Tahoe Fund Presents $10,000 Check for Nevada’s Highest Priority Restoration Project

The environmental non-profit Tahoe Fund presented a $10,000 check today to the Nevada interagency team responsible for implementing thestate’s highest priority Lake Tahoe restoration project, the Third Creek and Incline Creek watershed project. The grant finances a pedestrian bridge over Incline Creek to provide a recreational amenity in the heart of Incline Village and support the Environmental Improvement Program to improve lake clarity and recreational opportunities in the Tahoe Basin.

The Third and Incline Creeks watershed discharges more damaging fine sediment into the lake than any other watershed in Nevada. The funding was contributed by private donors at the Tahoe Fund annual FoundersCircle Summer Dinner in August, and helps with a project that will significantly reduce sediment and improve fish passage.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors we are able to help fund important projects like this that will truly make a difference in terms of lake clarity,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “This bridge is a wonderful example of how we can come together to create a Tahoethat balances our natural environment and our recreational use of this amazing outdoor playground.”

“The Division of State Lands and the Tahoe Resource Team are very grateful for this donation from the Tahoe Fund,” said Jim Lawrence, Administrator, Nevada Division of State Lands. “It is wonderful to have private support in our efforts to improve the Tahoe environment.”

The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Nevada Division of State Lands completed the first two phases of this collaborative interagency project in 2009 and 2010. Portions of Third Creek were restored, culverts were replaced, and new bridges were built. The final phase includes stream restoration improvements on Third Creek from Lakeshore Drive to Lake Tahoe, and on Third and Incline Creeks from Incline Way to State Route 28. To allow for safe, stabilized foot traffic across both creeks and diminish stream bank erosion, pedestrian bridges like the one funded by Tahoe Fund have been included in the project design.

Donations of any amount are welcome by the Tahoe Fund. Founders Circle membership is open to supporterspledging $5,000 or more by the end of this year when the Founders Circle campaign concludes. Information is available at info@tahoefund.org, or by calling 775.298.0035.

About the Tahoe Fund
The mission of Tahoe Fund is to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin by building broadsupport and funding for projects and programs that increase the enjoyment of the region for current and future generations. The Fund focuses grants on the core areas of conservation, recreation and education/stewardship.