natural

Elizabeth Carmel appointing to TRPA Governing Board

Elizabeth Carmel, a former land use planner and advisor with extensive experience working in the Sierra, has joined the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board following her appointment by California Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles).

The seat is one of 14 voting positions on the environmental planning agency’s board - seven representing California and seven representing Nevada. One board seat, appointed by the President of the United States, is non-voting.

California, Nevada governors agree to preserve Lake Tahoe Compact, renew commitment from both states

The governors of California and Nevada have agreed to renew a bi-state partnership to preserve, protect and enhance Lake Tahoe through the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Compact.

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Calif. Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced Tuesday an agreement that renews the partnership, which has been under threat of repeal.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center hosts Native Species Festival

Event Date: 
June 9, 2013 - 10:00am

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will host the third annual Native Species Festival on Sunday, June 9, 2013. Residents and visitors are invited to attend this free family event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, located three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89.

Lake Tahoe Roadside Boat Inspection Stations Open for Season

Roadside stations for Lake Tahoe boat inspections and watercraft decontamination are officially open at three locations — Meyers, Spooner Summit and Alpine Meadows — with stations at Northstar and Homewood to open May 23.

California Senate appoints Bill Yeates to TRPA Governing Board

William “Bill” Yeates, a California attorney with 34 years of experience in environmental law, has joined the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board following an appointment by the California Senate Rules Committee.

The seat is one of 14 voting positions on the Lake Tahoe environmental planning agency’s board - seven representing California and seven representing Nevada. One board seat, appointed by the President of the United States, is non-voting.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center hosts Lake Tahoe Bird Festival

Event Date: 
June 8, 2013 - 10:00am

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science will host the fourth annual Lake Tahoe Bird Festival on Saturday, June 8.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend this free family event from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, located three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89.

Lake Tahoe planning agency moves river restoration project forward, releases building allocations

Restoring the Upper Truckee River and the 2013 home building season allocations both received the green light Wednesday from the Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Lake Tahoe a finalist for $30k Bell Bike Helmet grant

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service and the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association have been working together for a couple of years to improve mountain bike trails all while protecting the natural resources of our local forests. Lake Tahoe is a special place, loved and used by millions of visitors each year from around the world. The local forest service has been at the forefront of working collaboratively with user groups and the public to ensure that protecting the environment of this special place, still allows for uses that are compatible and fun.

Public comment begins Saturday on proposed Meeks Creek Meadow restoration

Plans to restore around 300 acres of meadow, provide for wildlife habitat and re-establish natural fire breaks around the west shore of Lake Tahoe near Meeks Bay is up for public review.
A 30-day public comment begins Saturday, March 30 for the proposed Meeks Creek Meadow restoration project, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced.
Here is a news release:

TRPA director named Public Servant of the Year by North Lake Tahoe Association

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Executive Director, Joanne S. Marchetta, was named Public Servant of the Year earlier this week at the 59th annual Community Awards dinner hosted by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and Chamber of Commerce.

“I just carry the baton, I carry it for all of you,” she told the audience upon receiving the award to a standing ovation Wednesday night at the Ritz-Carlton, Northstar, California.

TRPA announces 2012 Best in the Basin Award winners

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on Thursday announced the 2012 Best in the Basin award winners and will recognize the recipients March 27 at the TRPA governing board meeting.

This is the 23rd year for the program that recognizes Lake Tahoe area projects for demonstrating exceptional planning, design, and compatibility with the Lake Tahoe environment. Local professionals in the fields of landscaping, planning, engineering, water quality, and resource management judged each category. A reception for all Best in Basin winners and judges will follow the awards ceremony.

Buy a Tahoe License Plate and Receive Two Free Lift Tickets

California and Nevada residents can take advantage of the 35 inches of new Tahoe snow with two free lift tickets through the popular “Plates for Powder” program offered through the Tahoe Fund. Purchase a new California or Nevada Tahoe license plate and you are eligible for two free Alpine or Nordic lift tickets. Tickets are available at 11 participating Tahoe resorts.

Senate takes up anti-bear-hunt bill

Just two years after the first legal black bear hunt in Nevada, a legislative hearing Thursday pitted passionate supporters and opponents of the hunts at fierce odds.The Senate Committee on Natural...

Tahoe Fund announces $1 million Founders Circle campaign goal

Dedicated to funding environmental improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund on Tuesday announced a million dollar fundraising goal for its Founders Circle campaign.

Energy nominee favors all-of the-above approach

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's choice to lead the Energy Department advocates an all-of-the-above approach to energy and favors natural gas as a "bridge fuel" to reduce emissions that ...

Drought prompts natural disaster declaration for Douglas, Carson

Douglas County is one of four Nevada jurisdictions designated a primary natural disaster area due to drought on Wednesday.Carson City, Esmeralda and White Pine counties were also listed as places s...

Nevada Land Bank able to buy and sell coverage in the Lake Tahoe Basin

The Nevada Land Bank currently has funds available to purchase land coverage in all five Hydrozones on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. There is also land coverage available for sale in the Incline Village, South Stateline and Agate Bay areas, as well as one Development Right available in Washoe County.

Spanish Ski with a Ranger offered at Heavenly Mountain Resort

Event Date: 
March 13, 2013 - 10:00am

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin and Heavenly Mountain Resort are offering Ski with a Ranger en Español. Spanish Ski with a Ranger brings awareness of environmental issues to the local and visiting Latino community.

Spanish Ski with a Ranger takes place on Wednesday, March 13, Wednesday, March 27 and Wednesday, April 10, weather permitting. Tours are offered twice a day at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

National Environmental Education Foundation awards grant to Tahoe Fund

The Tahoe Fund, an environmental non-profit raising funds for environmental improvement projects in the Tahoe Basin, today announced it has received an “Every Day Capacity Building Grant” from the National Environmental Education Foundation.

The grant program is made possible through the generous support of Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. This grant will provide resources to help the Tahoe Fund expand its online fundraising capacity and donor management capabilities. The Tahoe Fund was one of 29 grantees selected from a competitive pool of 160 applicants. The grant is for $5,000.

'Climate Myths' is required reading for skeptics and believers

Dr. John J. Berger has authored 11 books on climate, energy and natural resources. He has been distinguished as a professor, journalist and environmental industry leader. He now introduces, "Cli...

Sen. Harry Reid addresses 2013 Nevada Legislature (full text)

Nevada son and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid addressed a joint session of the Nevada State Legislature today in Carson City. Here is the text of his speech:

Lake Tahoe history focus of Nevada State Museum lecture

Event Date: 
February 28, 2013 - 6:30pm

From Mark Twain and Frank Sinatra to teamsters and tourism, the history of Lake Tahoe recorded in a new book by Michael J. Makley brings the region’s many dimensions to life. The noted local author is the featured speaker at the February Frances Humphrey lecture series from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, where he will explore the geology and natural history of Lake Tahoe and the people who shaped its history.

TRPA Column: Standing Up to Save Lake Tahoe

Following years of public process and serious discussions to improve one of the strictest environmental plans in the nation, the Sierra Club recently filed suit on the update of Lake Tahoe’s Regional Plan, a blueprint for the region’s long-term sustainability.

UC Davis scientists trace particulate air pollution to its source

Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have, for the first time, developed a system that can determine which types of air particles that pollute the atmosphere are the most prevalent and most toxic.

Previous research has shown that air pollution containing fine and ultrafine particles is associated with asthma, heart disease and premature death. This new study, released today by the California Air Resources Board and the Electric Power Research Institute, marks the first time that researchers have conducted source-oriented sampling of these particles in the atmosphere.

EarthJustice: Weakened Environmental Plan for Lake Tahoe Challenged in Court

Two Tahoe conservation groups, the Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday challenging new rules for Lake Tahoe that seriously reduce protections for the treasured mountain lake. The new Tahoe Regional Plan Update, approved in December by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), shifts authority over future development decisions to local jurisdictions. The plan also allows those towns and counties to adopt weakened pollution controls that do not meet the minimum environmental requirements established by TRPA.

TRPA: Pointless lawsuit a major step backward for Lake Tahoe

A lawsuit was filed in federal district court today against the first significant update to environmental protection standards at Lake Tahoe since 1987, a move that rolls back the clock nearly that far on efforts to restore the Lake’s fragile ecosystem, according to the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the defendant in the case.

Winter birds of the region discussed Tuesday at Lake Tahoe Environmental Center

Event Date: 
February 12, 2013 - 6:00pm

Migratory birds are commonly thought of as only summer visitors to the northern latitudes, but there are some migratory birds that can only be found in the Lake Tahoe area during winter.

There are also birds that have lost their way and end up in unexpected areas during the winter. Learn what visiting birds to look for in winter, where they came from, and why winter is a good time for them to be in the area, whether you are searching in the Tahoe Basin, Sierra Valley, or Carson Valley.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival arrives March 8 at South Shore Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
March 8, 2013 - 7:00pm

The silver screen meets glittering Lake Tahoe at the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour Friday, March 8 at the MontBleu Showroom, a benefit for the Sierra Nevada Alliance.

Presented by the Sierra Nevada Alliance, South Tahoe Earth Day Committee and Patagonia South Lake Tahoe, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival combines award winning environmental and adventure fi lms with the energy of local activism.

Featured films at the event will cover fun outdoor adventures, environmental battles and inspirational stories of people making a difference.

Kirkwood hosts Rahlves' Banzai Tour through weekend

Event Date: 
February 2, 2013 - 9:00am

Big mountain freeride action meets ski and boarder-cross strategy through Sunday in a mad-dash race for cash, as Kirkwood Mountain Resort hosts the first stop on the Rahlves’ Banzai Tour, presented by Bank of the West. Taking place at four Lake Tahoe resorts, it’s head–to-head action, four at a time, top to bottom, down a wide open course over natural terrain and snow conditions. This is the ultimate test of ski and riding skills.

Lake Tahoe Nordic Festival arrives Feb. 8-10

Event Date: 
February 8, 2013 (All day)

Alpenglow Sports has teamed up with Tahoe Cross Country to present the first-ever Lake Tahoe Nordic Festival Friday, February 8 through Sunday, February 10. All events are free, open to the public and take place at Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area in Tahoe City, California. A full schedule of events is available at www.tahoenordicfestival.com.

Ski with a Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort

Event Date: 
January 28, 2013 - 10:00am

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is putting on the Ski with a Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort Jan. 18-April 12.

Participants will learn about the mission and role of the Forest Service in ski area management, improve their understanding of natural resource issues, and learn about environmental stewardship.

Lake Tahoe to make bid for 2015-17 Winter X Games

The 2015-2017 X Games could take place at Lake Tahoe. ESPN, which owns the X Games franchise, announced qualified entities representing cities and Lake Tahoe was listed among the eligible destinations. Finalists will be determined by April 2013 and host cities will be announced by the end of 2013, according to a news release.

Education Roundup: Grant to help library selection grow

Reading is a religion for South Tahoe High School junior Kora Link. So it was only natural that she thank the South Tahoe Rotary Club for helping fund the school's library in person. The rotary ...

Bank of the West signs on as presenting sponsor of Rahlves’ Banzai Tour

The Rahlves’ Banzai Tour hosted this winter at several Lake Tahoe resorts has a new sponsor. Bank of the West has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the downhill ski and snowboard event created by Daron Rahlves, considered among the most decorated American downhill and Super G skier in U.S. history. The tour spans four weekends from Feb. 2 – March 10 at four of Lake Tahoe resorts.

Flushing Nemo: Report warns home aquarium species a potential threat to California waters

Well-intentioned children and aquarium hobbyists seeking to “free” their pet fish down a toilet bowl or into a local waterway may inadvertently be contributing to the threat of invasive species downstream, according to a new report from the University of California, Davis.

David Beck is Back On the Husky Express in Hope Valley

As soon as the snow started to fly in Hope Valley, David Beck had the feeling that the short-lived "retirement" lifestyle he had been tolerating was going to be over very soon if he could have his way. He had the feeling that all he needed was to recover a little bit from his new knee replacement, and soon he could be out again mushing behind a full set of huskies on the snowy trails of Hope Valley.

OBITUARY: Jeffery Scott Zinn

Jeffery Scott Zinn of South Lake Tahoe, California passed away Monday, December 31, 2012 of natural causes. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK on April 23, 1956 to John and Mary Zinn. He relocat...

Ski with a Ranger program offered through Forest Service and Heavenly

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit invites the public to Ski with a Ranger as part of interpretative tours at Heavenly Mountain Resort beginning Jan. 18 through April 12, weather permitting.

On the tour, participants will learn about the mission and role of the Forest Service in ski area management, improve their understanding of natural resource issues, and learn about environmental stewardship.

Homewood lawsuit remanded back to TRPA on one issue

On the question of whether the Homewood Mountain Ski Area Resort, a ski area on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, can be revitalized, the U.S. District Court validated all of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s environmental findings in the decision on the Sierra Club’s lawsuit challenging the project. The court remanded the case back to TRPA on one very limited issue concerning the adequacy of the economic analysis related to one of the alternatives studied, TRPA officials said.

NHP issues nearly 12,000 cell phone-related distracted driving traffic citations

Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol issued nearly 12,000 traffic citations to motorists observed talking, texting or reading non-voice communication while operating a motor vehicle on Nevada’s highways in 2012. Thirty of the offenders last year received their second citation for the same offense with 25 of those witnessed on their phone for a third time and cited once more.

Don Q's fishing report for week of Jan. 2-9

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Jan. 2-9:

OBITUARY: Allen Thomas LeFever

February 17, 1928 - December 19, 2012Allen Thomas LeFever, age 84, passed away at his home in Carson City, Nevada on December 19, 2012 of natural causes. Al was so inversed, and very talented, i...

Lake Tahoe agency helps families provide for a better Christmas

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency staff dug into their wallets and scoured shopping and grocery stores continuing the tradition of bringing a little cheer to local children and families in need over the holidays.

This year staff provided gifts of clothes and toys to 35 foster children ages 4 – 17 through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Agencies partner to launch Lake Tahoe environmental newspaper

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has partnered with federal, state and local agencies to launch "Tahoe in Depth" a new Lake Tahoe Basin environmental newspaper.

Mailed to every Lake Tahoe Basin property owner this week, the free publication is designed to keep Lake Tahoe homeowners, residents and visitors abreast of the wide variety of activities taking place to protect and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Tahoe license plate holders eligible to win free lift tickets

The environmental non-profit Tahoe Fund announced Thursday the launch of the Lake Tahoe License Plate ‘Plate Spotter’ program to reward owners of Lake Tahoe license plates with free lift tickets during the 2013 Winter season. Tahoe plates spotted by official “spotters” and the general public will be entered to win free lift tickets every week until March 20, 2013. The program is designed to raise awareness of Lake Tahoe license plates, and to reward and encourage renewals and new Tahoe license plate purchases.

TRPA office closed for holidays from Monday through Jan. 1

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has announced its holiday schedule of operations. The Stateline office will be closed from Monday, Dec. 24 through Tuesday, Jan. 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Lake Tahoe agency's front counter staff will be available to serve customers again beginning Wednesday, Jan. 2. TRPA’s front office is usually closed on Tuesday of each week.

The TRPA website, trpa.org, contains documents, frequently asked questions and other valuable information which can assist project applicants during the holiday office closure.

Lake Tahoe 2035 transportation plan targets emission reduction strategies

Along with the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan Update, Mobility 2035, which is the Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, was also approved by regional boards last week at Harveys Resort convention center in Stateline.

Passage of the Sustainable Communities Strategy makes Tahoe the fourth region in the state of California to approve a plan that complies with new greenhouse gas emissions legislation, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO).

Supervisors Offer Support for Naming Lake Tahoe Peak for Fallen Warriors

The Placer County Supervisors this week gave their support to efforts to name an unnamed peak in Eastern Placer County in honor of three Tahoe-area servicemen who were killed in action in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The peak, located in the Lake Tahoe Basin on United States Forest Service land in Placer County, will be called Gold Star Peak.

The three fallen men include two soldiers and one Marine:

PFC Phillip Brandon Williams, USMC, 21, died October 9, 2006 in Iraq;
Sergeant Timothy M. Smith, USA, 25, died April 7, 2008 in Iraq; and

Lake Tahoe Regional Plan Update approved

For the first time since 1987, Lake Tahoe has a new regional plan for development and land use.
Twelve of the 14 voting members of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's governing board voted in favor of the new plan, with one member voting against it and another abstaining, according to TRPA spokesman Jeff Cowan.

Business interests say the plan is an overdue overhaul of regulations that will jump-start Tahoe's tourism economy while also protecting its environment.

Sierra Nevada Alliance Community Holiday Party

Join the Sierra Nevada Alliance for our Annual Community Holiday Party. Mingle with your friends and colleagues over delicious food generously provided by MacDuff's Public House and and a no-host bar.

Since 1993 the Sierra Nevada Alliance has been protecting and restoring Sierra lands, water, wildlife and communities. Our mission is to protect and restore the natural resources of the Sierra Nevada for future generations while promoting sustainable communities.

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