Comment period open for USFS-Zephyr Cove Resort proposed changes

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - It was a packed house at Whittell High School Wednesday for the U.S. Forest Service and Zephyr Cove Resort open house. Aramark Destinations has been operating under a special use permit at Zephyr Cove Resort since 2001. Last year, the Forest Service went out to the public during its normal concessionaire process, and Aramark was chosen to receive the new 20-year permit. After the 4th of July influx of trash and people at the adjacent Zephyr Shoals, the Forest Service worked that area into the new special use permit as well.

In 1972, Wall Street tycoon Jack Dreyfus bought the 47-acre lakefront portion north of Zephyr Cove where he had an 11,0000-square-foot home. In 1995 he sold the spot to the Olympic Group for $28 million. That group worked out a land swap deal with the government that gave them the estate which would be managed by USFS in exchange for 1,800 acres of land in Las Vegas. It was a messy deal though, with Park Cattle Company buying the mansion but not the land from Olympic for what was reported to be an event space. The Forest Service has had the rights to the land and mansion since 2001, but no infrastructure changes have happened in the area except for the demolition of the home.

In recent years, this area, the Dreyfus acreage, and surrounding 31 acres is now known as Zephyr Shoals and it has gained national attention due to the large number of partiers and beachgoers who go to the area, leaving behind large amounts of trash. Without the Zephyr Cove Resort having rights to the beach, and limited numbers of U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) law enforcement to manage it, the problem has been festering.

"Status quo has room for improvement," LTBMU Public Services Staff Officer Daniel Cressy told the crowd at Whittell. He said it needs more attention than they've been able to provide.

When the Forest Service put out the request for proposals for the new permit, it listed its objectives and vision for the area, and solutions for their concepts were received. Aramark Destinations' plans were chosen and they were awarded the 20-year permit and the meeting Wednesday unveiled plans. The public has until the close of business on April 19 to submit comments (the forms and Wednesday's presentation can be found HERE).

Once feedback is received, and environmental evaluation is done, there will be more community outreach. Once all is done, the green light will be given to Aramark to get the work started.

Proposed conceptual changes for both the Zephyr Shoals area and the current Zephyr Cove Resort:

Zephyr Shoals: Expanded Day Use Parking and Zephyr Shoals Access Road
Increase parking inside the resort from 290 spaces to 440 spots
Improved the entrance to the resort from the new Warrior Way stoplight

Zephyr Shoals: Interpretive Trail System
The addition of three interpretive trails for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Upper Granite: 1/2 mile long
- North Zephyr: 1/4 mile long
- Blue Lakeside: 3/4 mile long

Zephyr Shoals: Event Pavilion and Picnic Area
The additions of a covered event pavilion and picnic area

Zephyr Shoals: Camp Store and Picnic Area Support Facility
Currently in this area is a Caretaker cottage, six-car garage, and workshop on the space of the old Dreyfus Estate.
New facility to include a camp store, catering kitchen, restroom, and event suite.

Zephyr Cove: Outdoor Recreation/Children's Natural Play Area
The current amenities include 4 Beach Volleyball Courts, 40 40-table Picnic Area, and a 1/2-mile hiking trail.
Replace the Sunset Bar restaurant, add a Children’s Natural Play Area, a New Restroom, Volleyball Courts, Accessible Cart/Bike Path, Beach and marina access, and pedestrian and bike paths.

Zephyr Shoals: Walk-in Camping and Glamping
Currently in the area are informal trails, a creek with riparian vegetation, rock and beach shoreline, and the Old Lincoln Highway. Proposed are 20-30 Walk-in Campsites and 20 Glamping Campsites at Zephyr Shoals.

Also being proposed that wasn't covered at any of the stations was the possible extension of the pier at Zephyr Cove to add a safe place to anchor and operate for the Tahoe Douglas Fire boat and the one operated by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. LTBMU expects an official proposal on that before the end of the year.

"We are thrilled to add the Zephyr Shoals area to our operations and management," said Kevin Schiesz, district manager for Tahoe, Aramark Destinations. "We take our responsibility seriously."

There were concerns stated passionately by some in the audience on Wednesday. Some believe there is already enough tourism and that they don't want any changes. Residents in nearby Skyland voiced concerns that the open space they'd used for dog walking to now being used by campers, and that camping also brings the threat of fires. One woman also said the homeowners association in Skyland was told the beach at Dreyfus was supposed to belong to them.

LTBMU officials told those gathered that this new partnership allows them to bring in resources to better manage the area with new tools, and new thinking.

"The future needs to be better than the past," added Cressy.