Community input sought for creation of a Tahoe Shoreline Plan

A collaborative planning process to enhance and protect the 72 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline has begun, and they would like public input to complete the plan.

There will be two workshops this fall to help guide creation of a Shoreline Plan that not only protects the scenic shoreline, but enhances recreational access to the lake.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is seeking community input during the workshops which will be held on the North Shore on Wednesday, Sept. 21 and at the south end on Thursday, Nov. 3.

The shoreline is where most residents and millions of visitors interact with Lake Tahoe. The Shoreline Plan aims to balance use of structures like piers, buoys, and marinas with protecting the environment and ensuring recreational access to the lake.

Community workshops offer an opportunity for the public to share input for the Shoreline Plan as part of the inclusive, open planning process.

“Our goal is for the Shoreline Plan to reach consensus on complex issues related to shoreline access, diversity of users, and environmental protection,” said Brandy McMahon, principal planner at TRPA who is helping lead the planning process. “We are working with a broad range of agencies and shoreline stakeholder groups and certainly want to hear from the general public as well.”

The Shoreline Plan will be developed over the next two years and will draw on significant community input and rigorous scientific study to create updated standards and regulations for shoreline structures such as piers, buoys, and boat ramps. The plan aims to address recreational access, marinas, boating, permitting processes, low lake water levels, and environmental effects on the lake.

Because the Lake Tahoe Basin has a mix of shoreline ownership and is world-renowned for its water clarity and natural beauty, agreed-upon standards for structures such as piers, buoys, and boat ramps have historically been challenging to attain.

TRPA is working with the public and organizations and agencies around the lake to build consensus on balancing the environment and recreation access, and these upcoming community workshops are an important opportunity for public input. To learn more about the Shoreline Plan or sign up for information about upcoming meetings, visit www.shorelineplan.org.

Workshops:
Wednesday, Sept. 21, North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach, Calif., 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 3, TRPA office in Stateline, Nev., 6-8 p.m.