Lakeside Inn and Casino Returns Cattle Grazing to Historic Lake Shore Meadow

April 1, 2014 (Stateline, Nev.) -- Lakeside Inn and Casino announced the United States Forest Service would be processing a permit for livestock grazing in Rabe Meadow, land adjacent to the hotel/casino for the purpose of raising prime Angus beef for Brazilian Barbecue at its Latin Soul restaurant. Rabe Meadow has historically supported cattle grazing during summer periods on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The vision is to raise Lakeside Ranch prime Angus beef to support a “locally grown” menu and provide “farm-to-table” cuisine, a proven and popular trend in many fine restaurants.

“Returning this historic activity to the Lake Tahoe Basin is good for our customers and good for the economy,” explained Mike Bradford, CEO of Lakeside Inn. “Our guests demand the highest quality food ingredients. Moreover, by growing locally we reduce delivery vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) and traffic, hence pollution, and provide economic benefit through local job creation.”

When asked about the cattle grazing prohibition in the Basin, Bradford responded, “The TRPA Regional Plan Update provides for many constructive land uses that for some earlier periods were considered inappropriate. Since Lakeside Inn is within a specially designated ‘Town Center Category’ the historic use is permitted if the determination of economic and environmental benefit are made. This traditional ranching use clearly benefits the environment and the economy.”

When asked how the public is responding to today's new, Bradford said "Most people think it is a great idea. We have had vendors calling about other farm to table offerings as well."

Restoration work on the meadow and its waterway Burke Creek have been so effective that it is now possible for the meadow to sustain livestock again. To ensure the cattle have the proper nutrition some nonnative grasses will need to be replanted, Bradford added.

“Acquiring pasture resources in local federally operated open lands is slightly unexpected; however, the Regional Plan allows the return of land to previously permitted uses," stated a TRPA representative.

In addition to Angus beef, other farm animals will be raised including poultry and pigs to provide fresh eggs and pork.

“Local sustainability is a key component for this destination and there are visitors in the growing geotourism market who find ranching educational,” said Pam Wheeler, Lakeside Inn marketing manager. “Metropolitan-based families particularly enjoy sharing with their children the agrarian experience of seeing and petting farm animals.”

Locals and visitors will have the opportunity to see the herd up close while hiking to Nevada Beach and Round Hill Pines along the new Lam Watah Trail.

"Our ranch program will create new local job opportunities,” stated Human Resource Manager Sheila Aquilina. "Folks with livestock and ranching experience are especially encouraged to apply."

Bradford said he also can see possibilities opening up with local 4-H groups and Future Farmers of America giving children who live at the lake a chance to experience careers in agriculture and livestock farming.