natural

Record number of Bald Eagles found at Lake Tahoe during annual count

NCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — A record number of Bald Eagles were counted at Lake Tahoe during the recent annual survey conducted by the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science (TINS) and its team of 200 volunteers.

This year 42 Bald Eagles were found, surpassing the previous record of 27 set in 2017.

The record number of volunteers are double the number who turned out for last year's event, part of why TINS believes this was the most accurate count to date. TINS took over local coordination of the national tracking effort nine years ago.

Construction bids now being accepted for Spooner Lake State Park improvements

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Nevada State Parks is seeking construction bids for Phase 1 of the Spooner Frontcountry Improvement Project. Phase 1 will involve a complete redesign and update of the over 35-year-old facilities, and construction of a new visitor center and amphitheater at Spooner Lake. Proposals will be accepted at the Nevada Division of State Parks office until March 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. PST.

It's official: NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ coming to Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - It's been a plan in the works for months and today the National Hockey League (NHL) made it official - they are bringing NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ to Edgewood Tahoe February 20-21, 2021.

Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday will showcase the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20. Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday will feature the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. Both games will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

Avalanche warning issued for the backcountry around Lake Tahoe

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area through 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 5.

The affected area is the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.

Avalanche Danger...HIGH avalanche danger exists today and tonight in the mountains.

Annual Lake Tahoe Bald Eagle Count set for 2021

Event Date: 
January 8, 2021 - 9:00am

It’s a mid-winter's day dream for birders. The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is hosting its annual Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. TINS took over local coordination of the national tracking operation nine years ago. The Lake Tahoe effort is part of a nationwide, single-day census of the country’s bald eagle populations. Spotters are stationed at 26 vantage points throughout the Tahoe basin, mostly on Tahoe’s lakeshore beaches, to get an accurate snapshot of eagle numbers.

Open letter to the South Lake Tahoe community:

It was a great honor to serve as a member of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Trustees for the last four years. As previously reported, I am stepping aside to focus on my career and raising my beautiful baby girl. I said many times while I was on the Board that every family in the District was my family, and every child in the District was my responsibility. Now that I have a child of my own, I think the parents of LTUSD will understand when I say that I need to focus on my own family for the time being.

Del Laine ~ March 20, 1930 - December 18, 2020

Del Laine has left her mark on South Lake Tahoe in ways that many local residents might not know. She was a mover and shaker, whose focus was on making the city a better place. Her most important role, though, was promoting the well-being of women.

This pioneer died Dec. 18, 2020, at home from natural causes, with family at her side. She was 90.

She was born Dolores Mae Wright on March 20, 1930, in Oakland, Calif., to Mabel Paulson and Leslie Wright.

Del Laine, South Lake Tahoe trailblazer, dies at the age of 90

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A true trailblazer in the forming of the City of South Lake Tahoe has died at the age of 90. Del Laine, passed away from natural causes with her family at her side.

She served on South Lake Tahoe's City Council from 1976-1980, and then again from 1984-1988 and became the City's first female Mayor in 1977. She would go on to serve one more term as Mayor during her time on council.

Remodeled South Lake Tahoe vegan restaurant reopens with new look, new menu, new hours

Event Date: 
February 28, 2021 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For over eight years Sandi Cole has been operating Simple Bliss Vegan Cafe is South Lake Tahoe inside the Swiss Chalet Village. Her homemade specialties have been treating customers to much-loved flavors and dishes, from handcrafted drinks to desserts.

Simple Bliss now has a new look and design, one that will work through the pandemic with take-out orders only to a time when all can once again sit down and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Agencies to host public workshop on Meeks Bay Restoration Project

Event Date: 
January 7, 2021 - 5:30pm

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) in coordination with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, will host a virtual public workshop about the Meeks Bay Restoration Project from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. The workshop will provide the background and need for the project, share proposed restoration and site improvement alternatives, describe the next steps in the environmental planning process and solicit feedback on the alternatives.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

Tahoe Institute for Natural Science celebrates 10-year anniversary

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is celebrating 10 years of connecting people to nature and inspiring new generations of stewards for the wonders of Lake Tahoe. Since 2010, the organization has engaged with over 56,000 students through in-school natural history programs, field trips, and nature camps. They offer programs for people of all ages - hosting hundreds of presentations and guided nature outings for thousands of participants. All of their programs are supported by a foundation of important, ongoing biological research.

Opening day with new safety protocol in place at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The long-awaited opening day for skiing and riding in South Lake Tahoe arrived Friday with season pass holders hitting the slopes at Heavenly Mountain Resort. They joined Northstar in being the only two resorts in Lake Tahoe to open. Squaw Alpine opens on November 25, followed by Kirkwood December 4, Sierra-at-Tahoe has not announced an opening date.

Heavenly reported a foot of natural snow from this week's storm added on top of the snow they've been making since temperatures dropped a few weeks ago.

Invasive species removal begins in Taylor Creek Marsh

Crews began work this month in the marsh system of Taylor and Tallac creeks in the Southwest portion of the Tahoe Basin to remove aquatic invasive plants from an abundant and impacted marsh ecosystem, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) said today.

Tahoe Fund calls for projects to fund that help preserve the Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fund has kicked off its annual Request for Projects process, a time they seek applications seeking funds of $5,000 to 1,000,000 to complete their goals to help preserve Lake Tahoe.

The funding for projects are designed to restore Lake Tahoe’s famed clarity, create healthier forests, improve transportation, create more sustainable recreation, and inspire greater stewardship in the region.

Column: Recognizing the spirit of collaboration

For more than half a century, collaboration and partnership have been the bedrock of Lake Tahoe’s preservation. I speak often of the epic collaboration needed to restore our environment and lift up our communities. The creation of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) 50 years ago challenged us to bring people together to pull this majestic lake back from the brink. Today, TRPA is the backbone for 80 organizations and thousands of property owners working toward the common goals of clean water, a healthy watershed, and resilient communities

Southwest Gas reminds customers to build snow shelters over meters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With an early snow storm dropping almost a foot of snow around Lake Tahoe last week, and another few days of possible snow on the way, Southwest Gas is reminding its customers to start preparing for the winter months now. Customers living in areas that receive heavy snowfall need to take extra precautions to keep their natural gas meters and piping safe.

Election result updates for El Dorado County - Updates for Douglas County expected Friday

More ballot counts have been released by the elections departments at both El Dorado and Douglas Counties.

EL DORADO COUNTY

El Dorado County election officials have released another tally of ballots counted. The results remain the same as of the November 10 count. Votes Cast: 116,744 of 135,554, or 86.12 percent of eligible voters.

Fire restrictions lifted in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A burn ban in the Lake Tahoe Basin was put in place this summer in response to the unprecedented and extreme fire conditions in California. While there were no major fires in the Basin there were record setting acres burned across the state.

A ban of charcoal barbeques, wood fire pits and open burning was but in place along with extra bans during Red Flag Warning conditions.

TERC: Studying the fate of microplastics at Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 12, 2020 - 12:00pm

The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) in Incline Village is presenting another virtual seminar as part of their Fall Speaker Series on Thursday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m. The seminar will feature UC Davis researchers Katie Senft and Dr. Jenessa Gjeltema who will update participants on the latest science behind microplastics and present the research underway at Lake Tahoe to study the fate of microplastics in our freshwater system.

City of South Lake Tahoe seeking applicants for citizen commissions and boards

The City of South Lake Tahoe is looking to fill vacant seats on four citizen commissions and boards: Planning Commission, Airport Land Use Commission, Building Board of Appeals, and Parks & Recreation Commission. They are soliciting applications for a City Council representative to the El Dorado County Commission on Aging and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Advisory Planning Commission.

Applications are due December 28 for the following positions

Planning Commission

Taylor Creek closure extended by USFS

Due to continued public health and safety concerns, trail construction, risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has extended a Forest Order that temporarily closes Taylor Creek and the surrounding area. This order (see here) is extended through November 9 at this time.

South Lake Tahoe businesses can now apply for global "Safe Travels" stamp through LTVA

South Lake Tahoe has earned “Safe Travels stamp and global protocols” recognition as part of a progressive group working to restore confidence in travel from the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Visitor bureaus start “Travel Safely, Adventure Greatly” campaign

Carson Valley and South Lake Tahoe collaboratively are welcoming visitors to the region with a travel safely, adventure greatly message. Under the cooperative marketing umbrella of the #SierraSafely campaign, the goal of the program is focused on tourism recovery for Douglas County while restoring confidence among visitors and locals in the region.

CCC Tahoe Center corpsmembers help communities recover and prepare after fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Long after the fire trucks have come and gone, the threat to a community impacted by wildfire remains. It’s a less obvious threat than a towering inferno destroying homes and ripping through forests and hillsides. It is a hidden threat that arrives with winter rains and California Conservation Corps Corpsmembers are helping communities stay safe from it—toxic runoff, including those from the South Lake Tahoe center.

New supervisor named for Lake Tahoe Basin

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has announced that William “Bill” Jackson has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Jackson is scheduled to arrive at the LTBMU on Dec. 6, 2020, and comes to the area from the White River National Forest in Colorado, where he served as the District Ranger for the Dillon Ranger District.

City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.

Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.

Letter: Duane Wallace letter to voters

Dear Voters: Everyone knows what goes downhill, but the South Tahoe Public Utility District knows how to recycle it into 381,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. A recent feature article by the Association of California Water Agencies pointed out that STPUD is one of only a handful of utility districts in the entire world that can claim 100% reuse of wastewater and bio solids. Here’s how. We use centrifuges instead of the usual pollution causing burners. That allows us to make fertilizer for ranch land.

Free webinar on senior depression

Event Date: 
October 29, 2020 - 10:00am

Prestige Care Carson invites the community to join a free webinar on Thursday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., led by Eldercare Counselor Laura Vaillancourt, MA, LMHC, GMHS. The engaging online discussion will focus on understanding the symptoms of depression in seniors and how families can support these individuals.

STPUD candidates respond to questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.

South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.

Restoration nearing completion, public soon able to access old Tahoe Pines campground

The unique and valuable habitat of the Upper Truckee in Meyers has been preserved through another California Tahoe Conservancy project at the site of the old Tahoe Pines Campground. The project opens public access to the river and will feature a picnic table or two, bike racks and informational kiosk.

City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

Tahoe's transportation future focus of TRPA webinar

Event Date: 
October 12, 2020 - 12:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Years of planning for the future of transportation around Lake Tahoe has led to the creation of a Regional Transportation Plan. Join the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on Monday, October 12 during a one-hour webinar on the draft plan starting at noon to learn more (register here).

Citizen science drives environmental restoration and reservation in Tahoe-Truckee Region

LAKE TAHOE - Volunteer citizen scientists working with the League to Save Lake Tahoe conducted surveys of Donner and Spooner Lakes to detect aquatic invasive species, and restored native wetland habitat in Johnson Meadow in September. Both efforts are aimed at preserving the Tahoe-Truckee region’s unique ecology.

USFS closes Taylor Creek for one month due to crowd and safety concerns

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The numbers of people who normally visit Taylor Creek for the fall spawning of the Kokanee salmon has prompted forest officials to close the popular area October 2 - November 2, 2020.

Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the area is closed.

SLT Council Candidate Keith Roberts

South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.

Today's candidate is Keith Roberts.

Profession: Executive Chef

How many years in SLT: 5 years

Fork Fire 1,752 acres and 61% contained

The Fork Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe, north of Pollock Pines continues to be 1,752 acres in size but is now 61 percent contained. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 has been in command of the Fork Fire since September 11 and will be handing that duty over to another team on Thursday, September 24.

The containment lines are to the north, east and south sides of the Fork Fire and fire continues to burn in the steep Rubicon drainage area.

351 personnel are assigned to the fire at this time.

USFS beaches and other day-use facilities around Lake Tahoe reopen Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches and other day-use areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin will re-open for day-use only beginning Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020. Camping and overnight stays will not be permitted, and campgrounds will remain closed. Resorts will reopen for day-use only. Emergency Fire Restrictions will remain in effect through Nov. 30. I’ve attached the Forest Orders for your awareness.

The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California remains in place.

Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day- Fall

Event Date: 
September 26, 2020 - 8:30am

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to help the League to Save Lake Tahoe celebrate National Public Lands Day through a fun, hands-on restoration event. By pitching in, you will help improve ecosystem function and the wildlife habitats that surround Lake Tahoe. Healthy forests and meadows act as natural pollution filters to Keep Tahoe Blue.

Saturday, September 26 | 8:30 am - 1 pm
Location: South Lake Tahoe - Upper Truckee River

Location

South Lake Tahoe- Upper Truckee River
United States

Rasjad Hopkins at Scott Forrest Fine Art Studio

Event Date: 
Repeats every week until Sat Oct 24 2020 . Also includes Sun Sep 20 2020, Sun Sep 27 2020, Sun Oct 04 2020, Sun Oct 11 2020, Sun Oct 18 2020.
September 19, 2020 - 10:00am
Event Date: 
September 20, 2020 - 10:00am
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September 26, 2020 - 10:00am
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September 27, 2020 - 10:00am
Event Date: 
October 3, 2020 - 10:00am
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October 4, 2020 - 10:00am
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October 10, 2020 - 10:00am
Event Date: 
October 11, 2020 - 10:00am
Event Date: 
October 17, 2020 - 10:00am
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October 18, 2020 - 10:00am
Event Date: 
October 24, 2020 - 10:00am

Rasjad Hopkins – Oil Paintings
Scott Forrest Fine Art Studio
2572 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
Exhibit Opening: Saturday, September 19, 2020 – 10am to 4pm
Exhibit Dates: September 19 – October 30, 2020

Please join us at Scott Forrest Fine Art Studio, 2572 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, on Saturday, September 19th from 10 am to 4 pm for the opening of a new exhibit of oil paintings by Rasjad Hopkins.

Location

Scott Forrest Fine Art Studio
2572 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
United States

Guess the first day of snow and win while supporting Sierra State Parks Foundation

The Sierra State Parks Foundation will host a virtual fundraiser that challenges folks to predict the first day of snow, which will run until the actual first day of snow. The first snow event will be determined when it snows one inch at the Pioneer Monument located in Donner Memorial State Park (Truckee, Calif.).

Nominations sought for 29th annual Best in Basin Awards

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is calling for nominations for projects completed in 2019 that display outstanding environmental design to be recognized in the 2019 Best in the Basin awards program, the agency announced today.

Nominations are due by September 28, according to TRPA.

Now in its 29th year, TRPA’s annual Best in the Basin awards program showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities. The categories are:

Fire restrictions expand to USFS lands in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start enhanced fire restrictions in national forest campgrounds on September 1, 2020 due to dry conditions.

On August 21, fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal at homes, parks, beaches and most campgrounds. LTBMU was not part of that original ban.

All areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin are now under these restrictions.

South Lake Tahoe artist selected for design of TRPA 50th anniversary coin

The first peak of a new Lake Tahoe commemorative coin was unveiled during Tuesday's virtual Lake Tahoe Summit. The coin is in honor of the 50th anniversary of the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and is being minted in the historic U.S. Mint at Carson City's Nevada State Museum.

The work of South Lake Tahoe artist Eleanor BonBon is featured on the coin. It was accepted for the coin after she responded to a Request for Proposal which included examples of her sketching process, all while conceptualizing TRPA’s core values into a visual language.

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards 19 scholarships

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) awarded scholarships to a group of local students from South Tahoe High, George Whittell High, the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy and Lake Tahoe Community College. The club, serving the community since 1959, has given out over one-million dollars to local graduates over the years.

Mural in Tahoe East Shore Trail tunnel unveiled

The community mural art project in the tunnel on the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. The mural, painted by local husband and wife art and design duo, Tyler Rivenbark and Frida Ticehurst-Rivenbark, was completed with help from students at Lake Tahoe School in Incline Village.

All wood and charcoal fires banned in Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - In a unified move, all fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin have banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal for the remainder of the summer, or longer if needed. This includes campgrounds with fire rings, fire pits at homes and all charcoal barbeques whether at home or at public and private facilities.

The suspension takes effect at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020 and will be enforced with extinguishment and possible citations and fines.

24th annual Lake Tahoe Summit: Resilient Tahoe

Event Date: 
August 25, 2020 - 10:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - The 24th annual Lake Tahoe Summit has moved to a virtual format this year. U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada will be hosting the event that will feature Olympian David Wise as the keynote speaker.

Since the first Lake Tahoe Summit in 1997, the area’s congressional representatives have pledged to keep working together and with local, state, and private sector partners to restore Tahoe’s environment, improve forest health, and confront climate change.

Virtual public workshop on planned restoration of Meeks Bay

Event Date: 
August 19, 2020 - 5:30pm

MEEKS BAY, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is developing a plan to restore Meeks Creek to a more natural condition, while continuing to support sustainable recreation opportunities. The LTBMU, in conjunction with Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, will host a virtual public workshop on the project from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on August 19, 2020.

Public invited to virtual field tour of Johnson Meadow Restoration Project

Event Date: 
August 18, 2020 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) is inviting the community to attend a virtual field tour for the Johnson Meadow Restoration Project on August 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

TRCD acquired the Johnson Meadow property in 2018. The 206-acre meadow, located along Upper Truckee River in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, provides valuable habitat and ecosystem services as well as community open space for all the residents and visitors of South Lake Tahoe.

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