TRPA fines Martis Camp Club for unauthorized dredging

To resolve a pending violation for unauthorized dredging, the Martis Camp Club has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine and restore the area disturbed at its Martis Camp Beach property, located at 6920 North Lake Blvd., in Placer County. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board approved the settlement agreement yesterday.

In August 2015, TRPA staff responded to a complaint regarding the unauthorized removal of shorezone rocks at the Martis Camp Beach property. TRPA inspectors found that Martis Camp Club had removed all of the rocks from the area to clear a path for residents to get in and out of the lake with their paddle boards and kayaks, because of the low water levels. About 50 yards of shoreline was impacted.

Because of the sensitive environment and scenic nature of Lake Tahoe’s shorezone, TRPA’s Code of Ordinances prohibits removal of rock and earthen materials in the shorezone except where TRPA finds such removal or rearrangement will benefit shorezone conditions, water quality, and water clarity.

Following the Governing Board’s approval of this settlement agreement, the penalty must be paid to TRPA within 30 days. Money from violation settlements is held in trust for special research studies and other directed purposes and is not used for general TRPA operating expenses.