As Pacific weather patterns press pause on winter, I find myself reflecting on the past year at Lake Tahoe. Protecting and restoring this incredible place takes persistence and thoughtful work by many, and while progress has been building for decades, 2025 has been a remarkable year.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board started off the year with updates to the Homewood Mountain Resort master plan and gondola project that included a requirement for the privately owned resort to remain open to the public. The work of our team at TRPA and the West Shore community was critical to the approval of this legacy project. In addition to master plan improvements, a 250-acre forest health project by the resort to reduce wildfire risk is already underway.
Also in early 2025, the agency acted to strengthen Lake Tahoe’s protection from aquatic invasive species, specifically the golden mussel recently discovered just a few hours away in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The TRPA Governing Board in March preemptively approved mandatory decontaminations as a new protocol for the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program. During the season, watercraft inspectors decontaminated more than 4,700 boats, while roving inspectors recorded close to 17,000 interactions at popular beaches and paddler spots to drive home the critical message to Clean, Drain, and Dry.
The Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) shined more than ever this year. One of the most successful conservation programs in the nation saw a record investment of $250 million in nearly 40 environmental restoration, forest health, and transportation improvement projects. The multi-sector partnership, collectively called “Team Tahoe,” moved the needle to benefit the basin. Water quality projects like the Upper Truckee Marsh South Restoration Project and Marlette Creek Restoration on the East Shore are helping the basin achieve targets to restore lake clarity.
With a very big year for forest resilience projects, EIP partners on the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team will likely exceed 100,000 acres of forest treatments since the launch of the EIP in 1997. As the basin focuses more of this work along evacuation routes to improve emergency preparedness, TRPA has provided support, including delivery of a nearly $2 million PROTECT grant to help emergency management agencies prepare communication and transportation systems for increased threats.
Modernization of Lake Tahoe’s transportation system sped up this year in tandem with TRPA’s approval in July of Connections 2050, the updated Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan. EIP transportation partners brought forward a new roundabout at the U.S. 50 and Pioneer Trail intersection in Meyers, and on the North Shore, extended bike paths and finished the replacement of the historic Fanny Bridge. The launch of the Emerald Bay shuttle and parking enforcement pilot project was so popular that this fall, TRPA added its continuation next year to a list of projects receiving $11.4 million in grant awards.
A scientific review of TRPA policies and programs released in June showed clearly how the EIP is driving progress on our goals. Published every four years, the environmental report showed that 90 percent of Lake Tahoe’s environmental threshold standards are stable or improving, including attainment of the wetland restoration target set more than 40 years ago. Chief among the 100-plus environmental standards, Lake Tahoe’s clarity continues to show long-term stability, but is not improving. A peer review of the report by the Tahoe Science Advisory Council underscored the need for additional research on the drivers of the lake’s world-famous clarity.
While environmental projects are gaining momentum, challenges around housing abound. In addition to the opening of Lake Tahoe Community College’s new student housing facility, the Sugar Pine Village project in South Lake Tahoe completed construction of 60 affordable housing units in addition to the 68 units that opened in 2024. TRPA policy changes have resulted in 65 accessory dwelling units being approved since 2021. Through the Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project, TRPA is engaging the community in new and meaningful ways. Affordable housing policies under review next year are designed to benefit Lake Tahoe’s environment and communities equally.
The slow start of winter may be one more test of our resilience. Nature has a way of making us feel powerless at times, but the progress around Lake Tahoe this year shows that we can all make a positive impact. Here’s to continued progress in the year ahead for Lake Tahoe and our communities. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season!
By Hayley Williamson
Hayley Williamson is Chair of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board and a Tahoe resident.