TRPA

Importance of understanding dangers of cold water shock

With recent water tragedies in Lake Tahoe we are republishing this 2016 article.

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

TRPA, Keep Tahoe Blue and area schools log big miles during Tahoe Bike Challenge

Staff with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the League to Save Lake Tahoe (Keep Tahoe Blue) took the top prizes in the 2017 Tahoe Bike Challenge, while hundreds of Tahoe youth rode in increasingly large bike-to-school events.

Each year, for the first two weeks of June, hundreds of Tahoe residents and visitors participate in the Tahoe Bike Challenge. In teams or as individuals, participants join a friendly competition to see who can replace the most car trips with trips by bicycle.

Fences going into water along Lake Tahoe shoreline removed

LAKE TAHOE, Nevada - With the water level rising in Lake Tahoe, new issues have surfaced with the placement of fences at three parcels on the Nevada side that have extended into the lake. During recent drought years, the fences didn't touch water.

One fence was located at the new Tahoe Beach Club in Stateline, another at a private home just north of Cave Rock, and the third at a home in the Elks Point Country Club in Zephyr Cove.

Students learn bike safety and skills at South Lake Tahoe Middle School

Local bicycling advocates spent Friday at South Tahoe Middle School, teaching students about bike safety, bike skills and how to do repairs on bikes.

As part of the 12th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the Lake Tahoe Bike Coalition and the Community Mobility Group put the students through a series of stations learning how to fit helmets correctly, how to do hand signals, a skills rodeo, the parts of a bike and how to fix a flat and do other repairs and an obstacle course.

Tahoe in Depth released: Issue marks 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has published the summer 2017 edition of Tahoe In Depth, a special issue on “Remembering Angora” to mark the 10-year anniversary of the wildfire this June.

The Angora Fire is the most destructive wildfire in memory at Lake Tahoe. Sparked on June 24, 2007 by an illegal and abandoned campfire, the fire quickly burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes and structures.

"Don't take our lanes away" common theme at crowded NDOT meeting

A preliminary step in what will be a multi-year Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) process took place at Zephyr Cove Elementary School Wednesday evening. About double the expected maximum of 120 people crowded the school's multi-purpose room to view and listen to the agency's plans for the stretch of Highway 50 from Stateline to Spooner Summit in Lake Tahoe which is officially called the US50 Lake Tahoe Corridor Safety Improvement.

Quagga mussels found on boat during inspection near Lake Tahoe

The watercraft inspection spots around Lake Tahoe once again proved their valuable service when a boat at the Alpine Meadows station was found to have quagga mussels on board May 14.

The boat was quarantined for several days and Tahoe Resource Conservation District staff performed multiple decontaminations to ensure all invasive species were removed before the boat was released to the owner.

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board voted to increase prevention methods by requiring motorists towing boats to remove drain plugs from their watercraft after leaving the lake.

240 building allocations released by TRPA to Lake Tahoe jurisdictions

In a unanimous decision during their May 24 meeting, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board voted to release 240 housing allocations to jurisdictions in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

After concern was raised during their April 26 meeting, the TRPA Governing Board's Local Government Committee met on May 11 to address the use of residential

Changing climate impacted Lake Tahoe's clarity again in 2016

Clarity levels at Lake Tahoe in 2016 increased in winter and decreased in summer in 2016 according to a report released on May 17 by researchers from University of California, Davis.

They said the summer values were due to the continuing effects of climate change and were so large that they outweighed the improving winter clarity which were at their highest since 2012.

Wildfire Awareness Month: Remembering Angora

This June is wildfire awareness month at Lake Tahoe. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Angora Fire, the most destructive wildland fire in memory at Tahoe.

An illegal and abandoned campfire started the Angora Fire on June 24, 2007. The fire quickly spread toward Meyers, stoked by strong winds and forests overgrown with hazardous fuels. In a few days, the fire burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes.

44 homes to be built at Sierra Colina community at Stateline

It's been a decade in the planning, with a long permitting and environmental process broken up by a lawsuit, but Sierra Colina is finally on the last lap of becoming a new housing project on the South Shore.

The 18-acre parcel in-between Lake Village and Sushi Pier will have 44 single-family homes and side-by-side townhouses ranging in sizes from just under 2,200 sq. ft. to 2,900 sq ft. They will be three- and four-bedroom homes to meet the different needs of the buyer according to Brian Helm, of Paradigm8 Partners, the developers of the project.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Teamwork, roads and VHRs

This past city council meeting all 5 council members agreed to have staff present us a ballot measure that would increase the city sales tax by 1/2%. This came after a survey was completed and results were presented by the outside independent company contracted by the city. The results indicated that almost 68% of the survey respondents supported the increase as long as the funds would be dedicated by law to roads.

Grading season begins in Lake Tahoe, but only if soil is ready

The annual grading season of May 1 to October 15 begins today in the Lake Tahoe Basin and those who will be disturbing soil need to remember some rules after this wet winter.

No grading can take place during times of precipitation, and if the project site is still covered in snow, saturated or muddy, all grading and soil disturbing activities must be suspended.

2017 Regional Transportation Plan approved

Stateline, Nevada – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board on Wednesday unanimously approved the 2017 Regional Transportation Plan, Linking Tahoe. The long-term transportation plan is reviewed and updated every four years as a blueprint to prioritize investments to improve Lake Tahoe’s transportation system over the next 20-plus years.

Winners of TRPA Lake Spirit Awards announced

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) honored four people with Lake Spirit Awards Wednesday who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting Lake Tahoe and fostering a spirit of collaboration in their work and volunteer time.

This year’s award winners do everything from helping protect Lake Tahoe communities from wildfire and aquatic invasive species to promoting alternative transportation and sustainable lifestyles.

Public comment encouraged on US 50 Revitalization Project

For the next 75 days the public is encouraged to comment on environmental documents concerning the US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the Loop Road.

Jointly, the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), Federal Highway Administration, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency released the Environment Impact Statement (NEPA), Environmental Impact Report (CEQA), and Environmental Impact Statement (TRPA). All of these detailed reports are available on line here: tahoetransportation.org/us50.

Help protect Lake Tahoe’s environment

As we celebrate Earth Day this April, let’s remember how important environmental stewardship is to the health of Lake Tahoe, and how important our individual actions are.

Over the last two decades, public, private, and nonprofit partners have made significant progress conserving and restoring Lake Tahoe’s environment through the Environmental Improvement Program.

New details about US 50 Revitalization Project to be unveiled Monday

Several hundred new affordable housing options will be created if the US 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project goes in at South Lake Tahoe. Where they may be, and the release of environmental analysis documents will be announced during the next Tahoe Transportation District's (TTD) meeting on the plan Monday, April 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel.

Establishment of renewable energy and carbon emission goals on SLT Council agenda

The South Lake Tahoe City Council will vote Tuesday on adopting a resolution to use 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2030.

"This could be a historic moment for the community, as we would join a growing movement of communities taking control of their energy future to tackle climate change," said Devin Middlebrook, TRPA Sustainability Program Coordinator. "We expect a big crowd of supporters wearing white shirts and 100 percent stickers in solidarity."

Public invited to Electric Vehicle Summit in Lake Tahoe

The public is invited to an Electric Vehicle Summit sponsored by Liberty Utilities at the North Lake Tahoe Events Center on Monday, April 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The summit will include displays of two Tesla vehicles, a Proterra 40-foot electric bus and a ChargePoint EV charging station.

The summit agenda:
8:30 a.m.: check-in
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Presentations
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Interaction w/vendors and test drives

Small group gathers to discuss Meyers and South Lake Tahoe traffic issues

Representatives from several agencies met with the public Thursday night at El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel's second community meeting to discuss traffic issues and the "invasion of neighborhoods" by non-local drivers.

Can South Lake Tahoe use 100% renewable energy by 2030?

There are now 27 cities in the United States committed to operating with 100 percent renewable energy, will South Lake Tahoe be #28?

Cities already on board include both large an small communities. Some of those are Madison, Wis.; San Diego, Calif.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Pueblo, Aspen and Boulder, Colo.; and Moab, Utah. Efforts are currently underway for Truckee to join that group. Even Las Vegas operates their municipal buildings and facilities with 100 percent renewable energy.

Noise, fees, roads and budget on SLT City Council meeting agenda

A possible change in the way the City of South Lake Tahoe addresses noise at the airport will be discussed during the City Council's April 4 meeting. The City's current noise monitoring program is strictly voluntary since South Lake Tahoe is not considered a "noise problem airport."

Since 1992, SLT has collected data and reported it to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) per a 20-year agreement that expired on September 30, 2012.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Loop Road, housing and bike trails

With the warm spell of late, at lake level it looks like the big snow storms never happened. However, go up above 8,000 feet and you see a much different picture. Atop Heavenly’s Dipper Chair there is an information shack that is between 8-10 feet high. Next to it is 10 foot high signage indicating where the runs are. As of today, you can’t see either of these. Over 50 feet of snow fell up there and even with the melt and the settling, there is still a ton of white stuff. I expect our streams will be flowing into August and our mountains might stay white throughout the summer.

Creating transportation infrastructure key to getting locals, commuter and visitors out of cars

Lake Tahoe must improve its internal transportation systems before they can expect visitors to the region to get out of their cars and use different, and better, ways of getting around. That was the message during last week's Tahoe Talks presentation by Lake Tahoe transportation partners, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and El Dorado County.

Guest Columnist: Working together to improve Tahoe’s transportation system

As a national treasure offering world-class recreation opportunities, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Northern California and Nevada. And sometimes, being popular has its challenges.

Tahoe’s limited roadways become congested during times of peak visitation, when thousands of people who live in nearby metropolitan areas get in their cars to drive up to our small mountain communities. Suddenly, a road system designed for 55,000 residents must handle four to five times that many cars on an average busy day.

Special SLT City Council meeting Tuesday on purchase of Knight's Inn

What is officially known as the Bijou Park Creek Watershed Restoration Project, or unofficially the Knight's Inn Project, will be brought before the South Lake Tahoe City Council to be approved during a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14 at 4:00 p.m.

The three phase, 850-acre project will be both an environmental and economic development project, something the City has been working on for several years.

Join next Tahoe Chamber workshop: Tips to doing business with the City

Event Date: 
March 15, 2017 - 12:00pm

Achieve a smooth and effective business relationship with the City of South Lake Tahoe during the next workshop of the Tahoe Chamber Level Up Series: Doing Business With the City. Learn requirements for planning, developing and permits needed to build or grow a business on the South Shore on Wednesday, March 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Mountain Lab.

Best in Base Award nominations accepted through March 31

Stateline, Nevada – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is accepting nominations for its annual Best in Basin awards program through Friday, March 31.

TRPA created the awards program to recognize projects that demonstrate exceptional planning and design and compatibility with Lake Tahoe’s environment and communities.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass on roads, traffic and trails

The following is Mayor Austin Sass's monthly letter to the community:

Draft 2017 Regional Transportation Plan released

Stateline, Nevada – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Wednesday released its Draft 2017 Regional Transportation Plan. TRPA updates the long-term plan every four years as a blueprint to prioritize and guide investments that will improve Lake Tahoe’s transportation system over the next 20-plus years.

University of Nevada to hold radon awareness event at TRPA

Event Date: 
March 2, 2017 - 6:00pm

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program is offering free radon test kits and an educational presentation about radon on Thursday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) offices.

Free radon test kits will be available for Nevada residents and test kits can be purchased at low-cost for out-of-state residents.

Guest Columnist: Time to ramp up invasive species control projects at Lake Tahoe

Over the last two decades, the Lake Tahoe Region has become a national leader in fighting the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) that threaten to harm its world-renowned environment and the $5 billion recreation-based economy it supports.

The Lake Tahoe Region is working with other partners throughout the American West to better safeguard waterbodies and improve national invasive species policies. We are also working with the boating industry to help manufacturers design watercraft that are less likely to carry AIS and are easier to inspect and decontaminate.

TRPA accepting Lake Spirit Award nominations

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is looking for nominees for the 2017 Lake Spirit Award, a recognition of people who exhibit a special dedication to conserving Lake Tahoe.

From installing erosion control measures to minimizing car trips, everyone can help Lake Tahoe and those that are committed to the a spirit of cooperation and protecting the lake are eligible.

TRPA approves Tahoe Basin Area Plan, Lodge Project

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday unanimously approved Placer County’s Tahoe Basin Area Plan and the Tahoe City Lodge Project.

“This is the fourth area plan approved at Lake Tahoe and an important milestone for implementing the 2012 Regional Plan,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, executive director of TRPA. “With this plan, we can take significant steps to improve the environment and strengthen communities on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.”

Guest Columnist: Let’s keep Tahoe’s progress going

Twenty-five years ago, I finished my graduate work in Oregon and moved to Northern Nevada for a planning position at TRPA. Having spent a large part of my youth hiking and camping at Tahoe and in the Sierra, the move felt like coming home.

Douglas County School Board turns down $100k request from buyer of KMS

During their meeting Tuesday, the Douglas County School District Board of Trustees turned down a request by the buyer of Kingsbury Middle School (KMS) for almost $100,000 to be spent on a environmental impact study of the planned development of the South Shore property.

Tahoe Talks: How technology can improve transportation in Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
January 18, 2017 - 12:00pm

Find out how technology can be used to improve the Lake Tahoe transportation system at the next Tahoe Talks on Wednesday, January 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Community College's Creekside Room.

Traffic, parking, biking, and commuting are all part of our daily lives and there are now apps to help with everything from smart parking to interactive bike websites to make life easier. New technology is out there to held your daily travel routine.

Join a panel of three experts as they walk through new apps and technology that is being used at Lake Tahoe.

Opinoin: Passage of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act caps year of progress

Four years ago this month, TRPA approved the 2012 Regional Plan. The landmark plan charts a course to restore Lake Tahoe’s environment and revitalize our communities and it was forged through Herculean work by California, Nevada, local governments, the public, and dozens of other partners.

Many Tahoe Basin stakeholders once questioned if we could work together, but the Regional Plan ushered in an era of collaboration. Today, the answer is how can we work together more efficiently. By building and strengthening partnerships we have made remarkable progress. This year was no different.

Late night vote in Washington brings $415 million to Lake Tahoe

Late Friday night, the U.S. House of Representatives joined the U.S. Senate in passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, which will bring $415 million in future funding to Lake Tahoe over the next seven years. The decision brought cheers from many local agencies, including the League to Save lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Placer County looks to developing Kings Beach and Tahoe City

Just after 7 a.m. on a recent Sunday, bumper-to-bumper traffic lined North Lake Boulevard in Kings Beach, a regular weekend sight in the community of about 4,000 people on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. While snow attracted the visitors on this weekend, just as many people show up in the summer to enjoy beaches and trails.

Approval of two major projects in recent months has heightened concerns about growth on the north shore, and it’s against this backdrop that Placer County supervisors will consider this week how development should occur in their corner of the Tahoe Basin.

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.

Opinion: Funding Tahoe’s transportation system

By now, most people have heard: Federal courts upheld the 2012 Regional Plan for Lake Tahoe, affirming the blueprint that maintains development caps and strengthens environmental protections while encouraging community revitalization, redevelopment, and updated infrastructure.

Capturing the most attention these days is the traffic in our small communities from millions of people who drive up to enjoy our lake. And the transportation system is where TRPA is giving more focused attention to benefit Tahoe’s environment, economy, and quality of life.

Tahoe conservationists challenge Martis Valley West project in court

Legal action against the approved Martis Valley West project was taken in court Thursday as three groups, Sierra Watch, Mountain Area Preservation and the League to Save Lake Tahoe, joined forces to stop the controversial development proposal they feel threatens Lake Tahoe's clarity.

SLT City Council candidate Tamara Wallace

All candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.

Tamara Wallace, 46, Retired Businesswoman/Chamber Exec

Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?

SLT City Council candidate Jason Collin

All candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.

Jason Collin, 43, Administrative Director of Post-Acute Services & Owner/Race Director for Epic Tahoe Adventures, 8 years living in Tahoe.

Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?

SLT City Council candidate Ted Long

All candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.

Ted Long, 77, attorney and lecturer, 21 years full time skiing here since 1965.

Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations

Loop Road public meeting poorly attended; Proposed debate at event nixed

In an effort to clear up misinformation about the proposed US50 Community
Revitalization/Loop Road Project, the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (TahoeChamber) hosted a public meeting Thursday evening at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. With the amount of negative public comments and voiced skepticism during past meetings, Measure T, and in social media, a larger group was expected than the 35 people who attended (and many of those were Tahoe Transportation and Tahoe Chamber staff).

Local agencies applaud court's decision to uphold 2012 Tahoe Regional Plan

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals today issued a ruling to uphold the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan created by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). After approval of the plan in December 2012, a lawsuit was filed by the Tahoe Area Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore to block implementation of the plan in February 2013.

Letter: SLT City Councilman Tom Davis urges yes votes on Measures P, U & R

As a sitting Council Member and Board Member of Lodging Association, I urge voters to vote Yes on Measure P – “P” for Play and Recreation. This would increase hotel taxes by 2% throughout the City. The Lodging Association is supporting this measure because Recreation is our economy; investing in our economy will encourage more visitors and visitors to stay longer, which in turn supports the rest of our local economy.

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