TRPA launches process to enhance and protect shores of Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and its partners have started work on the Shoreline Plan, a collaborative planning process to enhance recreation and protect Lake Tahoe’s 72 miles of shoreline.

The aim is to strike a balance between recreational access, the many uses along Tahoe’s shores, and environmental protection. An inclusive, open public process will bring in as many voices and viewpoints as possible to represent a wide range of stakeholders in developing new policy and code over the next two years.

“We all love Lake Tahoe and we have to balance how we enjoy the lake with making sure it is preserved for future generations to enjoy,” said Joanne S. Marchetta, executive director of TRPA. “The shoreline is where most people access and enjoy the lake so this is an important area to focus on.”

Key policy areas the Shoreline Plan will address include public access, recreation, marinas and boating, low lake levels from drought and climate change, environmental impacts, lakefront property issues, and simplified permit approval processes where possible. Because Lake Tahoe has a mixture of public and private ownership and is world-renowned for its water clarity and natural beauty, agreed upon standards for shoreline structures such as piers, buoys, and boat ramps have historically been challenging to attain.

“After nearly 30 years, we are eager to complete a lasting Shoreline Plan,” said Jan Brisco, executive director of the Tahoe Lakefront Owners’ Association. “Every lakefront property owner cares deeply about Lake Tahoe and it is imperative that we achieve a balanced approach, one that will provide recreational enjoyment along with shorezone stewardship for generations to come.”

TRPA is contracting with the nationally-recognized Consensus Building Institute to help facilitate and mediate the shoreline planning process. To bring in the widest possible range of stakeholder perspectives, scientific information, and community opinions, the shoreline planning process will include a Shoreline Steering Committee, Joint Fact Finding Committee, and Stakeholder Advisory Forum.

“It’s great to have all the stakeholders involved to tackle a complex set of challenges for Lake Tahoe,” said Darcie Goodman Collins, executive director of the League to Save Lake Tahoe. “We’re encouraged by the start of this process, and are hopeful that the lake will benefit from the environmental protections that should come from this plan.”

To learn more about the Shoreline Plan process or to get involved by attending a Stakeholder Advisory Forum, please visit www.shorelineplan.org and sign up to be notified of meetings and find information about upcoming events, including public presentations happening around the lake this summer.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Tom Lotshaw, Public Information Officer, at 775-589-5278.