Taylor Creek and Tallac restoration project approved, could begin next Spring

Plans for the Taylor Creek and Tallac Restoration Project have been finalized and work in the area could start as early as May, 2017 according to an announcement Friday by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).

The goal of the project is to restore the Taylor and Tallac creek ecosystems, maintenance and improvement of recreational facilities and enhance non-motorized access to the area.

“After two years of planning, we are pleased that this project is moving forward,” said Teresa McClung, LTBMU deputy forest supervisor. “We also recognize the collaborative effort made by our partners, TRPA and Lahontan, in helping to successfully complete the environmental analysis for the restoration of this significant ecological and recreational resource adjacent to Lake Tahoe.”

Taylor and Tallac creeks north of Highway 89 were historically connected through a series of lake-influenced swales that formed a large wetland/marsh. Natural processes in this area have been adversely affected by past land uses such as grazing, infrastructure construction and the introduction of aquatic invasive species. This project will begin to restore these natural processes, while protecting sensitive species and habitat, and maintaining and enhancing existing recreation facilities and infrastructure to provide an improved recreational experience.

In Fall of 2014, the USFS plan was released to the public for comments. Due to several comments made, the recommended alternative was adjusted to eliminate the removal of portions of the the Lucky Baldwin dam and change the floor of Taylor Creek. They may reconsider that project in the future.

Larger project photos and description are available here http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd526272.pdf, the Decision Notice (DN) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) are available for review at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/TaylorTallac.