pollution

Annual Lake Tahoe report: 10.5 more feet of clarity in 2018

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - What a difference a year can make! In 2018, the annual test of Lake Tahoe's clarity value made a drastic change and improved to 70.9 feet. This is 10.5 more feet than was seen in 2017.

In the release of their annual report, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) in Incline Village said a return to more normal weather and streamflow conditions was responsible for this change.

19th annual Snapshot Day to unveil conditions in Lake Tahoe and Truckee River

For the past 18 years, volunteers have been monitoring water quality conditions across the Lake Tahoe and Truckee River watersheds, collecting data at a single point in time to better understand the area as a whole. It is a bi-state collaborative that can achieve a larger watershed approach to successful data collection.

On May 17 and 18, 2019, volunteers will once again head out and perform a variety of tests including temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, algae, and nitrogen.

Celebrate Earth Day in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
April 27, 2019 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A full day of earth-friendly events and activities returns to South Lake Tahoe on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bijou Community Park, located at 1201 Al Tahoe Boulevard.

Earth Day recognizes, celebrates and promotes our region’s unique beauty while educating people about its environmental issues. South Lake Tahoe’s free event includes children’s activities, local vendors, environmental booths, nature walks with Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, and live “river rock and mountain blues” by Boot Juice.

2nd Bi-Annual Basin Blitz shows Caltrans renovations help Lake Tahoe

The League to Save Lake Tahoe held its second bi-annual Basin Blitz this spring to assess progress in improving Lake Tahoe’s stormwater infrastructure (pipes, drains and sediment-catching basins). These features flow directly into Lake Tahoe and carry fine sediment pollution from our roads and neighborhoods into the lake, further degrading its clarity.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin

Weather permitting, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin.

The following areas are scheduled to be treated at this time:

Kingsbury Grade, off Granite Springs Drive - 2 acres to be burned by Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 4/8 - 4/12

Behind South Tahoe High School - 15 acres to be burned by Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 4/8 - 4/12

Adjacent to Sawmill Pond -10 acres to be burned by Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 4/8 - 4/12

Pipe Keeper Intro Training

Event Date: 
April 17, 2019 - 2:00pm

Pipe Keepers is a citizen science program to address the threat of stormwater pollution entering Lake Tahoe. Runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt is the largest source of pollution that degrades lake clarity.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is holding a Pipekeeper Training on April 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ski Run Marina in South Lake Tahoe.

League staff will train interested people to survey stormwater infrastructure including pipes and storm drains found throughout the city.

All ages welcome, no experience necessary. Snacks and refreshments provided.

Location

Ski Run Marina
900 Ski Run Boulevard South Lake Tahoe
United States

Lake Tahoe gas station owners pay $1M fine, face other sanctions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a multi-year investigation into conditions at their Lake Tahoe gas stations, one local businessman is now banned from owning or operating gas stations with underground tanks in California while another faces sanctions.

Azad Amiri and Sarbjit S. Kang were accused of violating multiple underground storage tank (UST) requirements at five Lake Tahoe area gas stations: 1140 Emerald Bay Road, 913 Emerald Bay Road, and 2304 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe, 3208 Highway 50 in Meyers, and 8070 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach.

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe set to resume

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – California State Parks and the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather, staffing, and conditions permitting.

Six areas are currently scheduled for burning -

1. DL Bliss Campground - Acreage: 17 (Ongoing)
2. D. L. Bliss Gateway - Acreage: 4 (Ongoing)
3. Sunset Stables East - Acreage: 10 (Ongoing)
4. NV State Lands - Lower Kingsbury - Acreage: 5 (Planned start January 30)

ONE TAHOE launched to address transportation needs around the lake

Event Date: 
January 29, 2019 - 4:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV – Lake Tahoe needs our help. The “Jewel of the Sierra” is being loved to death. The vast amount of trips being made by motor vehicles have contributed to severe traffic congestion, unsafe conditions for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, mounting air pollution, declining lake clarity, and other negative impacts.

The new year brings new laws in California

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are new laws in California in 2019 that will affect those on the road, bike paths, eating at restaurants, paying bail and receiving minimum wage. In 2018, 1,217 bills made it to Governor Brown's desk and he signed 1,016 of them which are now new laws.

Here is a highlight of some of those laws which will soon be in effect:

Pipe Keeper Training

Event Date: 
January 17, 2019 - 2:00pm

The League to Save Lake Tahoe is hosting another Pipe Keeper training session in South Lake Tahoe on January 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pipe Keepers is a citizen science program to address the threat of stormwater pollution entering Lake Tahoe. Runoff from rain storms and snowmelt is the largest source of pollution that degrades Lake clarity. League staff will train you to survey stormwater infrastructure including pipes and stormdrains found all throughout the city.

RSVP for the event: https://donate.keeptahoeblue.org/event/pipe-keeper-training/e208953

Prescribed burns to continue around Lake Tahoe

Weather permitting, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection Districts and the U.S. Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe.

Area 1 - No planned burning.

Pipe Keeper Intro Training

Event Date: 
November 14, 2018 - 2:00pm

Learn how to be a Lake Tahoe Pipe Keeper at their next public training session on Wednesday, November 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pipe Keepers is a citizen science program to address the threat of stormwater pollution entering Lake Tahoe. Runoff from rain storms and snowmelt is the largest source of pollution that degrades Lake clarity. League staff will train you to survey stormwater infrastructure including pipes and stormdrians found all throughout the city.

All ages welcome, no experience necessary. Snacks and refreshments provided.

Location

South Lake Tahoe
United States

Prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe as weather permits

California State Parks, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe. Operations may take place near Glenbrook on the East Shore; near Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Boulder and California lodges, near Twin Peaks and in Baldwin Meadow on the South Shore; in D.L. Bliss and Burton Creek state parks and near Rubicon Estates on the West Shore; and on urban lots in Kings Beach on the North Shore.

TRPA recognizes 9 Lake Tahoe projects for Best of the Basin awards

STATELINE, Nev. - Nine projects were honored as "Best in the Basin" Wednesday during the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board meeting.

For 28 years TRPA's program has showcased projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

The Best in Basin award winners:

Letter: STPUD candidate Jim Jones - Build for future, don't steal from it

The following is a Letter to the Editor from South Tahoe Public Utility District Board Member Jim Jones, a candidate for re-election:

To the Community:

Prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe set to resume

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service will continue the fall prescribed fire program with operations in D.L. Bliss State Park on the West Shore tomorrow, October 23, 2018, and in Baldwin Meadow on the south end of Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, October 24. Smoke will likely be present. Both of these operations will involve understory burning, which is explained below. A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Prescribed burns at two locations around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service may conduct prescribed fire operations in Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore and near Twin Peaks on the South Shore beginning today, October 17, 2018. Smoke will likely be present.

A) Along lakeside of Hwy 89, north of General Creek, 17 acres of understory will be burned by California State Parks. Duration of ignition and smoke production is one week with smoke expected to travel northeast.

It's fall, that must mean it's time for prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Six different areas around Lake Tahoe have been slated to receive fuels treatment over the next week with some of the prescribed fires starting today, October 10.

Pipe Keepers Launch Party | Keep Tahoe Blue

Event Date: 
October 25, 2018 - 5:30pm

Join us for a fun evening at Lake Tahoe AleWorX with local stormwater scientists, drinks, food, a raffle and fundrasier! No experience necessary.

Lake Tahoe AleWorX is proud to support the League to Save Lake Tahoe. On Thursday, October 25 between 5:30 to 8:30 pm, AleWorX will donate 100 percent of its net profits from all food and beverage sold at its taproom at the Crossing to the League.

Pipe Keepers is the League to Save Lake Tahoe's citizen science program to address the threat of stormwater pollution entering Lake Tahoe.

Location

Lake Tahoe AleWorX
2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Suite 2050
United States

SLT City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to do two things: Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032; and reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040. The 100% Renewable Committee was formed to help the City accomplish these tasks.

Pipe Keepers Launch Party | Keep Tahoe Blue

Event Date: 
October 25, 2018 - 5:30pm

Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe for a fun evening with local stormwater scientists, drinks, food and a raffle on October 25 at Lake Tahoe AleWorx from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

No experience necessary. RSVP for the free event at keeptahoeblue.org/events - https://donate.keeptahoeblue.org/event/pipe-keeper-launch-party/e199083/register/new/select-tickets

Location

Lake Tahoe AleWorX
2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
United States

Volunteers restore streambanks and protect native species to Keep Tahoe Blue

Almost 100 volunteers participated in the League to Save Lake Tahoe's 21st annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day on the first day of Fall, September 22, 2018. They restored crumbling stream banks, worked to protect native species and removed litter from Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe.

“Hands-on restoration work is one of the most important actions we can take to Keep Tahoe Blue,” says Marilee Movius, the League’s community engagement manager, “and many hands make for lighter work to help out our busy land managers.”

2019 project to reroute Upper Truckee River through South Lake Tahoe marsh

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Money is on its way to South Lake Tahoe to restore the Upper Truckee Marsh, the largest remaining wetland in the Sierra Nevada, and reverse damage created by decades of development.

The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) announced Thursday they received $1,700,066 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife towards their project to redirect the Upper Truckee River to its historic network of channels through the Marsh. Water flowing through the Marsh will slow down, allowing sediment to settle instead of reaching Lake Tahoe.

Over 150,000 rides made on Lime bikes and scooters in South Lake Tahoe

This summer has been a big one for Lime rides in South Lake Tahoe. Since they launches in May there have been over 100,000 scooter rides and over 50,000 bike rides on the popular lime green rentals. Lime started with bikes on May 21 and Scooters on June 6.

Volunteers needed for Fall Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day

Event Date: 
September 22, 2018 - 8:30am

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to this fun, hands-on restoration day on Saturday, September 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Nevada Beach. By pitching in, you are improving the watershed habitats that surround Lake Tahoe. Healthy forests act as natural pollution filters to Keep Tahoe Blue.

Wear sturdy boots and clothes that are comfortable and can get dirty, and wear sunglasses. Bring a reusable water bottle and leather work gloves if you have them.

Location

Nevada Beach
Bittlers Rd. Zephyr Cove, NV
United States
29° 34' 51.9276" N, 98° 30' 24.4116" W

Letter: STPUD updates from board member and candidate Duane Wallace

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.

Column: Time is now to prepare Lake Tahoe for our changing climate

Last month, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center released the Tahoe: State of the Lake Report, which included their finding of an average of 59.7 feet depth of water clarity for 2017, the lowest since they began taking measurements. In advance of the 2018 Lake Tahoe Summit, the following is from Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, chief executive officer for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, on the findings:

Smoke in Lake Tahoe Basin coming from Northern California fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Friday morning started off clear and sunny, but by mid-morning smoke from from several California fires filled the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The smoke Friday has been a combination of the Carr Fire, the Mendocino Complex fires (Ranch Fire and River Fire) and the two western El Dorado County fires according to the USFS office in South Lake Tahoe. The Whaleback Fire and Ferguson Fire are also burning north and south of the lake.

League to Save Lake Tahoe backs Upper Truckee River Project at Lake Tahoe Golf Course

The following is a comment in support of Preferred Alternative 2B of the Upper Truckee River Restoration and Golf Course Reconfiguration Project submitted by the League to Save Lake Tahoe to California State Parks:

Beachgoers in the Dominican Republic see waves of plastic trash

Just like Lake Tahoe, those visiting the Dominican Republic expect to see the beautiful blues shades of the water. Instead, beachgoers this week were greeted by tons of trash floating on top of the ocean, barely moving around with the motion of the waves due to the massive volume.

Parley for the Oceans released a video of what they are calling a "world's largest garbage emergency," showing tons of mostly plastic trash, something that happens every time it rains in the Caribbean country.

Column: Lake Tahoe Summit-recommitting to collaboration

Nearly 25 years ago, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and dozens of partners embarked on an unprecedented mission to conserve and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin’s treasured natural resources through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP).

Chariot microtransit system arrives in South lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Your chariot has arrived!

The League to Save Lake Tahoe has teamed with Chariot to bring a new microtransit service to the South Shore starting on Monday, July 9. They will use the busy summer traffic-congested tourist area to test a solution for transportation issues around the lake.

Column: Drought, extreme winter reduce Tahoe’s clarity, but restoration remains on track

Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest lakes in the world, known around the globe for its spectacular scenery. The lake’s water clarity is one of the many attributes that make the Tahoe Basin such an amazing natural resource and a mecca for outdoor recreation.

Famous clarity of Lake Tahoe sharply drops

The epic clarity of Lake Tahoe was measured at an average of 59.7 feet in 2017, a 9.5 foot drop from the previous year and 10.3 feet lower than the five-year average according to the annual report compiled by the Tahoe Environmental Research Center at the University of California, Davis.

This measurement surpasses the previous lowest level of 64.1 feet which was recorded in 1997, but far below the record high of over 100 feet in the mid-1960s.

Letter: League to Save Lake Tahoe applauds California voters for passage of Prop. 68

California residents yesterday voted to pass Proposition 68, approving a $4 billion investment to protect the state’s unique natural resources and provide protections from the growing threat of climate change.

Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, the executive director for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, represented the League on the statewide Yes on 68 committee. The following is a statement by Dr. Collins:

Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day - Spring

Event Date: 
June 9, 2018 (All day)

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to this fun, hands-on restoration day. By pitching in, you are improving the watershed habitats that surround Lake Tahoe. Healthy forests act as natural pollution filters to Keep Tahoe Blue.

Participants at the Spring Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day will help assess the work done from a past event and continue important work. A light breakfast, refreshments and a prize will be provided to all volunteers.

Location: Intersection of Barbara Ave. and Lodi Ave., South Lake Tahoe. (Shuttle to site provided).

Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5

There are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.

Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V

Lake Tahoe protection groups appealing decision on Martis Valley West project

The League to Save Lake Tahoe, Mountain Area Preservation and Sierra Watch are filing today a notice of appeal in California’s Third District Court of Appeals seeking adequate environmental protection for Lake Tahoe from the proposed Martis Valley West Project.

Tahoe Shoreline Plan released; Decade-long moratoriums could be lifted

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) today released a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed Shoreline Plan for Lake Tahoe. The draft report is available for two months of public review and comment that will conclude Monday, July 9.

Column: Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan on track

Lake Tahoe’s shoreline is a place of majestic beauty with sandy beaches and secluded, boulder-strewn coves. It’s where residents and visitors alike go to enjoy Tahoe’s famously cold, clear water, whether they are dipping their toes in for the first time or launching their boat, kayak, or paddleboard for a daily outing.

Prescribed burns in Lake Tahoe ahead of next storm

Prescribed fire operations will continue around several areas around Lake Tahoe this week, weather permitting. he Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations in Sugar Pine Point and Burton Creek state parks on the West Shore, Carnelian Bay and Kings Beach on the North Shore, Logan Shoals on the East Shore and on Kingsbury Grade and off Ski Run Boulevard on the South Shore. Smoke may be present.

Smoke from large prescribed fire may come into Lake Tahoe Basin

The Eldorado National Forest will begin implementing the Power Fire Fuels Maintenance project 13,50 acres southwest of Lake Tahoe on April 4, ahead of the incoming storm.

Two portions of that project, units 4 and 6, will be prescribed burned. These units are south of Highway 88 between Bear River Reservoir and the Mokelumne River in the 2004 Power Fire burn scar. Due to wind flows, smoke from this fire may come into the Lake Tahoe basin starting Wednesday.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe Basin

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team has announced continued prescribed fire operations by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team at several locations in the Lake Tahoe Basin this week, weather and conditions permitting. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S.

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.

Pipe Keeper Training

Event Date: 
March 22, 2018 - 4:00pm

Pipe Keepers is a citizen science program to address the threat of stormwater pollution entering Lake Tahoe. Runoff from storms and snowmelt is the largest source of pollution that degrades Lake clarity. League staff will train you to survey local neighborhoods and collect stormwater samples during rain and snowmelt events.

Location

South Lake Tahoe
United States

Widespread prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around the Tahoe Basin, weather permitting. North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy and U.S.

Prescribed burns sending smoke into air around Lake Tahoe

Smoke from prescribed fire operations can be seen above South Lake Tahoe from points all around the lake.

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, has numerous locations around Lake Tahoe where they will be burning overgrown vegetation.

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

Syndicate content