SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The California Tahoe Conservancy has begun its annual seasonal dog closure at the Upper Truckee Marsh. From May 1 through July 31, dogs may not access the sensitive habitat at the Marsh to protect birds and other wildlife during their breeding season.
The Conservancy-owned Cove East property, west of the Upper Truckee River, remains open for year-round leashed dog access. Beginning August 1, leashed dogs may again enter the Upper Truckee Marsh.
Conservancy staff and California Highway Patrol officers monitor these areas for compliance.
The Conservancy owns and manages 600 acres at the Marsh, one of the largest remaining in the Sierra Nevada, for the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat and water quality.
Why a Seasonal Closure?
To date, compliance with the leash law has not been sufficient to maintain a non-degradation standard, according to the Conservancy. Off-leash dogs do not always stay on the beach or trail, and often run free in sensitive areas that endanger wildlife.
In July 2010, after nearly a decade of monitoring showing that compliance with leash laws had not been sufficient to meet management objectives, the Conservancy Board authorized the seasonal dog closure.Will the seasonal dog closure be ongoing?
The closure is seasonal from May 1 – July 31, which encompasses the critical wildlife breeding season. The Board may consider alternative management strategies in the future.
Is the Conservancy allowed to limit the use of public land?
Yes, the Conservancy manages this particular property for wildlife habitat enhancement, and use of the property must be consistent with this objective.
Do other Conservancy properties have seasonal dog closures?
No, of nearly 4,700 Conservancy-owned properties this is the only one currently subject to this type of closure.
Under what authority is the seasonal dog closure put into effect?
The Conservancy’s enabling legislation authorizes the agency to manage lands under its ownership. The Conservancy Board approved Resolution 10-07-06 in July 2010 implementing the seasonal dog closure. Dogs are managed pursuant to South Lake Tahoe City Code.
Where can I take my dog off-leash and to the water?
Bijou Dog Park
Regan Beach Dog Area
Kiva Beach
Is the seasonal dog closure related to future restoration?
The seasonal dog closure is put into effect under the Conservancy’s current management responsibilities and is not dependent upon the proposed restoration project.