boating

Working to protect our shoreline and enhance recreation access

Millions of people visit our region each year, and the shoreline is where most of them go to enjoy the beauty and the cold, famously clear water of Lake Tahoe.

The shoreline is also where a challenging mix of planning issues converge: Protecting the environment and our lake’s awe-inspiring scenery, managing recreation access, and respecting private property rights.

HIgh fire danger in Lake Tahoe basin Sunday and Monday

Hot and dry weather will continue in the region according to the National Weather Service, but with the warm temperatures and low humidity comes a "Fire Weather Warning."

NWS is forecasting gusty winds and high fire danger on Sunday and Monday and they are urging extreme caution, especially near dry grass and brush.

Gusty winds and waves up to 3 feet will produce hazardous conditions for boating, kayaking and paddle boarding. Calm lake conditions in the morning can quickly turn dangerous once the winds kick up, so remember to always wear your personal flotation device.

USFS begins final stage of Upper Truckee restoration project, river closed in area

Beginning today, July 11, and going until October 14, the Truckee River will be closed near the South Lake Tahoe airport in order for the Upper Truckee River Reach 5 Restoration Project to be completed.

Woman drowns while rafting on American River near Kyburz

A San Francisco woman died on the South Fork of the American River near Kyburz while rafting on Saturday, July 9.

Elaine Yi Mau, 32, was camping at the China Flat Campground with friends when they took rafts into the nearby river. At 4:09 p.m., the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office was told of a rafting accident involving Mau. She had been on a raft with someone who fell off, and when he surfaced, Mau was gone.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

7/3
1:45 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issue - Lodgepole Trail - UNLICENSED VACATION RENTAL

3:33 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issue - Del Norte St

4:14 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issue - Prospector Trail

5:58 a.m. - Death Investigation - South Lake Tahoe - dEATH OF 90-YEAR- OLD MAN

Importance of understanding dangers of cold water shock

The most common misunderstanding about swimming in Lake Tahoe is that people can suffer from hypothermia, which leads to death. The real truth is that "cold water shock" will kill much quicker than hypothermia ever will.

"The sudden lowering of skin temperature on immersion in cold water represents one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter." Golden and Tipton in Essentials of Sea Survival

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is increasing their educational campaign for boaters and swimmers to understand the dangers of cold water at Lake Tahoe.

Deaths in Lake Tahoe attributed to cold water shock, not hypothermia

"Swim Smart, Swim Safe: know the dangers of cold water" is the message coming from agencies responsible for boating and water safety on Lake Tahoe, especially after the recent deaths in the lake of two healthy men.

Drowning incidents from boating, paddling and swimming often share the same cause, "cold water shock," an involuntary gasp reflex caused by sudden immersion in cold water. Swimmers and boaters suddenly exposed to the cold waters of Lake Tahoe may experience rapid breathing, gasping, fainting, muscle failure and immediate risk of drowning.

Mountain Resort Television: Outdoor recreation in the Carson Valley

Check out the latest report from Mountain Resort Television as they look into all of the recreational opportunities in the Carson Valley: boating, fishing, ATVs, water sports and more.

Boating under the influence focus of Lake Tahoe campaign this weekend

As the summer recreational boating season gets into full swing, several law enforcement agencies are ramping up enforcement of boating under the influence laws on Lake Tahoe and other bodies of water. This is all part of a national safety campaign that begins this weekend, June 25 and 26 to heighten awareness and enforcement. Operation Dry Water focuses on deterring boaters from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Kudos: SLT Yacht Club sponsors Bread & Broth dinner

The members of the South Lake Tahoe Yacht Club (SLTYC) are a fun and active group who have a common interest in boating and enjoying beautiful Lake Tahoe. However, this social club is also committed to community involvement and on Monday, June 13th, the SLTYC sponsored their annual Bread & Broth “Adopt A Day of Nourishment” dinner held at St. Theresa Church Grace Hall.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

6/12

12:00 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issues - Shawnee St - 21-YEAR-OLD MALE SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER ACCUSED OF COMMITTING SEVERAL VIOLATIONS RELATED TO VACATION RENTAL HOME.

2:48 a.m. - Vacation Rental Issues - Marshall Trail

TRPA launches process to enhance and protect shores of Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and its partners have started work on the Shoreline Plan, a collaborative planning process to enhance recreation and protect Lake Tahoe’s 72 miles of shoreline.

The aim is to strike a balance between recreational access, the many uses along Tahoe’s shores, and environmental protection. An inclusive, open public process will bring in as many voices and viewpoints as possible to represent a wide range of stakeholders in developing new policy and code over the next two years.

Three rescued from Lake Tahoe near Nevada Beach

Three men were plucked from Lake Tahoe on Monday afternoon after they crashed their jet ski near Nevada Beach. The teen and men, ages 13-31, were in the water for about 25 minutes and were all nearly hypothermic when rescued.

At 1:30 p.m., the crew of the newly launched Marine 7 of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office was on routine patrol when they noticed a jet ski stopped about 1/8 of a mile off shore. They heard a shout for help as the approached the jet ski.

After crashing the jet ski, the riders lost its key.

Mountain Resort Television: Coast Guard boating safety tips

Coast Guard Auxillary promotes safe boating on Lake Tahoe with education and inspections. Listen to this segment from Mountain Resort Television and reporter Nicole Marsel.

SLT Yacht Club hosts annual membership drive

Event Date: 
June 4, 2016 - 12:00pm

Love being on the lake? Enjoy having fun participating in a variety of activities? Like giving back to the community? South Lake Tahoe Yacht Club (SLTYC) offers the opportunity to share all of these interests with others! On Saturday, June 4, the SLTYC is holding its annual membership drive luncheon at our clubhouse and would like to extend an invitation to everyone to join us, meet active members and to learn more about the club.

Ask Helpful Henry: Cars can be ovens for dogs in summer

Every year, countless dogs die in cars on summer days. Sometimes it’s not even that hot outside. Many times the window is cracked and the car is parked in the shade. The startling truth is that even in seemingly safe conditions the temperature inside your car can soar to life-threatening heights in just ten minutes – about the time it takes to run into the post office or the coffee shop or the pet store.

Even on a relatively mild day, your car can turn into an oven with frightening speed.

National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week is May 21-27, 2016 and is the launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the national theme, Wear It!

The local US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-04 in South Lake Tahoe is promoting the Wear It! campaign and hopes it will remind boaters of the importance of boating safely, including consistent life jacket wear, boating sober, knowing navigational rules and having a proper lookout.

Column: Beating Aquatic Invasive Species At Tahoe

Around the world, invasive species are notorious for their ability to out-compete native plants and animals. Once introduced to an area, they can spread out of control and fundamentally change both landscapes and ecologies, and then pose incredible challenges to manage or eradicate.

Howard Bittner - March 7, 1950 to April 17, 2016

Howard Bittner, a longtime South Lake Tahoe resident and chiropractor died April 17, 2016 after fighting a lengthy illness. He was 66.

Howard had been struggling with Pemphigus Vulgaris, an autoimmune disease, for the last 18 months.

Howard Henry Bittner was born on March 7, 1950, in Akron, Ohio. After growing up in Arizona and California, he attended Santa Barbara Community College before enlisting in the Navy. Howard graduated with honors from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa in 1980.

South Lake Tahoe needs to be interesting and ready to give a total experience

There was once a time when having a beautiful lake, spectacular scenery and non-stop action and gambling was enough for the tourist to visit South Lake Tahoe and the South Shore.

This is no longer the case and the community needs to become future ready.

Carl Ribaudo, owner of Strategic Marketing Group, spoke at the Future Ready Tourism Forum at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel on April 26, 2016.

While change is always tough Ribaudo said, South Lake Tahoe needs to be prepared as the tourist shifts from making a transaction when coming to Tahoe to wanting an experience.

Community job fair in South Lake Tahoe Tuesday

Event Date: 
April 12, 2016 - 3:00pm

Dozens of employers will be on hand at Tuesday's Tahoe Regional Community Job Fair at Harrah's Tahoe from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Local businesses are looking for help to set up concerts in the area this summer, staff for golfing, boating, casinos, summer adventures on the slopes, retail, restaurants, the Forest Service, construction, lodging and banking to name just a few.

Take your resume and find the job you've been looking for.

Timothy Roger Stoll June 16,1938- February 12, 2016

Dr. Timothy Stoll died suddenly of galloping pneumonia on February 12, 2016 at the age of 77.

Dr. Stoll, an icon of the Tahoe area, practiced dentistry for over 50 years in both South Lake Tahoe and Minden.

Two storms headed to Lake Tahoe this week

As one weather system leaves Lake Tahoe, the next one is waiting off the coast of California and heading to the Sierra overnight. The National Weather Service says upper elevations will see more snow that the past storm, with rain for the valleys. South Lake is at an elevation that rests in between rain and snow.

Most snow impacts will be confined to areas above 7,000 feet, a rain/snow mix around 6500 feet and all rain in lower valley locations will create slick road conditions. The highest elevations can see a foot of snow, with 1 to 4" above 6,500 feet, and one inch around the lake.

Man who inspired South Lake Tahoe act of kindness movement dies of ALS

Just over two months ago, we wrote about how a large group of South Tahoe High alumni were rallying behind one of their classmates, Kevin Sullivan, who was suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

At October's homecoming football game at STHS, many of Kevin's classmates from the class of 1984 and former teammates from the wrestling and football teams came together to honor Kevin and fondly share their memories.

South Lake Tahoe makes Trip Advisor's Top Ten "Destinations on the Rise"

Those of us who live in South Lake Tahoe, or find ourselves visiting often, already know that the region is experiencing a rebirth, one that makes it exciting times to be there.

Trip Advisor customers feel the same way, voting South Lake Tahoe one of the Top Ten destinations in the country that are "on the rise."

The article:

Un-summerlike temperatures in store for South Lake Tahoe

Did someone say "snow?" No, but there will be temperatures at freezing overnight over the Labor Day Weekend.

There will be impacts for gardeners, campers, outdoor pets, and burners on Saturday and Sunday with the coldest Sierra valleys seeing upper-20s as a low, with western Nevada valleys in the mid-30s.

Kyburz Fire now 98% contained; 75 acres burned

The Kyburz Fire is burning about 25 miles west of South Lake Tahoe. It has burned both sides of Highway 50 near and around the American River. It started on Highway 50 near Whitehall.

10 a.m. update 7/27/15:

The Sand Flat Campground has reopened as firefighters can almost total control of the fire lines. They now have 98% of the fire contained.

An updated infrared look at the scene has again reduced the amount burned to 75 acres.

They will not be updating the fire command website after Tuesday as they transfer o a forest Type 4 organization.

Lake Tahoe Humane Society plans overnight and one day kayaking events

Event Date: 
August 2, 2015 - 9:00am

The Lake Tahoe Humane Society has planned a unique set of events that gives everyone the chance to enjoy a fun day of kayaking on August 2 and two nights of kayaking and camping August 2-4.

One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire

With the passing of the 4th of July we find ourselves right in the middle of summer here in the Tahoe Basin. Locals and visitors alike recreating in many different ways, from camping to mountain biking, to boating, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. This summer and particularly this summer due to continued drought conditions, it is important to remember just how fragile the Tahoe Basin is, and that there is a persistent threat of wildfire. Everyone needs to take steps to ensure they are being fire smart in everything they do. Doing the right thing, the wrong way can start a wildfire.

Lake Tahoe Historical Fireside Chat

Event Date: 
July 15, 2015 - 7:00pm

Two long time community members will share their tales of the history of South Lake Tahoe during the next Fireside Chat on Wednesday, July 15 at 7 p.m.

Roberta Mason will be talking about “How and Why Higher Education Made Its
Way to the South Shore.” Mason was instrumental in bringing Lake Tahoe Community College to town and was a long time member of their Board of Trustees.

Tom Davis will be sharing tales of “How Three Went Out and One Came Back – Boating on Lake Tahoe” and stories of celebrity entertainers who have visited the south shore.

Round up at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort for next chamber mixer

Event Date: 
May 28, 2015 - 5:30pm

All are invited to attend the next Tahoe Chamber Business After Hours Mixer (BAHM!) on Thursday, May 28 at Round Hills Pines Beach Resort from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. These mixers present the perfect opportunity for business owners, employees and entrepreneurs to make lasting connections with fellow South Shore professionals while supporting a local business.

Lake Tahoe roadside boat inspection stations open May 1

Roadside stations for inspections and decontaminations of motorized boats and watercraft are officially opening for the 2015 boating season. Locations, hours of operation and opening dates are as follows:

Opening Thursday, May 1st:

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., 7 days a week

• Meyers: at the junction of US 50 and Highway 89

• Spooner Summit: at the junction of US 50 and Highway 28 in Nevada

• Alpine Meadows: Highway 89, off Alpine Meadows Road north of Tahoe City *

*Road construction on Alpine Meadows Road: Go to placerroads.com or call 530-581-0471

Project Baseline: Lake Tahoe - Why New Millennium Divers became Citizen Scientists

Let us start with a common interactive scenario for Lake Tahoe:

40 years ago a family came to Lake Tahoe, walked to the water’s edge of a very full lake (on that day in 1975, Tahoe’s surface elevation was at 6228 feet), and said, “What a beautiful lake! Look how clear it is!” and they spent the rest of their vacation not knowing the environmental direction that Tahoe was heading.

South Lake Tahoe's Year in Review - 2014

The following is a summary of accomplishments during 2014 by the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Strategic Priority: Fiscal Sustainability
The most important issue facing cities and local agencies is continued steadfast attention to the budget, both short term and long term fiscal impacts.

· Implemented “budget watch” approach to financial analysis; a year-long effort evaluating state, national and global economic impacts for South Shore economy, and capital investment opportunities

South Lake Tahoe's Year in Review - 2014

The following is a summary of accomplishments during 2014 by the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Strategic Priority: Fiscal Sustainability
The most important issue facing cities and local agencies is continued steadfast attention to the budget, both short term and long term fiscal impacts.

· Implemented “budget watch” approach to financial analysis; a year-long effort evaluating state, national and global economic impacts for South Shore economy, and capital investment opportunities

El Dorado County Sheriff's Log

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.
The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

12/27

Findorff named new Tahoe Sports and Entertainment GM

A collegiate Division 1 hockey player and pro prospect was named the new General Manager and Coaching Director for Tahoe Sports and Entertainment, Inc (TSE), the operators of the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.

Michael Findorff joins TSE after working for Vail Resorts, most recently as Assistant Manager in Products, Sales and Service. Prior to that Findorff spent two years pursuing a professional hockey career with the New York Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes organizations.

Volunteers remove 100 gallons of invasive Milfoil from Lake Tahoe

100 gallons of invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil were removed from the Upper Truckee River by 14 League to Save Lake Tahoe volunteers on August 5.

The volunteers worked on the 1,000 foot stretch of the river near the Tahoe Keys Marina. This infestation was the first to be identified and removed by trained Eyes on the Lake volunteers. It was also the first confirmed new infestation discovered at Lake Tahoe in several years. A follow-up volunteer effort will take place later this month to ensure the infestation is completely gone.

Eyes on the Lake - Free Training

Event Date: 
July 30, 2014 - 5:00pm

Aquatic invasive plants have already made Lake Tahoe home and while control efforts are underway, there is still not enough information about the current locations of infestations.

To fight this threat we need more “Eyes on the Lake." The newest effort of the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program has returned for summer 2014.

Join us for this FREE training where volunteers can learn how to identify and report on aquatic invasive plants found in Tahoe’s lakes and streams, and help protect our pristine Lake.

Annika Sorenstam: "I think once you're a competitor you're always a competitor"

Golf fans know her from her 89 LGPA golf tournament victories, 10 major championships and total winnings over $22M. Celebrity Golf fans will soon find out how the retired golfer who had to "dust the rust off her clubs" will play at Edgewood in her first American Century Golf Tournament this weekend.

Favored to win the tournament, Sorenstam reminded those at a press conference Thursday that she hasn't played much since retiring, and while she has played under the Stableford method that isn't how she won so many tournaments during her career.

El Dorado County Sheriff's report for South Lake Tahoe

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore:

6/26
8:10 a.m. - Prospector Trail: A 62 YEAR OLD MAN REPORTED THE FRAUDULENT USE OF HIS CREDIT CARD FOR $530.

2:21 p.m. - Kaska Street: SECOND DEGREE BURGLARY: UNKNOWN SUBJECTS STOLE NUMEROUS PIECES OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FROM A LOCAL BUSINESS.

4:35 p.m. - Al Tahoe Blvd; A 52 YEAR OLD MAN WAS ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION.

6/27

Drunk and Unsafe Boaters Targeted During This Weekend's Operation Dry Water

As part of a nationwide effort to keep boating and boaters safe, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department's marine units will have stepped up enforcement on the lake Friday through Sunday.

Operation Dry Water is an annual nationwide effort to highlight the risks and dangers of operating boats under the influence. The stepped up enforcement raises awareness of operating boats under the influence of alcohol or drugs in advance of the Fourth of July holiday.

Changes, Including Boat Inspection Fee Increase, Coming for 2014 Lake Tahoe Boating Season

It will cost boaters $10 more to have their boat inspected prior to being launched in Lake Tahoe this summer.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board approved the fee update for the watercraft inspection program to help sustain boater services after a reduction in their federal funding.

The changes the TRPA approved this week:

* The decontamination fee will increase from $25 to $35 dollars only charged to boaters who don’t arrive at the inspection station Clean, Drained and Dry. All other fees will remain the same.

Working Each Day to Keep Tahoe Blue: Limnologist Katie Webb Explains the Threats Facing the Unique Ecology of Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of California’s greatest natural treasures. It is a beauty to behold, with forested mountains surrounding the deep blue shimmering surface. It is famous for many recreational activities- snowboarding, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and sunbathing. But the clear blue waters of Tahoe are in trouble. Invasive species, climate change, and sedimentation all threaten the unique ecosystems of the lake.

What to do in Lake Tahoe When There Isn't Much Snow? Enjoy a Day on the Lake!

With a lack of winter storms in Lake Tahoe and the usual snow that accompanies them, visitors are looking for things to enjoy during their visit.

The calm water and mild days have been perfect for fishing, whether its boat fishing on Lake Tahoe or ice fishing on the frozen lakes in the area.

I ran into a group of fisherman just ending their venture onto the lake with Tahoe Sport Fishing on Tuesday. The group of men were from Australia, South Africa, Los Angeles and Sacramento and by the looks of their smiles and their catch, they had a great time.

Windy Sunday and Slight Chance of Rain on Monday

From the US National Weather Service in Reno:

Tahoe Boat Inspections Move Back to Launch Ramps for Fall & Winter

On October 1, boat inspections will move to select launch ramps and winter hours will begin. Tahoe RCD (Resource Conservation District) inspectors will be stationed at Cave Rock and Lake Forest boat launches from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting. Boats with attached Lake Tahoe wire inspection seals and valid Tahoe inspection stickers will be permitted to launch during these times, but any unsealed boats are required to get an inspection during daylight hours.

Labor Day weekend fishing report for Northern California and Sierra

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in the Sierra, Northern California and Nevada. This report is for the week of Aug. 28 through Labor Day. Don't forget, California's second free day of fishing without a license will be Saturday, Sept. 7.

Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of August 1-6

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Aug. 1-6.

'Operation Dry Water' targets drinking and boating dangers this weekend around South Lake Tahoe

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department Marine Units will be actively involved in California law enforcement officers Operation Dry Water over this weekend, June 28 through 30.

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