David Antonucci to present new book on environment at next Tahoe Talks in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Historical Society is hosting another Tahoe Talks on Wednesday, May 10 when author David Antonucci speaks on the environmental history of Lake Tahoe.

From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the History Museum Complex in South Lake Tahoe, Antonucci will present his new book, Environmental History of Lake Tahoe.

How did we get to where we are today? Many Lake Tahoe residents and visitors ask this question as they look at the contradictory contrast between the natural environment and the human-built landscape.

The answer lies in the 170+ years of Euro-American occupation of the Lake Tahoe Basin and sequential cultural eras that left Tahoe impacted. It is a compelling story with a complex cast of characters beginning with loggers and extending to land developers, tourists, environmentalists, politicians, and scientists.

The Environmental History of Lake Tahoe explains how Native Americans conformed to the natural environment, and any changes they imposed were temporary and in harmony with nature. The founding of the Comstock Lode triggered severe changes in the watershed, water, fishery, wildlife, and vegetation. Some of the impacts persist today. In the early 20th century, Tahoe emerged as a significant tourism destination, bringing accommodations, commercial services, year-round roads, traffic congestion, and water pollution. Acrimonious political battles ensued over the future of Tahoe, resulting in the creation of a basin-wide planning the opposing interests compromise and agree to work together to solve environmental problems while supporting the local economy.

The talk is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The History Museum Complex is located at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. The museum will be open after the talk and Antonucci will have his books for sale.