Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care breaks ground on new home

Tom and Cheryl Millham have been operating Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) out of their home since 1978. Since then, they've treated over 22,000 animals, released over 14,000 rehabilitated animals back into the wild, have a volunteer crew of 2,000 people, and train 50 to 100 new volunteers annually.

Today, Tom and Cheryl and the LTWC Board of Directors broke ground on the new 27 acre facility that will have five of those acres developed with 86,000 square feet of coverage. There will be buildings to house all of the animals LTWC normally sees from birds and beavers to bears and bobcats. Also included is a caretaker's residence.

Future plans include an educational center.

An emotional Tom Millham recounted to the large group gathered about how, when he and Cheryl were managing Bender Marine in 1978 (this is know known as Camp Richardson Marina), they wanted to help the animals in the the basin. "Cheryl read an article in Women's Day magazine about the wildlife group in Palo Alto, Wildlife Rescue," Tom said. "She convinced me we should drive down there and take their training class."

The rest, you could say, is history.

"This is a new beginning," said LTWC Board President Sue Novasel during the ceremony. "So proud of where we've been and where we're headed."

Mayor Hal Cole, who lives on the adjoining property and will be the General Contractor on the project, spoke to the crowd. "This spot here is so special."

The South Lake Tahoe pioneer family, the Springmeyers, leased the land to the wildlife center. Buzz and Marjorie's daughter Bonnie made the Millham's dream come true with allowing them to use the corner lot at the intersection of Al Tahoe Blvd and Pioneer Trail.

"Our city and county are so greatfull for you do," LTWC Board Member Kathay Lovell told the Millhams. "Nobody does it better than you."

The official groundbreaking took place when seven shovels turned the first dirt. One of the shovels was gold in color, a story Tom shared. When they first moved to Tahoe they found a shovel that was engraved "Dr. Tom Millham," Since he knew it wasn't him, Tom researched who the doctor was. Tom and Cheryl even went to visit him before he passed away where he bestowed more gifts upon them.

There will be 160 of the property's 2,500 trees removed by Ed Cook Tree Service once the building permit is finalized. Also scheduled for this building season is the excavation and grading and installation of sewer, water and gas. This will be done by Ferguson. In 2016, foundations and construction will begin.

This first phase of the project is expected to be completed by spring of 2017.

The layout of the new buildings was on display during the groundbreaking ceremony. Tape was staked out in the outline of future buildings and volunteers helped those walking through get a vision of the what things will look like.

To date, they have raised about 40% of the $7.5 million needed to complete the project thanks to the generosity of the Springmayer and Harootunian families and other community donations. There is a fundraising campaign currently underway. Those interested in helping LTWC move can visit their website at www.ltwc.org or send donations to 1485 Cherry Hills Circle in South Lake Tahoe.