wildlife

Column: Working together for a healthier Lake Tahoe

Earth Day at Lake Tahoe has a special meaning. Working together through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, more than 50 local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners are implementing projects and programs to conserve the Tahoe Basin’s environment and fix past environmental harms.

Letter: South Lake Tahoe community benefited by many service clubs

This letter was sent to South Tahoe Now. We will be running all three "Letters to the Editor" received at the same time.

To the community,

Bears at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care heading back home soon

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The four bear cubs who have been spending the winter at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) will soon be heading back into the wild.

Last summer, the nonprofit organization in South Lake Tahoe lost two of their six cubs suddenly to a virus called Canine Adenovirus. This came as a shock to the group who has rehabilitated animals from not only Lake Tahoe, but from around the state since forming forty years ago in 1978.

Conservancy approves funding for ED raise and several projects

During this week's California Tahoe Conservancy board meeting, funds were not only approved for the Greenway shared use trail in South Lake Tahoe, but also for grants to be used on the lake, a forest health project and a 10 percent raise for Executive Director Patrick Wright.

Truckee Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Event Date: 
April 20, 2018 - 5:00pm

Tickets are now on sale for the 3rd annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival hosted by Mountain Area Preservation (MAP) on Friday April 20 at the Community Arts Center in Historic Downtown Truckee at 5:00 p.m. This year, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival Truckee will show 13 inspiring and adventurous films, including feature films, SHIFT and Follow Through.

South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle and Sierra-at-Tahoe chosen as Lakeview Commons concessionaires

A passionate, supportive and large crowd backing South Tahoe StandUp Paddle (STSUP) showed up at Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting as the Lakeview Commons concessionaires were decided.

By an unanimous vote, the five members of Council voted to approve STSUP for the non-motorized concession going against what the input of staff appointed to review the proposals. Sierra-at-Tahoe was approved for the food and beverage concession by a vote of four-to-one.

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe to resume

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, may continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting. Smoke may be present.

A) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - 60 acres
B) Big Meadow - 100 acres
C) Brockway, Kings Beach - 70 acres
D) Logan Shoals to Spooner Summit - 15 acres

A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Prescribed fires planned around Lake Tahoe this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, are planning to continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting.

In the map above, the following areas are planned:

A) Cave Rock Area - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 5 acres
B) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 70 acres
C) Lyons Ranch, West of Golden Bear Subdivision - California Tahoe Conservancy will be burning 10 acres

BEAR League helps Oakland Zoo in creating new bear habitat

A mother Black Bear saved from being euthanized, along with her three cubs, are now calling the Oakland Zoo California Trail expansion their new home.

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe resumes

he Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies continue to carry out prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting. Smoke may be present.

Burn areas in Lake Tahoe (size, location, responsible agency):

A) 25 acres - West side of First Creek drainage - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
B) 20 acres - Diamond Peak Ski Resort - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
C) 8 acres - Champagne Rd. - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

Widespread smoke from controlled burns around Lake Tahoe

Visible smoke at several areas around Lake Tahoe Wednesday are from scheduled prescribed burns.

On the South Shore, smoke can be seen for miles from Oneidas Street where the U.S. Forest Service is burning 100 acres, a project they began on January 17. They do not burn all 100 acres at the same and do small amounts each day, then put the fires out before moving to the next area.

Besides Oneidas, other burn areas drawing a lot of smoke are 70 acres being burned near Thunderbird Lodge near Incline Village and 70 acres near Brockway.

Column: Marking five years of progress on regional plan

Conserving and restoring Lake Tahoe’s natural environment and revitalizing its communities requires a delicate balancing act. Historically, building consensus around how to strike that balance has been one of the region’s greatest difficulties.

Lake Tahoe reached its strongest-ever consensus on that balance with the 2012 Regional Plan and its focus on sustainable redevelopment to restore natural areas, bring legacy development up to modern environmental standards, and create walkable, bikeable, and vibrant town centers.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

1/3

2:10 p.m. - Disorderly Conduct: Alcohol - Sierra-at-Tahoe - ADULT MALE WAS ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION

1/4

No moratorium on vacation rentals in El Dorado County

Tuesday's El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting was just as all other meetings about vacation home rentals have been: A full house and a large contingent passionately representing both sides of the issue.

Supervisor Shiva Frentzen sought conceptual approval of an urgency ordinance to place a moratorium on the issuance of new vacation home rental (VHR) permits in the unincorporated portions of the County located in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Prescribed fires resume around Lake Tahoe, weather permitting

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, may continue prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather permitting. Smoke may be present.

A) West 1st Creek - 25 acres
B) Diamond Peak Ski Resort/Tirol Drive - 21 acres
C) Champagne Rd. - 9 acres
D) Dale Drive - 1 acres
E) South Lake Tahoe Airport - 1 acre
F) D. L. Bliss State Park - 1 acre
G) Burton Creek State Park - 30 acres
H) Sugar Pine Point State Park - 7 acres
I) Big Meadow - 100 acres
J) Brockway, Kings Beach - 50 acres

37th annual mid-winter Bald Eagle Count this week in Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
January 12, 2018 - 9:00am

The 37th annual Mid-winter Bald Eagle Count will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at various locations around Lake Tahoe from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Letters: It's been 7 years. Can you turn it down?

To the City, Snowglobe, and Community – As many of you know I am vocal critic of Snowglobe. Well after another year I feel like it’s kind of tradition for me to write my letter and vent about the event.

I will preface this letter with a reminder that I am not against events in the area. I just want events to be at a proper venue and I want them to not shake the walls of my house.

USFS fire operations scheduled to resume this week in Lake Tahoe

Weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) may conduct prescribed fire operations this week on the north end of Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be present.

In the picture:

A) 25 acres on west side of 1st Creek Drainage
B) 21 acres at Diamond Peak Ski Area
C) 9 acres at end of Chamapgne Road
D) 1 acre on Dale Drive

A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Artist, poet and naturalist, Obi Kaufmann cancels visit to SLT Library

Event Date: 
February 27, 2018 (All day)

THIS EVENT IS CANCELED. Obi Kaufmann brings his number one, best-selling "California Field Atlas" to our South Lake Tahoe Library. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of hand-painted maps and wildlife renderings and based on his decades of walking the backcountry of California, Obi’s California Field Atlas is a phenomenal testimony to the natural world of the Golden State, unlike anything that has come before.

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States
38° 56' 43.5228" N, 119° 58' 22.2276" W

Kirkwood Resort fined over $750k for dumping asphalt

Kirkwood Mountain Resort has been fined $754,732 after their snow removal practices resulted in asphalt pavement grindings to get into drainages that flow into Kirkwood Creek and Kirkwood Meadows during the winter of 2015-16.

The financial settlement was with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board over the alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, the Board announced on December 28.

Mac the Naw: Topaz fishing opener Jan. 1 brings cash prizes and slot play for big catches

Hello fellow anglers, it is that time of year to celebrate the new year and the Topaz Lake opening day fishing season. On Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 at precisely 6:46 a.m. will be the official starting time for anglers to begin fishing on Topaz Lake.

For those of you driving out that morning, be careful and mindful of other drivers on the road that have might celebrated to much the night before.

2017 Tahoe in Depth issue covers multiple Lake Tahoe challenges and actions

For five years, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has been publishing "Tahoe In Depth," a newspaper highlighting Lake Tahoe and how to protect, enjoy and explore the Lake Tahoe Basin. It also highlights environmental accomplishment and projects around the lake.

'Tahoe In Depth' is mailed to all homeowners in the basin and at distribution points around the lake, and is online at http://www.trpa.org/about-trpa/press-room/tahoe-in-depth/.

Prescribed fires around Lake Tahoe as weather permits

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks, weather permitting. Lake Valley, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service will conduct prescribed fire operations in multiple areas around Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be present.

A. Airport East - 1 acre
B. West 1st Creek - 25 acres
C. Diamond Peak Ski Area - 23 acres
D. Champagne Rd - 9 acres
E. Dale Drive - 1 acre
F. Cave Rock Area - 5 acres
G. Upper Kingsbury - 3 acres

Bears making comeback to Nevada's Great Basin

Conservation efforts are seeing the return of black bears into the Great Basin of Nevada, an area that hasn't seen the mammal for over 80 years according to a study released this week by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR).

Prior to this study, most of the state's black bears could be found around Lake Tahoe and the Pine Nut Mountains after being forced from the Great Basin by unregulated hunting and conflicts with domestic livestock.

Prescribed fires set to resume around Lake Tahoe

After taking a break during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) resume prescribed fire operations next week, beginning Monday, November 27, 2017, weather permitting.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, California State Parks and the California Tahoe Conservancy will conduct prescribed fire operations above Incline Village, D.L. Bliss and Burton Creek state parks and near the airport in South Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be visible.

North of the CSLT Airport, Southwest of the Sierra Tract Subdivision - 8 acres
Hwy 89 / Lester Beach Road - 8 acres

Column: Conservation partnerships are an opportunity to bridge divides

Nearly 200 conservation professionals from around the country gathered back east this November to have a strategic dialogue about the state of landscape-scale conservation. Lake Tahoe was featured at the forum for the region’s cooperative restoration initiatives, and it was an honor to share the stage with such high-caliber conservation thought leaders.

The national forum showcased how people of all backgrounds are collaborating and working to conserve some of America’s most iconic natural areas.

Wild & Free, an epicurean fundraiser for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

Event Date: 
October 19, 2017 - 5:30pm

Help Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care raise funds to help them care for injured and orphaned wild birds and animals at their "Wild & Free: A Culinary Event" on Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Not only will attendees be helping a worthwhile cause, they will also be treated to a wonderful selection of fine wines, craft beers and culinary creations from The Lake House chef Jeff Sparrow.

Bear gets a little help from his friends

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There weren't just hungry customers at IHOP in South Lake Tahoe Saturday morning, a hungry bear also decided to stop by.

The large bear got into the dumpster around 8:00 a.m. as staff was taking trash out on October 14, but once in he couldn't get out.

Fish are the stars at annual festival in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Fall Fish Festival will take place at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 – 8, 2017. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located on SR Highway 89, three miles north of South Lake Tahoe, California. Hosted by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit in collaboration with the Tahoe Heritage Foundation, the festival is an opportunity to learn about the variety of fish species that live in Lake Tahoe and its streams including the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout.

Over $3.3M awarded to Lake Tahoe area projects

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy Board yesterday awarded up to $3,359,081 in Proposition 1 funds for eight projects to improve the Lake Tahoe Basin’s forests, lake clarity, and water quality.

Fall Fish Festival in South Lake Tahoe October 7/8

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Oct 08 2017 .
October 7, 2017 (All day)
October 8, 2017 (All day)

Celebrate the migration of the Kokanee salmon during the annual Fall Fish Fest at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center in South Lake Tahoe October 7-8.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day walk the famous Rainbow Trail as nature is celebrated with the dramatic and colorful spawning behaviors of the salmon. Get a close-up look at this natural display is available in Taylor Creek and the Stream Profile Chamber.

Watch YouTube video of this event HERE.

Occupancy, density and caps of SLT VHRs topic of long meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are two topics that fills the City Council chambers: Marijuana and Vacation Home Rentals (VHR). Interested residents and other stakeholders in the City's proposed changes to the VHR ordinance not only filled chambers, but filled seats surrounding televisions in the lobby where the proceedings were aired.

After almost six hours of presentation and conversation, the City Council voted to bring back the new ordinance in one month on October 5.

"Our job is to make a decision, not continuing to kick the can down the road," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.

Pine Nut Harvest 2017: Season begins on Nevada public lands

The 2017 pine nut harvest season kicks off on lands managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Both agencies are working together to ensure the public is safely harvesting pine nuts and aware of the regulations.

The length of the pine nut harvest season varies depending on crop quality and seasonal weather conditions. It is generally September to late October when pine nuts are available for harvest.

NDOW allowing 20 black bears to be hunted; Protesters plan demonstration

On September 15, 2017 the annual Nevada bear hunt season opens, and this year 45 hunters have been issued tags to participate in the season that lasts until December 1, or until the quota of 20 black bears has been met. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) calls this the "Black Bear Harvest."

In protest of the hunt, a "peaceful, educational" demonstration has been planned by NoBearHuntNV.org and Compassion Works International on September 16 in Reno. Participants will be meeting at the intersection of South Virginia and McCarran in front of Reno Star sculpture at 11:00 a.m.

On heels of Tahoe Summit, grant given to TRPA to monitor wetlands

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $197,250 to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to assess and restore wetlands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Today’s announcement coincided with the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit in South Lake Tahoe.

TRPA will use the grant to develop a regional plan for monitoring changes in wetlands over time, prioritizing wetland restoration efforts and establishing goals for successful wetland projects.

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care to offer tours of new rehab center property

Event Date: 
August 27, 2017 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community is invited to stop by the new Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care rehabilitation center and check out what they've been up to on Sunday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers and staff for the non-profit, which is dedicated to help the animals of Lake Tahoe, and beyond, will be on had to answer questions and show renditions of the buildings and cages that will fill the 27 acres project area.

Two new cubs for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

Two new first-year cubs have arrived at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) during the past eight days, bringing the total now being housed in the South Shore non-profit to six.

As is tradition, LTWC names newly arrived cubs after the area they were found.

"Sky" was found on Skyline Avenue in South Lake Tahoe after being seen for more than two weeks around Elks Club Drive. He even stopped by the agency's compound for a look before moving in. Sky weighed in at 36.1 pounds.

Governor, senators and others to speak at 2017 Lake Tahoe Summit

Event Date: 
August 22, 2017 - 10:00am

California Senator Diane Feinstein is hosting the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at Vahalla in the Tallac Historic Site from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The theme for the day is "2017- A Pivotal Point for the Future of Lake Tahoe.”

The event will examine successful restoration projects and ways to address new challenges facing the lake. A key focus will be combating the effects of climate change in the Lake Tahoe basin.

Opinion: Confronting climate change at Lake Tahoe

For 20 years, every August we’ve paused to reflect on our collective commitment to Lake Tahoe’s restoration at the Lake Tahoe Summit. This year, with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein hosting the event, the issue of climate change will be front and center. Climate change poses incredible challenges for Tahoe, affecting not only the health of its famously cold, clear waters, but the health of its expansive forests and what is to become of our $5 billion outdoor recreation-based economy.

Reward offered to find who illegally reintroduced pike to Comins Lake

In 2015, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) spent more than $250,000 to remove illegally stocked northern pike that had decimated the trout fishery at Comins Lake, and now that work, time and money were for naught.

The voracious predator has again been illegally planted in the lake south of Ely, Nevada.

Open House at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

Event Date: 
July 30, 2017 - 10:00am

Once a year the public has the opportunity to explore the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care facility. On Sunday, July 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., they will open their doors to where the wild birds and animals are rehabilitated.

For 40 years the non-profit has been serving wildlife in the Sierra and normally the only people allowed past the front door are the volunteers.

Vail Resorts pledges "zero footprint" by 2030

Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz announced today that his company has committed to zero net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030 and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat.

"Everything we do at Vail Resorts is driven by the spectacular natural environments where our employees, guests and communities live, work and play," Katz said in a press release. "The environment – and our stakeholders’ passion for it – is our business, and we have a special obligation to protect it."

Lake Tahoe air quality to continue in the unhealthy range

The intensifying Detwiler Fire near Mariposa, Calif. continues to send smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin, Alpine County, Reno, Carson City and the Carson Valley, causing air quality to be in the unhealthy range.

As of Wednesday morning the Detwiler fire had burned over 45,000 acres, sending a plume of smoke due north, into our area. It is 7 percent contained and caused the evacuation of the town of Mariposa as well as many surrounding roads and neighborhoods.

One simple item will help save lives when on Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE - Boating, rafting, kayaking and paddling are just a few ways to enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe, but they come with simple safety precautions and preparations to ensure that day is complete and enjoyable.

"People are very excited to get on the water," said Edwin Lyngar, Nevada Department of Wildlife's (NDOW) Water Educator. "Take safety precautions as you can't depend on luck."

Lyngar as well as both California and Nevada water safety experts were at Sand Harbor last week to inform the public about how easy it is to be safe on the water.

USFS to start chemical treatment of invasive species in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting later this month, the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start using chemical treatment to try and eradicate, control and contain known infestations of invasive plants. Their focus will be on 90 sites covering 18.25 acres of sites inside the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Importance of understanding dangers of cold water shock

With recent water tragedies in Lake Tahoe we are republishing this 2016 article.

The most common misunderstanding about swimming in Lake Tahoe is that people can suffer from hypothermia, which leads to death. The real truth is that "cold water shock" will kill much quicker than hypothermia ever will.

"The sudden lowering of skin temperature on immersion in cold water represents one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter." Golden and Tipton in Essentials of Sea Survival

Plastic, light and sound pollution focus of movie screening in Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 13, 2017 - 5:30pm

Light and sound affect people and wildlife. Find out more when the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science hosts the next TERC talk and movie screening in Lake Tahoe on Thursday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m.

"The Smog of the Sea" will be shown. It is a short film that chronicles a one-week journey through the remote waters of the Sargasso Sea to assess the fate of plastics in the world's oceans. As the crew sieves the water they find a fog of microplastics permeating the world's oceans.

Annual Canadian Goose roundup completed in Lake Tahoe and Reno

Not only humans enjoy hanging out in Lake Tahoe, the Canadian Goose does as well, and according to many, perhaps too well. The annual goose roundup is now complete with 118 of the geese from Lake Tahoe now living at the Wild Horse Reservoir in Elko County.

Tahoe Paradise Park District meeting Thursday

Event Date: 
June 22, 2017 - 6:00pm

A meeting of the Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, June 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the park's clubhouse located at 1011 E. San Bernardino Ave in Meyers.

Among the items on their agenda:

17/18 Budget approval
Park rules and regulations
Beach sand project
Tennis Court resurfacing
Music in the Park program
Protection of wildlife from lake outflow
Master Plan

The public is invited to attended.

Wild Tahoe Weekend: Native species and bird festivals

Event Date: 
June 24, 2017 (All day)

Get ready for a wild time as the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) host Wild Tahoe Weekend.

Join them June 24-25, 2017 at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, just three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Residents and visitors are invited to attend this free family event.

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