Conservancy approves $500K to spend on Alta Mira project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) board voted Thursday to spend $500,000 to start planning for improved beach access, stormwater improvement, and shoreline stabilization along part of the South Lake Tahoe shoreline that once housed the Alta Mira Building.

Staff will start comprehensive planning to consider new beach access points and recreation amenities, such as Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pathways, gathering areas, seating, and improved lakefront views, while improving the quality of stormwater and stabilizing sections of eroding shoreline at the south shore of Lake Tahoe on and around the CTC Alta Mira property.

The board recognized public access opportunities on the south shore of Lake Tahoe are limited, and peak summertime use places substantial pressure on existing recreation facilities.

In granting the funding CTC said additional improved lake access on the south shore is critical to the connection all communities to the outstanding beaches and experiences that Lake Tahoe offers. The recommended action supports planning activities, which includes a comprehensive approach to public access and water quality enhancements at the eastern end of El Dorado Beach near Fremont Avenue, and at Connelley Beach in the vicinity of Takela Drive.

The project area is located at El Dorado and Connelly Beaches in the City of South Lake Tahoe, California, approximately one-third of a mile east of Lakeview Commons. The Project area encompasses three Conservancy owned parcels, one California State Lands Commission-owned parcel, two City-owned parcels, one El Dorado County-owned parcel, California Department of Transportation right of way, and private parcels.

The CTC invested almost $7,000,000 in the City’s Lakeview Commons Project Phase 1 and 2 planning and Phase 1 construction. Were Lakeview Commons Phase 2 constructed, it would extend improvements eastward toward the Project area. The City recently completed the El Dorado to Ski Run Bike Trail, which provides a multi-modal trail connection along U.S. Highway 50, extending through Lakeview Commons and the Project area to Ski Run Boulevard.

In 2018, high lake levels coupled with extreme wind events significantly eroded the
shoreline. The Conservancy removed approximately twenty hazard trees and installed
temporary measures to protect the bluff and keep the public out of unsafe areas. CTC and Department of General Services (DGS) are implementing a slope stabilization project in 2019, which includes additional tree removal, site grading, and rock installation to reduce immediate slope instability. Recent slope failures and construction of the stabilization project are substantially changing site topography and access considerations.

The proposed new concept plan for improvements after 2019 will contemplate additional treatments such as boulders, retaining walls, and vegetation for long term protection and aesthetic and recreation enhancement. The Conservancy will evaluate other publically owned properties in the vicinity for potential new beach access points and recreation amenities, such as Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pathways, gathering areas, seating, and improved lakefront views. Staff will also work closely with the City to consider options for regional stormwater improvements. Lastly, CTC and partners would then complete an environmental review to prepare for implementation.