News Release

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit released the Environmental Assessment and decision for the William Kent Best Management Practices (BMPs) Retrofit and Administrative Site Redevelopment project. The proposed project now enters a 45-day decision appeal period.

Proposed improvements in the campground would include replacing signs along Highway 89 and in the campground, installation of BMPs, restoration of the Stream Environment Zone, reconfiguration of the campground circulation pattern, relocation of the kiosk area and the recreational vehicle waste dump station and construction of accessible restroom facilities. Yurt and tent cabin sites would be constructed and the number of campsites would be reduced from 95 to 81. Existing fencing would be repaired and replaced and new privacy fencing installed in some locations.

A new fire station/administrative building less than 3,500 square feet would be constructed along with a 23-space parking area near the eastern boundary of the campground. Design of the building would be similar to the Spooner Fire Station on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. The existing Meeks Bay Fire Station would be removed and the area rehabilitated.

At the beach/day use area, bridges, footpaths and safety rails would be installed. The storm water pipe on the beach would be excavated and shortened. Stabilization of the resulting slope would include boulder placement, construction of retaining and structural walls, and planting of vegetation. An accessible path would be constructed from the parking area to the beach.

Approximately 400 to 800 trees throughout the 22 acre project area would be removed with an emphasis on retention of large mature trees.

Work on the campground portion of the project could begin as early as May of 2014. Work would occur in seasonal phases and could take up to six months. The campground is expected to be closed for construction during the 2014 summer season. Construction of the fire station/administrative building could take up to 18 months and work could occur year-round. Work on the building would not require closure of the campground.
For more information about the project, contact Ashley Sommer at (530) 543-2615, or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/WilliamKentRetrofit.