE called the Strategic Planning Group. These groups consist of executives and staff of project implementers, funding enti - ties and regulatory agencies at the local, regional, state and federal levels. Input from these groups ensures close coordination between program and project development and administration as well as consistency in checking and reporting EIP accomplishments.
EIP Reporting
• Annual Report Document: Will provide the public, policy makers, and agencies with program and project accomplishments and expenditures. • Annual Briefing Report: Will synthesize scientific information that requires the interaction of EIP partners and members of the scientific community. This information will be used by project implementers and policy makers to make strategic decisions regarding program priorities and project development to maximize the effectiveness of the EIP. • State of the Tahoe Basin Report: Is envisioned to be published every five years to take a broader look at scientific findings and program evaluation.
How the EIP Accelerates Environmental Threshold Attainment Evaluating progress of the EIP in helping to achieve the Environmental Threshold Carrying Capacities is critical to program success. Understanding how EIP restoration efforts affect environmental conditions is a challenge facing many restoration programs across the country. EIP partners have launched a project that will result in a new set of performance standards that will represent a better under - standing of how EIP accomplishments are linked to the attainment of the Environmental Threshold Carrying Capacities.
The EIP team developed priorities in each program to help make substantial progress toward achieving the thresholds and meeting Compact requirements. Currently, progress is measured by output indicators such as “miles of roadway retrofitted with water quality improvements.” As projects are implemented, output indicators are accounted for and reported at the action priority level.
To improve our understanding of how these output targets affect environmental conditions, new reporting units will provide a visual and narrative story that describes how EIP actions are expected to accelerate progress towards the environmental Threshold Carrying Capacities. Each program will have new reporting units with definitions that represent the desired quality of project outputs or accom - plishments. Partners are developing protocols for measuring these units in a standardized format.
— 80 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — conservation. clearly.
Partnerships Make EIP Possible
Regional Agencies Local Governments/Organizations Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (pTRPA) arCarsontCity nershU.C. Diavisp/Tahoe Envirosnmental Research Center (TERC) Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) Carson City Fire Department University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) City of South Lake Tahoe (& Redevelopment Agency) (CSLT) Washoe County (WACO) States of California & Nevada City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department Washoe Tribe California Air Resources Board (CARB) Desert Research Institute (DRI) California Department of Resources Federal Agencies Douglas County (DOCO) California Department of Forestry (CDF) Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Douglas County Sewer Improvement District California Environmental Protection Agency Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Dorado County (ELDO) California State Lands Commission Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) Fallen Leaf Lake Fire District California State Parks (CA State Parks) Federal Highway Administration (USFHA) Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Federal Transit Administration Kingsbury General Improvement District (KGID) California Water Quality Control Board– Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Lake Valley Fire Protection District Lahontan Region (Lahontan Water Board) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lakeridge General Improvement District (LGID) California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) U.S.D.A. Forest Service (USFS) Meeks Bay Fire Protection District Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nevada Tahoe Conservation District (NTCD) Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) North Tahoe Fire Protection District Private Entities Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) Heavenly Mountain Resort Nevada Division of State Lands (NDSL) Placer County (PLCO) Lake Tahoe Gaming Alliance Nevada-Tahoe Resource Team (NTRT) Roundhill General Improvement District (RGID) Lake Tahoe Transportation & Water Quality Coalition Nevada Public Service Commission Sierra Fire Protection District League To Save Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks (N-PARKS) South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) North Lake Tahoe Resort Association Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) Private Sector/Local Businesses Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District Sierra Pacific Power Company
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 81 — Acknowledgements Sources for report’s content include the following:
• Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and EIP Partners • UC Davis, Tahoe Environmental Research Center • “From Timber Barons to Ecologists, Tahoe” Douglas H. Strong • California Tahoe Conservancy 20th Anniversary Report • Explore Tahoe, an Urban Trailhead and environmental education center • The Lake Tahoe Transportation and Water Quality Coalition • Tahoe Rim Trail • BMP Ecosciences • Roger Mann • David Mitchell Other acknowledgements include:
Research and project management: Julie Regan, Sarah Underhill, Whitney Kelly, Paul Nielsen Copywriting/editing: Julie Regan, Dennis Oliver Copywriting and editing assistance: Charlie Donohue, Joseph Keely, Pam Robinson, Tricia York Design and production: Sarah Underhill - Underhill Design Map generation: Tricia York EIP Update Consultation: Gerald Dion, Darin Dinsmore - Regional Planning Partners
Special Thanks To Photos courtesy of: The Tahoe Interagency Executives Steering Committee: EIP Partners Cathleen Allison, Brad Horn, Chad Lundquist, Dan Thrift, Patrick Wright, CTC courtesy of the Tahoe Daily Tribune Tricia York, CTC Robert Becker Steve Kooyman, El Dorado County Big Brown Eyes Productions Jacques Landy, EPA David Catalano, Nevada Division of Wildlife Charlie Donohue, Nevada Division of State Lands Nevada Tahoe Conservation District Jim Lawrence, Nevada Division of State Lands Jon Paul Douglas Martin, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District Corey Rich Joanne S. Marchetta, TRPA Matt Smith Julie Regan, TRPA Chris Talbot Paul Nielsen, TRPA Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, Sierra Nevada College Zach Hymanson, Tahoe Science Consortium Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society Phil Brozek, USACE UC Davis Myrnie Mayville, USBR UNR Pam Robinson, USFS USFS, LTBMU Joseph Keely, USFS USFWS Terri Marceron, USFS EIP Update Publication funded by the Bureau Jeannie Stafford, USFWS of Reclamation and the TRPA
— 82 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Appendix 1
Shares of Remaining Capital Cost (in millions)
EIP Capital Programs Federal California Nevada Local Private Total Watersheds, Habitat, & Water Quality 333 223 82 64 211 913 Stormwater Management Program 186 127 68 63 205 649 Watershed Management Program 115 86 12 - - 213 Threatened, Endangered, & Sensitive Species Program 24 6 1 - - 31 Managing Invasive Species Program 8 4 1 1 6 20 Forest Management 89 33 5 17 59 203 Forest Ecosystem Health & Reducing Hazardous Fuels Program 89 33 5 17 59 203 Air Quality & Transportation 64 83 - 17 10 174 Air Quality & Transportation Program 64 83 - 17 10 174 Recreation & Scenic Resources 37 76 13 9 84 219 Recreation Program 37 76 13 9 38 173 Scenic Program - - - - 46 46 GRAND TOTAL 523 415 100 107 364 1,509
Other EIP Program Elements Federal California Nevada Local Private Total Applied Science $46 $27 $11 $7 $0 $91 Program Support (Technical Assistance, ---- - $44 Program Administration) Operations and Maintenance - - - - - $142
EIP CAPITAL UNFUNDED NEEDS BY SECTOR OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS
Federal $ 523 Million ( 35 %)
California $ 415 Million ( 27 %)
Nevada $ 100 Million ( 7%)
Local $107 Million ( 7%)
Private $364 Million ( 24 %)
Total Capital Funding Need: $1.5 Billion
— THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 83 — Appendix 2 Environmental Threshold Compliance Indicators Trends a Negative Trend No Trend ; Threshold Positive Trend a Trend I. AIR QUALITY AQ-1
CO a AQ-2 O3 ; AQ-3 Particulate ; AQ-4 Visibility a AQ-5 U.S. 50 Traffic Volume a AQ-6 Wood Smoke ; AQ-7 VMT a AQ-8 Atmospheric Nutrient Loading ; II. WATER QUALITY WQ-1 Turbidity (Shallow) ; a WQ-2 Clarity, Winter a WQ-3 Phytoplankton PPr WQ-4 Tributary Water Quality a WQ-5 Runoff Water Quality ; WQ-6 Groundwater ; WQ-7 Other Lakes ; III. SOIL CONSERVATION
SC-1 Impervious Coverage a
SC-2 Naturally-Functioning SEZ a IV. VEGETATION V-1 Relative Abundance and Pattern a V-2 Uncommon Plant Communities a V-3 Sensitive Vegetation ; V-4 Late Seral/Old Growth (New in 2001) a V. FISHERIES
F-1 Lake Habitat a F-2 Stream Habitat a F-3 In-Stream Flows ;
F-4 Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (New in 2001) a VI. WILDLIFE W-1 Special Interest Species ;
W-2 Habitats of Special Significance a VII. SCENIC
SR-1 Travel Route Ratings a
SR-2 Scenic Quality Ratings a
SR-3 Public Recreation Area Scenic Quality Ratings a
SR-4 Community Design a VIII. NOISE N-1 Single Event (Aircraft) ; N-2 Single Event (Other) ; N-3 Community Noise ; IX. RECREATION R-1
High Quality Recreational Experience a R-2
Capacity Available to the General Public a
— 84 The Commitment Continues: 2008-2018 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM — Appendix 3: Summary of EIP Deliverables
ACTION GOALS OBJECTIVES TARGETS KEY DOCUMENTS PRIORITY Stormwater Reduce erosion and Retrofit local roadways 209 miles of local Stormwater Quality Local Roads pollutant loading from (including road cuts and roadways retrofitted Improvement Committee stormwater runoff road fills) with drainage / Documents; from local roads in water-quality Formulating and Evaluating drainages that affect improvements, erosion Alternatives for WQ Lake Tahoe control measures, Projects- Interim Guidance treatment facilities that Document California emphasize removing Jurisdiction’s Pollutant Load fine sediment particles, Reduction Strategy as part and appropriate of each jurisdiction’s operations and adopted Stormwater maintenance tasks. Management Plan.
Stormwater Reduce erosion and Retrofit State highway 75 miles of roadways State Highway pollutant loading from roadways (including retrofitted stormwater runoff road cuts and road fills) from State Highways with drainage / water- in drainages that quality improvements , affect Lake Tahoe erosion control measures, treatment facilities that emphasize removing fine sediment particles, and appropriate operations and maintenance tasks. Stormwater Reduce erosion and Retrofit parcels and 34,000 private parcels and Public and pollutant loading from public facilities with public facilities retrofitted Private Facilities stormwater runoff BMPs or drainage / from public and water-quality private facilities in improvements, erosion drainages that affect control measures, Lake Tahoe. treatment facilities that emphasize removing fine sediment particles, and appropriate operations and maintenance tasks, as needed Stormwater Reduce erosion and Retrofit Forest Service 16 miles of Forest Service LTBMU Forest Plan Forest Service pollutant loadings roads with drainage / roads retrofitted or (revision) Roads from stormwater water-quality decommissioned LTBMU Access and Travel runoff from Forest improvements, or Management Plan Service roads in decommission or drainages that affect obliterate and re- Lake Tahoe. vegetate, as needed.
Upper Truckee Restore or enhance Reduce erosion carried 24,000 linear feet of stream Upper Truckee River Restoration the natural functions or generated by habitat restored or Watershed Advisory Group and processes of the streamflows along the enhanced150+ acres of Guidelines for UTR Upper Truckee River Upper Truckee River, by habitat in SEZ (urban Restoration Project and its connecting restoration or and/or nonurban) restored Monitoring floodplain to reduce enhancement of the or enhanced negative streamflow geomorphic form of the impacts to Lake stream channel and the 1 watershed assessment Tahoe clarity, and functionality of the completed restore or enhance stream-floodplain SEZ wildlife and system. fisheries habitat. Restore or enhance SEZ wildlife and fisheries habitat in urban and/or non-urban settings along the Upper Truckee River and in associated wildlife migration corridors.
Complete a watershed assessment for Upper Truckee River.
CA Priority Restore or enhance Reduce erosion carried 6,000 linear feet of stream Watersheds the natural functions or generated by habitat restored or and processes of streamflows within CA enhanced streams and their priority watersheds, by 90+ acres of habitat in SEZ floodplains in CA restoration or (urban and/or non-urban) priority watersheds to enhancement of the restored or enhanced reduce negative geomorphic forms of the 5 watershed assessments streamflow impacts to stream channels and the completed Lake Tahoe clarity, functionality of the and restore or stream-floodplain enhance SEZ wildlife systems. and fisheries habitat. Restore or enhance SEZ wildlife and fisheries habitat in urban and/or non-urban settings within CA priority watersheds and in associated wildlife migration corridors.
Complete watershed assessments for priority watersheds.
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NV Priority Restore or enhance Reduce erosion carried 20,000 linear feet of stream Watersheds the natural functions or generated by habitat restored or and processes of streamflows within NV enhanced streams and their priority watersheds, by 24+ acres of habitat in SEZ floodplains in NV restoration or (urban and/or non-urban) priority watersheds to enhancement of the restored or enhanced reduce negative geomorphic forms of the 2 watershed assessments streamflow impacts to stream channels and the completed Lake Tahoe clarity, functionality of the and restore or stream-floodplain enhance SEZ wildlife systems. and fisheries habitat. Restore or enhance SEZ wildlife and fisheries habitat in urban and/or non-urban settings within NV priority watersheds and in associated wildlife migration corridors.
Complete watershed assessments for NV priority watersheds.
Acquiring Continue to acquire Publicly acquire priority 1 or more priority Environmentally and restore priority environmentally environmentally sensitive Sensitive Lands environmentally sensitive land for lands acquired for sensitive lands to conservation and conservation protect and conserve restoration activities, the natural when opportunities 1 or more instance or environment. exist. impervious coverage removed from acquired Remove available environmentally sensitive square feet of existing land impervious coverage from acquired lands, where practical. Tahoe yellow Protect and conserve Fully implement the TYC Lake-wide inventory of TYC Tahoe Yellow Cress cress Tahoe yellow cress Conservation Strategy, populations conducted and Conservation Strategy (TYC). including preparing and maintained periodically updating a Lake-wide inventory of 11 core populations in high TYC populations, priority habitat sites protecting core protected populations in high priority habitat sites, and 4 new populations in high establishing new priority habitat sites populations in high established priority habitat sites.
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Lahontan Reestablish and protect Implement coordinated LCT population Lahontan Cutthroat Trout cutthroat trout populations of conservation efforts to reestablished in Lake Recovery Plan Lahontan cutthroat trout reestablish LCT Tahoe (LCT) within its historic populations in Lake range in the Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf LCT population Tahoe Basin. Lake, from native fish reestablished in Fallen Leaf stock. Lake
Conserve critical habitat 700 acres of LCT habitat along Upper Truckee along Upper Truckee River River and in Meiss conserved Meadows, to protect the existing LCT populations 1,000 acres of LCT habitat there. in Meiss Meadows conserved
Other Priority Protect critical habitat Acquire, restore or 1 or more instances of land Species needed by Special enhance, and implement acquired for special status Status Species and conservation measures species habitat protection Communities of to protect habitat Concern. needed by special 1 or more conservation status species and measures implemented to communities of concern. improve special status species habitat
1 or more restorations or enhancements of sensitive special status species habitat
Enhancing Fish Enhance fish and Restore or enhance fish 10 acres of lake habitat and Wildlife wildlife lake habitat and wildlife restored or enhanced and Lake Habitat associated with fish lake habitat, including another 346 acres of and wildlife movement associated / connected contiguous habitat restored corridors. wildlife movement or enhanced corridors and uncommon vegetation 1 or more conservation communities and seral measures taken to protect stages, and protect the lake habitat habitat with conservation.
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Terrestrial Protect the biological Annually inventory Annual inventories basin- Invasive diversity of the Lake noxious weeds basin- wide of noxious weeds Species Tahoe Basin from wide on accessible completed terrestrial invasive acres of roads, trails, species. facilities and SEZs, 1 or more periodic inventory periodically inventory of other terrestrial invasive other terrestrial invasive species completed species, annually treat and/or remove noxious Annual treatment of noxious weeds and other weeds and other terrestrial terrestrial invasive invasive species completed species from affected 1 or more education acres to the extent programs to reduce the practicable, and develop spread of invasive weeds and implement developed and educational programs to implemented encourage public participation in locating and controlling terrestrial invasive species. Aquatic Invasive Protect the biological Annual inventory AIS Annual inventories basin- Species diversity of the Lake basin-wide, annually wide of AIS completed Tahoe Basin from treat and/or remove AIS aquatic invasive to the extent practicable, Annual treatment and/or species (AIS). and develop and removal of AIS completed implement educational programs to encourage 1 or more education public participation in programs to reduce the locating and controlling spread of AIS developed AIS. and implemented
Forest Protect forest Remove invasive 1,500 acres of SEZ aspen Lake Tahoe Basin Multi- Ecosystem ecosystem health and conifers from aspen community treatments Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction Health & Fuels reduce forest fuels to stands, remove drought- completed and Wildfire Prevention Reduction acceptable levels. stressed and/or bark- Strategy bettle killed trees to 68,000 acres of forest maintain silvicultural treated for fuels reduction, Fuel Reduction and Forest integrity, perform forest including 1,000 acres late Restoration Plan for the Lake fuels reduction seral stage forest treated Tahoe Basin treatments on forest, late seral stage forest, 9,000 public urban lots and urban lots, and maintained for fuels implement defensible reduction space measures on private parcels. 30,000 private parcels with defensible space measures implemented Treating Improve air quality in Divert biomass material 1 or more instances of Biomass Lake Tahoe Basin. that would otherwise be biomass material diverted burned, to other uses out of Lake Tahoe Basin. outside of Lake Tahoe Basin (e.g., energy co- generation facility). Minimizing Improve air quality in Retrofit non-compliant 3,000 noncompliant wood Smoke and Dust Lake Tahoe Basin. wood stoves and obtain stoves retrofitted and utilize high- efficiency street 10 high-efficiency street sweepers on the South sweepers obtained and in Shore. use on the South Shore
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Improving Improve air quality in Completing viable and 43 miles of pedestrian and Lake Tahoe Regional Transit and Lake Tahoe Basin. attractive bicycle and bicycle trails improved or Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails pedestrian networks and constructed Master Plan; TMPO offer useful transit Regional Transportation opportunities. Transit ridership increased Plan to 3 million passengers
Improving Public Improve public access Modernize lakefront 1 or more existing lakefront Lake Access to lakefront access facilities access facilities modernized recreational activities (including installing for improved access and in Lake Tahoe Basin. BMPs for resource resource protection protection) and increase the length of public 1 or more instances of new shoreline of Lake Tahoe public access and/or other water bodies in Lake Tahoe 1 or more instances of Basin, and address increased length of public conflicts with private shoreline property owners over public use of lakefront 1 or more actions taken to recreation areas. address public-private conflicts over lakefront use
Expanding the Improve air quality Enhance non-motorized 40 trail projects completed Trail System and reduce impact of recreation opportunities recreation on by building and environment. maintaining trails, trailheads and other support facilities. Improving Improve the quality of Design and implement 40 recreation facility Recreation recreation facilities new or enhanced projects completed Facilities and the recreation campgrounds and/or experience. day use facilities to improve the quality of the recreation facilities and experience, while increasing day use and overnight recreation capacity. Improving Improve the Taylor Improve the Taylor Taylor Creek Environmental Interpretive Creek and Meyers Creek Environmental Education Center improved Facilities Visitor Centers and Education Center and implement interpretive the Meyers Visitor Meyers Visitor Center / educational Center and develop and improved programs. implement interpretive / educational programs to 3 Basin-wide interpretive / better utilize information educational programs and interpretive developed and activities to improve the implemented recreation experience at Tahoe.
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Restore and/or Restore and/or Bury overhead utility lines 6 miles of overhead utility Scenic Quality Improvement Enhance Scenic enhance scenic along scenic roadway lines along scenic roadway Program Roadways quality along Lake units and implement units buried underground Tahoe’s scenic various projects meeting TRPA Design Review roadways. scenic quality standards 500 projects meeting Guidelines along scenic roadway scenic quality standards units. implemented along scenic roadway units Lake Tahoe Restore and/or Implement various 150 projects meeting scenic Scenic Quality Improvement Scenic enhance scenic projects meeting scenic quality standards Program Shoreline quality along the quality standards along implemented along Lake shoreline of Lake the shoreline of Lake Tahoe shoreline. Tahoe. Tahoe.
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Appendix 4: Science Focus Area Implementation The Science Program Management System There has been substantial investment in scientific activities throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the Science Focus Area is intended to support continued investment. However, there currently is no functioning management system to organize existing resources and activities and to create new procedures as necessary to fully integrate science efforts with resource management in the Basin. In particular, there is a need for the science and management/regulatory communities to collaboratively: • identify and prioritize research, synthesis, and other science information needs of management and regulatory agencies, • establish processes to track and synthesize science efforts, and • convert the analyses and results into knowledge that can then be used to inform decision making.
Within the context of the Environmental Improvement Program, there is a need for the Science Focus Area to provide information essential to improving the effectiveness of the Capital Improvement Focus Areas. Moreover, information generated from science activities may also influence management strategies and policy decisions. Implementation of a Science Program Management System is essential to obtaining the information necessary to improve and optimize the rate and degree to which environmental thresholds are achieved. This information also can provide an objective basis for adjusting thresholds.
Purpose The purpose of establishing and operating the Lake Tahoe Basin Science Program Management System (SPMS) is to collaboratively: 1) Document and regularly implement an adaptable process for prioritizing and allocating funds and resources for science. The system should recognize the diverse science needs of management and regulatory agencies, and should allocate resources compatible with capital program priorities. 2) Establish and clarify roles and responsibilities of the science community, funding entities, and agencies for implementing the management system, such that the Science and Reporting Focus Area maximizes efficiency through integration of efforts, establishment of common methodologies, data aggregation, and unified reporting. 3) Establish procedures to facilitate information exchange and interpretation, and to communicate science results and recommendations so they can inform future management actions and priorities associated with the EIP capital improvement sub- programs/focus areas. 4) Track, summarize, and report on science activities and the capital programs’ progress toward achieving regional goals. The resulting information should be relied upon by agencies, stakeholders, and the public to increase their understanding, and to reduce uncertainty in decisions and actions.
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Science and Reporting Focus Area
5) Establish procedures for evaluating research and monitoring efforts, and for making recommendations for change, including amending or adding program elements to improve program performance over time. 6) Establish procedures for documenting the effectiveness of the science program in meeting agencies’ science needs and for maximizing coordination and effective communication between agencies and the science community, so that new information gets to decision makers in a timely manner . 7) Ensure the use of current standard methods of research in the Lake Tahoe Basin, such that the best available science and technology is utilized to collect new data, conduct analyses, produce and manage information, and make results available in a timely fashion.
Management System Description
The EIP Science Program Management System (SPMS) follows the same annual Plan>>Do>>Check>>Act cycle as the capital improvement program management system, and is intended to complement and support that system. It is based on the Generalized Management System Design Manual (Sokulsky and Beierle, 2007) developed during the Pathway planning process for application to major Tahoe Basin programs. Figure 3 represents the primary steps in the SPMS cycle. Appendix A provides a detailed description of the specific objectives and activities involved in each numbered box in the cycle (Figure 3), along with the parties involved and the timing of each step. The particular objectives of each box are described, as well as the type of activities or processes involved, the products generated, who should lead and participate in each effort, and when it should occur. It is recognized that while certain elements of this process are already being implemented, it will take considerable effort, and coordination, among all EIP participants to conduct all of these activities. Roll-out of SPMS will require strategic thinking about the most important components of the system and the degree of effort each step should involve, commensurate with available resources. This will likely be a factor in each year’s round of management decisions concerning the following year’s activities.
Although several components of this system are undertaken currently, they are neither fully coordinated (whether that be with other components of the system, or among all the agencies and sectors contributing to the EIP), nor are they systematically integrated into management and policy decision-making. By providing a structure to guide and supplement existing efforts, it is intended that iteratively, over time, we will achieve a fully integrated science program that meets the Science Focus Area goal and objectives. Operating through the SPMS will: 1) ensure funding of science endeavors commensurate with the need and priority, 2) clarify roles among the scientific and governmental communities, 3) inform subsequent actions via standardized syntheses of existing knowledge and fully-vetted recommendations, and 4) ensure that the program continually improves over time.
Roles and Responsibilities: Agencies, TSC and SMIT
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Science and Reporting Focus Area
Consistent with the scope of the EIP, the SPMS involves a partnership among numerous parties from a wide variety of public and private sectors. The SPMS by necessity brings Basin management agencies in close communication with the science community, which has been represented in the Basin since 2005 by the Tahoe Science Consortium (TSC). The structure of TSC, and the nature of its interactions with Basin agencies, is represented in Figure 4. A central forum for communication between scientists and agency staff in many SPMS processes is the Science-Management Integration Team (SMIT).
The SMIT consists of senior government agency representatives from the Tahoe Science Agency Coordination Committee (TSACC) and representatives from the TSC Committee of Scientists (COS). SMIT meetings, which are open to the public, enable these entities to discuss management agency issues and the types of science activities that can help to address those issues, and to regularly update/revise research and monitoring plans for the Lake Tahoe Basin.
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Science and Reporting Focus Area
Figure 3 - Annual cycle of activities which constitute a management system for the EIP Science and Reporting Focus Area (Science Program Management System). Circular symbols within each quadrant represent the iterative nature of the associated steps . Although each box in the cycle represents a logical, sequential process, it is recognized that any given action or step in the cycle may require adjacent steps to be re-visited (as also represented by numerous double-headed arrows, indicating the integrated interaction between these related actions).
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Figure 4. Organizational structure to support ongoing integration of science activities and management issues in the Lake Tahoe Basin (from Hymanson 2008). This diagram identifies the entities involved and the routes of interaction and communication among the entities. Example of Management System Operation
An example of how the SPMS might work to determine whether and to what extent EIP capital improvement programs and priorities are affecting environmental thresholds/desired conditions is represented in Figure 5. Many of the projects under the Restoring Watersheds and Habitat Focus Area are intended to contribute towards achieving the Lake Tahoe Clarity, Ecological Integrity, and SEZ desired conditions. The diagram represents, by means of the upper and lower left-to-right flow-processes, how two EIP programs, stormwater and watershed management, and their associated priorities and project elements, can impact desired conditions. The diagram also indicates the points in the process where various types of monitoring would be conducted to address specific questions.
Applied research is necessary to close the loop in understanding how desired conditions are influenced by actions taken through relevant EIP focus areas, as depicted by the central, right- to-left arrow. Along with monitoring, research must constantly be conducted in order to answer key management questions, such as what processes and factors affect desired conditions, can project design be improved to better target key processes/factors, and can operational models be developed to better predict EIP effects? In some cases, monitoring program design also is a good research topic.
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Figure 5. Example of how the science activities might work to determine whether and to what extent EIP capital improvement sub-programs/action priorities are affecting environmental thresholds/desired conditions, including how research and monitoring interact to continually improve programs, projects, and our ability to determine their effectiveness.
Science Program Funding Strategy EIP Science program funding is needed to cover the core science programs of monitoring, applied research, and data management, synthesis, and reporting. Implementation monitoring of EIP projects (e.g., permit condition compliance or project tracking) is not included in these core science program costs. Implementation monitoring is the responsibility of the capital sub-programs. The total funding target for the EIP Science sub- program activities is $91,000,000 over ten years. These funds are estimated to be allocated as follows: • Monitoring $61,000,000 • Applied Research $25,000,000 • Data Management, Synthesis, & Reporting $5,000,000
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Table 1 describes a proposed strategy for funding the various EIP Science sub-program activities.
Table 1. Proposed funding strategy for the EIP Science Focus Area. Proposed funding from each major source is shown for the three major sub-programs of monitoring (effectiveness and status and trends), applied research, and data management synthesis and reporting.
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10-yr.
funding Science Sources of funding (10-yr target (in Comments Activity contributions in millions)* millions)
Fed. CA NV Local Priv.
Effectiveness $27 + 11 Up to 2% of annual capital Investments in effectiveness monitoring come from: 1) Different capital sub-programs, Monitoring funding may be invested in and 2) Responsible parties. Specific funding sources determined on a project-by- effectiveness monitoring. project or program level basis. This approach will require select entities to sponsor/administer the monitoring funds. This monitoring is designed to estimate project and program effectiveness. Monitoring may be centralized (completed by a selected entity) or decentralized (completed by various agencies or programs), whichever is most effective. Investments in monitoring will be guided by common/regional monitoring plans (e.g., RSWMP). These plans will be developed collaboratively. Effectiveness monitoring efforts will occur independent of implementation monitoring, but all monitoring results will be available for data synthesis and reporting (see below).
Status and $34 $6 $18.7 $9.3 -- -- Investments in status and trends monitoring come from baseline monitoring funds Trends allocated to LTBMU (forest plan) and TRPA (regional plan threshold monitoring). TRPA Monitoring funding of $28M/10 yrs. would come from CA (66%) and NV (33%) as part of its normal budget process. Development and implementation of the TRPA status and trends monitoring program will be guided by its environmental indicator monitoring and evaluation program.
Applied $25 $20 $2.6 $2.4 -- -- Investments in applied research assume continuation of existing federal (currently Research SNPLMA) funding ~$3M/yr and existing NV (LT License Plate Grant Program) funding of ~$240K/yr.
Data Mgmt, $5 $1.5 $2 $0.9 $0.6 -- Investments in data management, synthesis, and reporting come from: 1) Different Synthesis, and capital sub-programs, 2) Responsible parties, and 3) Baseline monitoring funds from Reporting TRPA and LTBMU. Funding should provide for a centralized repository of monitoring data (e.g., TIIMS). Synthesis and reporting also could be a centralized activity, or if not, should be done collaboratively. Current TIIMS funding is ~$400K/yr. An additional
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$100K/yr. will be used to support synthesis and reporting work.
Total $91 $27.5 $23.3 $12.6 $0.6 - Average of effectiveness monitoring funding range ($27M) was used to calculate the - 10-yr. funding total.
*Values under “Sources of funding” include any funding currently allocated to science activities that are expected to continue through the next phase of the EIP
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Guiding Principles Three principles will guide long-term investments in the Science and Reporting Focus Area:
Stability The annual funding level must remain reasonably stable from year to year. Stability of funding ensures stability of the infrastructure necessary to operate an effective Science and Reporting Focus Area. The amount of annual funding will affect the amount of science work that may be sustained from year to year. As with the capital projects, there may be some variability in the funding needs from year to year, due to projects with large funding needs. For projects that have large funding needs, it may be necessary to phase implementation over two or more funding cycles to match project needs to the available funding.
Inflation Proration The funding process for capital projects and the Science and Reporting Focus Area alike must recognize the potential erosion of EIP accomplishments if funding does not keep up with inflation, including compromising the level of information available from monitoring, erosion of the Science Focus Area infrastructure, and stranding of previous investments. One approach for dealing with inflation is to prorate the funding to match inflation, so that total EIP funding is divided into smaller amounts in the early years and larger amounts in the later years.
Flexibility The funding mechanisms should incorporate processes that permit justified changes in program priorities. To ensure continued relevancy, adjustments to the kinds of research and monitoring undertaken must occur in response to changes in management and social priorities and the discovery or emergence of new concerns. To maintain credibility, such adjustments must be objective and transparent and rely on a collaborative decision-making approach that fully involves governmental agencies, the scientific community, and the public.
Appendix A. Details for EIP Science Focus Area Management System (Applied Research, Effectiveness Monitoring, Status and Trend Monitoring). Box shading indicates quadrants in the SPMS cycle (see Fig. 3).
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Box Timing of Products, information, Other parties Box Contents Objective Description of activity or process activity or or Lead/ Support involved Number process Outcome
Develop, Common Revisit or conceptual Annually and as New and revised Revise understanding Use Tahoe M & E Program – CM and IF Guidance Document to develop TRPA Science Prg. 1 necessary conceptual models and SMIT, Public Conceptual and and revise DC conceptual models (and indicator framework). Mgr/TSC Exec. Models identification of August to Sept. indicator frameworks uncertainties, information needs, and Identify Key priorities Document uncertainties and information needs. Review list of science TSC Executive Annual updated list of Uncertainties, needs and use an established prioritization method to refine annual Annually, Director/ TRPA SMIT, EIP prioritized research, 2 Risks research list/agenda. Identify and categorize the best approach to address September to Science Program Groups, monitoring, and technical and Information the need as “research”, “effectiveness monitoring” or “status and trend October Manager, Monitoring Public? assistance needs Needs monitoring”, or technical assistance. Program Leads
Develop, Common Review & agreement on Summary document of SMIT, Agency Revise most effective Using monitoring needs list generated in #2 and knowledge of existing Annually, resource availability and Monitoring Monitoring program monitoring efforts, document agency resource availability, examine Monitoring program 3a October to integration opportunities. Staff, Plans responses opportunities for integration, Develop new monitoring plans/protocols, leads. January Recommended new and Researchers, (effectiveness review and revise existing monitoring plans as appropriate, revised monitoring plans Consultants. & status and trends)
TSC Executive Revise Research needs list generated in #2 (above) used to revise near-term Annually, Updated Science Director; sponsoring 3b research research agenda(s). Review list of research needs and use established October to Plan/Research Agenda; SMIT agency science agendas prioritization method to refine annual research list. Adopt SNPLMA model January new research RFP’s program managers
Secure funding Agency Funding agencies review monitoring plans and needs (from 3a) and Funded and implemented to carry out Annually, Monitoring Fund and confirm/revise funding allocations, as appropriate. This activity includes ID monitoring plans, Field research and Funding Funding Agency Program 4a conduct and pursuit of: 1) existing sources of funding, 2) new sources of grant efforts commenced or monitoring Agency’s Fiscal Executives Leads and monitoring funding, 3) budget revisions, or 4) new legislation. Funding agencies continued per monitoring agendas Cycle, February Capital release RFP’s or complete contracts for monitoring as appropriate. plan Project Leads
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Box Timing of Products, information, Other parties Box Contents Objective Description of activity or process activity or or Lead/ Support involved Number process Outcome
TSC Executive Director, Funding agencies review annual research agenda and allocate funding as TRPA Annually, Fund and initiate new Fund and appropriate. This activity includes ID and pursuit of: 1) existing sources of Science Funding research. Field efforts Funding Agency 4b conduct funding, 2) new sources of grant funding, 3) budget revisions, or 4) new Program Mgr, Agency’s Fiscal commenced or continued Executives research legislation. Funding agencies release RFP’s or complete contracts for sponsoring Cycle, February per study design monitoring as appropriate. agency science program managers
Convert data TRPA Science into information Update local monitoring databases, OA/QC, and review data per specified Program Manager Agency Collate and through data standard operating procedures established in monitoring and evaluation Annually by Updated local QA/QC for S &T Monitoring/ Monitoring 5 Review synthesis, plans. Use secured web-based collaboration software to interact, share and November databases and metadata Effectiveness Staff, TIIMS Monitoring Data analysis, and combine data from different monitoring efforts. monitoring program Staff reporting leads
TRPA Science Program Manager Agency Complete monitoring data analysis per specified procedures established in Analyze & Annually, Draft Monitoring Reports, for S & T Monitoring Status and Trend or effectiveness monitoring and evaluation plans. Agency 6a Report November to Post reports on TIIMS or Monitoring)/ Staff, TSC, and TSC created subcommittee to review monitoring synthesis reports and Monitoring Data January as appropriate Effectiveness Consultants, integrate with research results (6b). monitoring program TIIMS Staff leads
Document Completed research TSC Executive Researchers, Research Summarize raw data, conduct statistical analysis, and generate reports and published and posted on Director/ Agency Research Results and abstracts. Document status of on-going research efforts. Work with the Annually, TIIMS. Summary reps. funding 6b Contract On-going researchers and the agencies to ensure that synthesis projects meet December document of completed research; PSW Managers, Research agency needs and are communicated properly. and on-going research Science Program TIIMS Staff Efforts. efforts published. Coordinator
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Box Timing of Products, information, Other parties Box Contents Objective Description of activity or process activity or or Lead/ Support involved Number process Outcome
Assessment of research and monitoring efforts and accomplishments, Agency including an accounting of technical assistance efforts. Assess EIP Chief/ EIP Science Monitoring effectiveness of Research and Monitoring programs. Develop Annually, Science Focus Area Monitoring Program 7a Tracking & Staff, Recommendations of adjustments to various program implementation December Assessment Report Leads/TSC Reporting Researchers, strategies and/or adjustments to the overall Science Focus Area Executive Director TIIMS Team Management System.
Agency EIP Capital Program Assessment of capital program efforts and accomplishments relative to Program Annually, EIP Capital Program Implemen- 7b established accomplishment units. Develop Recommendations on EIP Chief/ SPG Tracking & December Assessment Report tation Staff, adjustments to various capital program implementation strategies. Reporting Researchers, TIIMS Team
Synthesis of Results and Annual, web- Interpretation based report. or relative to EIP Develop integrated report using data and information from 6a, 6b, 7a, and Final Synthesis Report – comprehensive Agency and TSC 8a Performance 7b. Include a recommendation and management implication section. If State of the Tahoe Basin SMIT report every 5th created work-group Measures, agency-led, conduct independent peer review of integrated report. Report year March to Indicators, and July Desired Conditions
Provide Monitoring TIIMS Data & Reports Upload databases and reports (from #6a thru 8a) so they are publically Updated web-based Monitoring Coordinator/EIP 8b to available per specified standard operating procedures established in Annually July QA/QC databases and Program Chief/TRPA Science Central Web- monitoring and evaluation plans. metadata Leads Program Manager based Location (TIIMS)
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Box Timing of Products, information, Other parties Box Contents Objective Description of activity or process activity or or Lead/ Support involved Number process Outcome
Convert TRPA Science SMIT, SPG, information into Communicate Science findings presented to agency program managers, stakeholders, & Presentations, Program Researchers, knowledge to Annually, April 9 Information & decision makers. Conduct workshops to communicate information from 6a Workshops, On-line Manager/EIP Agency inform future to August Results thru 8a. reports Chief/TSC Monitoring actions Executive Director Staff
TRPA Science SMIT, SPG, Program APC, Agency Annually, April Document that 10 Public Input Document and summarize input provided by public and stakeholders. Manager/EIP Boards, to August Summarizes Public Input Chief/TSC Agency Executive Director Execs
EIP focus area groups, Recommend prioritized capital project and/or changes to program Updated priority lists of Annually, Agency EIP Groups implementation strategies in response to science results, public input, Capital Projects. Updated EIP focus area 11 Augst to specialists, & Committees available funding, and other established criteria. Document rationale for Sub-program leaders; EIP Chief September SMIT, TRPA proposed project priorities or changes to implementation strategies. implementation strategies Science Prg. Mgr.
Make adjustments to EIP goals, policies, and management activities (as Agency Executives EIP groups Management needed), review and approve project priorities through appropriate Program direction and and/or Program Annually, Oct - and 12 and Policy processes (e.g., TRPA Governing Board, Plan Amendments, CTC Board, adjustments. Document Managers/Implemen Jan committees, Decisions NV State Lands bond allocations, Federal government appropriation decisions and actions ters as assigned by EIP Chief. process) Executives
October 2008 Page 14 Science References
Herold, M., J. Metz and J. S. Romsos. 2007. Inferring littoral substrates, fish habitats, and fish dynamics of Lake Tahoe using IKONOS data. Can. J. of Remote Sens. Vol. 33, No 5, 445-456.
Hymanson, Z.P. 2008. Functions, Organizational Structure, Responsibilities, and Operating Guidelines for the Tahoe Science Consortium. 45 pages. Available at http://www.tahoescience.org/tsc_products/Products.aspx. (Select TSC Charter document.)
Lake Tahoe Basin Executives. 2006. A federal vision for the environmental improvement pro - gram at Lake Tahoe. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/local/ltbec/index.shtml
Morrison, M. L., R. J. Young, J. S. Romsos and R. T. Golightly. In press. Restoring forest rap - tors: influence of human disturbance and forest condition on northern goshawks, Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada. Ecol. Rest.
Shepperd, W. D., P. C. Rogers, D, Burton, and D. Bartos. 2006. Ecology, management, and restoration of aspen in the Sierra Nevada. USDS – Forest Service. RMRS-GTR-178 Sokulsky, J. and T. Beierle. 2007. Management System Design: Generalized Management System Design Man - ual. Prepared by Environmental Incentives, LLC for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. State - line, NV. Available at www.tiims.org.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). 1986. Monitoring and Evaluation. Regional Plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin: Goals and Policies. Pages VII-22 – VII-27. Available at: http://www.trpa.org/documents/docdwnlds/goals.pdf
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