Tallac Historic Site retrofit approved; work could begin in 2015

A decision to approve the retrofit project to revitalize the Tallac Historic Site was announced today by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).

The project, in the works for a few years, will improve recreational facilities, implement water quality BMPs, as well as upgrade paths, restrooms, parking and picnic areas.

“This project will reduce environmental impacts and improve recreational opportunities at the Tallac Historic Site,” said Forest Supervisor Nancy Gibson. “Upgrading these facilities will help us meet current and projected recreational demands and comply with legal requirements for accessibility.” The project’s environmental analysis included consultation with an historic design architect and the California State Historic Preservation Officer to ensure the project preserved and protected the historical characteristics of the site.

Work could begin in Spring of 2015, and, depending on funding, could take 10 years to complete.

The public had opportunities to weigh in on the project through public comment periods. LTBMU took those opinions into consideration and made some adjustments on the original plan. The concerns included noxious weeds in the project area, the protection of historical value and heritage resource sites, and the water quality BMP installation.

This is a list of the planned projects:
Installation of storm water management structures to infiltrate storm water.
Installation of BMPs along the shore zone (A).
Installation of BMPs at Tallac Point including removal or restoration of select user-created trails (B1).
Installation of a barrier between the Tallac Point Beach are and Taylor Creek Marsh (B2).
Installation of a restroom building (B3).
Upgrading of existing pathway from parking area to beach to meet accessibility standards (B4).
Addition of 20 parking spaces in the Kiva Point parking lot (B5).
Removal of the existing Tallac/Kiva intersection (C2) and consolidation of it with the Taylor Creek intersection (C4).
Relocation of the Valhalla intersection to align with the Camp Richardson Corral entrance (C1).
Rerouting of roadways to create a loop connecting all parking areas (C3).
Construction of 90 parking spaces at Tallac that will include spaces for extended length vehicles in a new parking lot along the new circulation road (D).
Construction of 45 additional parking spaces at the Valhalla parking area (E).
Reconfiguration of the volunteer RV Campground at the Baldwin Trailer Site (F).
Formalize and pave existing parking area near the Valhalla entrance to Hwy 89 (G).