Destination Stewardship Plan increases pace

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council is accelerating the vision and actions outlined in the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan to improve the way people, communities, and the environment benefit from a thriving tourism and outdoor recreation economy. The council has announced the hiring of its first Managing Director, Nettie Pardue, and the formation of “action teams” aligned with the plan’s strategic pillars. Pardue is tasked with convening over 30 partners from across the region to implement the plan’s priorities.

A Meyers, Calif. resident, Pardue brings local knowledge and a vested interest in Tahoe to the managing director role. With an extensive background as a nonprofit executive, most recently for Outward Bound California, Pardue has worked in outdoor recreation for over 25 years and is a skilled facilitator and team leader. She has developed international programs in seven countries, showing her deep understanding of collaboration to protect natural resources.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with such engaged partners and give back in such a meaningful way to the community and region I love so much,” Pardue said. “As a parent to the next generation of Tahoe residents, I have a strong connection to what matters to our community, including taking care of our natural resources, providing current and future economic opportunities, and improving the Tahoe experience for locals and visitors.”

The Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council was established in June 2023 to actively engage with stakeholders, residents, and visitors in fostering a collective sense of responsibility toward Lake Tahoe’s sustainability. Under Pardue’s leadership, the council will continuously review and adapt the plan to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

Pardue’s immediate priorities are to support ongoing work to better manage outdoor recreation and tourism and to take the plan from ideas to action. She will create metrics that can be used to demonstrate the impact of the council’s work for the community, and form “action teams” made up of staff from partner organizations to advance the plan’s priorities. This work has already commenced, with over 30 partners joining action teams and selecting team leads.

Action teams align with the strategic pillars of the plan:

Improving the Tahoe experience for all
Recreation Infrastructure Action Team: Help manage peak demand through resource management, improved infrastructure, and enforcement while continuing to create ways for all to enjoy and connect with the region. Team co-chairs are Chris Mertens (Tahoe Conservancy) and Kevin Fromherz (Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources).

Peak Demand Action Team: Develop and embrace an adaptive, time-sensitive strategy to manage demand and peak volume periods. Team co-chairs are John Stark (City of South Lake Tahoe) and Brian Bigley (Vail Resorts).

Fostering a tourism economy that gives back
Economic Action Team: Co-chairs of this team are Heidi Hill Drum (Tahoe Prosperity Center) and Devin Middlebrook (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency).

Advancing a culture of caring for Tahoe
Stewardship Action Team: Chair is Noah Shapiro (Tahoe Fund).

Visit www.stewardshiptahoe.org to learn more about the plan.