tahoe regional planning
Column: Lake Tahoe Summit-recommitting to collaboration
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/19/2018 - 1:04pmNearly 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).
Bike challenge week riders pedal 11,215 miles and save $2,493 in gas purchases
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/09/2018 - 1:59pmDuring the first two weeks of June, participants in the 13th annual Lake Tahoe Bike Challenge traveled 11,215 miles on foot or on bicycle, burning an estimated 482,245 calories and preventing an estimated 12,105 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and $2,493 in gasoline purchases.
Organized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, the basin-wide Bike Challenge is a friendly competition to see what individuals and teams can rack up the most trips and miles by biking, walking, or taking transit instead of driving cars.
Bus service faces drastic change in South Lake Tahoe; Public meeting Friday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/09/2018 - 8:27amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Public comment closes this week on plans released by the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) that address issues the agency is facing to be sustainable. Major changes are in store for riders.
Four plans were created as bus service cannot continue as it currently is due to several factors, including the cost of fleet replacement and improvement, funding availability and forecasted funds, regulatory compliance, and keeping and attracting drivers and staff.
New plan for State Route 89 being developed to alleviate traffic, improve access
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/07/2018 - 9:30amA collaboration of 17 agencies and organizations are working on what is being called the 'SR 89 Recreation Management Plan,' which covers the stretch from 15th street in South Lake Tahoe to the Placer County line at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Along the plan area are popular areas to view scenery, hike, bike and visit beaches along a 12 mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline. Some residential neighborhoods also rest along this area.
Chariot microtransit system arrives in South lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/06/2018 - 2:26pmSOUTH 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.
El Dorado Beach in South Lake Tahoe another victim of erosion; Beach closed
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/28/2018 - 5:11pmErosion from a high water level in Lake Tahoe has prompted closure of El Dorado Beach at Lakeview Commons in South Lake Tahoe.
Old motel project in Kings Beach Town Center gets needed development rights
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/22/2018 - 1:57pmAn old, closed motel in the Kings Beach Town Center will be transformed into condominiums after the California Tahoe Conservancy Board yesterday approved the sale and transfer of up to two residential development rights (RDRs) needed for the project.
Located on Beach Street and State Route 28, the transfer will facilitate the Woodvista Redevelopment Project which will create seven units in three buildings, including 2 two-story triplex residential structures. They already had five of the needed RDRs.
Each RDR goes for $5,000.
Column: Drought, extreme winter reduce Tahoe’s clarity, but restoration remains on track
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/21/2018 - 9:03pmLake 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.
New issue of Tahoe In Depth now available
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 12:10pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has published the summer 2018 edition of Tahoe In Depth. The award-winning newspaper, in its sixth year of publication, strives to provide residents, visitors, and policymakers with information about protecting, enjoying, and exploring the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The summer 2018 edition includes a special report on 10 years of fighting aquatic invasive species at Lake Tahoe, as well as the 10th anniversary of the watercraft inspection program that has successfully prevented any new introductions of aquatic invasive species over the last decade.
Famous clarity of Lake Tahoe sharply drops
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/13/2018 - 6:26pmThe 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.
Linking Tahoe website aims to help relieve traffic congestion
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 11:26amA new website launched by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), and visitor organizations provides a hub of easy-to-access information about a wide range of travel options in the Tahoe Basin.
The goal of www.LinkingTahoe.com is to increase public awareness of travel options for people to get to, from, and around the Tahoe Basin and encourage more people to walk, bike, use transit, take water shuttles, and choose off-peak times to drive to better manage congestion on the region’s roads.
TRPA tree service workshop
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/01/2018 - 1:13pmEvent Date:
June 12, 2018 - 9:00am
STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is offering a tree service workshop from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 12 at the agency’s office in Stateline, 128 Market Street. Topics for the workshop will include:
A presentation on how to use TRPA’s online tree removal application tool by Linda Allen, IT systems analyst for TRPA;
An overview of TRPA’s tree removal rules and regulations by Bruce Barr, forester for TRPA;
Lake Spirit Awards celebrate dedication to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 8:14pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) recognized four people for their commitment to protecting and enhancing Lake Tahoe’s environment with Lake Spirit Awards on Wednesday.
People whose passions include building new paths and trails led the way in nominations this year, with improving mountain biking routes, creating new multi-use paths, and advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety among the interests of the award winners.
Save a bear - be smart about food storage/trash disposal in the outdoors
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/21/2018 - 9:56pmSeveral Lake Tahoe agencies have joined together to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal at all times while in bear country. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears can result in the bear being killed, fines and/or jail time for violators. Every year law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat and/or are damaging property. In some cases, the animals are euthanized.
Become part of the solution and help save our Tahoe bears!
Camp Richardson light to remain "off line" indefinitely
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 12:40pmCAMP RICHARDSON, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After meeting with partner agencies, Caltrans has decided to discontinue the use of the pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing device on State Route 89 in Camp Richardson indefinitely.
In an effort to make for safe pedestrian passage across the highway and to manage traffic through the State Highway 89 corridor, Caltrans installed the beacons in 2016 but they were often confusing to drivers with its yellow and red light system.
Remembering Bill Morgan
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/15/2018 - 9:25amWe at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency are mourning the passing of Bill Morgan. In the pantheon of people who have contributed mightily to the agency’s success, Bill is in the top tier. He was executive director from April 1, 1985 to September 30, 1989, one of the most tumultuous times for TRPA. There is a high likelihood that there would be no TRPA if Bill had not been at the helm and found ways to bring disparate parties together.
Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 10:51pmThere 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
Tahoe Shoreline Plan released; Decade-long moratoriums could be lifted
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/08/2018 - 1:48pmLAKE 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.
Fanny Bridge/SR-89 project in full swing, expect delays in Tahoe City
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/07/2018 - 3:11pmWork resumed May 1 on the SR 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project in Tahoe City, a project that will bring a new Truckee River Bridge, three roundabouts, and street improvements including lights and sidewalks.
The old Fanny Bridge will be replaced with one that has a new bridge rail that matches the original bridge rail, plus there will now be sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides.
Lake Tahoe area boat inspection stations opening for 2018 season
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/30/2018 - 11:56amThe successful Lake Tahoe roadside boat inspection stations are reopening for the 2018 boating season. The fight against aquatic invasive species (AIS) has gone on for the last ten years, and officials say a large part of their success in keeping the lake clear are the stations located around the lake.
Since 2018, Tahoe Resource Conservation District (RCD) inspectors have performed over 70,000 vessel inspections, decontaminated 32,576 of them using hot water, and have found hundreds of vessels containing foreign species such as mussels, snails and plant material.
TRPA enacts transitional shorezone permitting process
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/26/2018 - 12:01pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday approved a temporary, transitional shorezone permitting process that will take effect in May and remain in place until January 2019 as the agency works to develop and adopt an updated Shoreline Plan this fall.
Fire at TRPA building sends one to burn unit at UC Davis
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 5:16pmSTATELINE, Nev. - A man was severely burned Wednesday afternoon as he worked on a vehicle in a leased space on the bottom floor of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) building off of Kingsbury Grade.
There was an initial explosion which caused the fire. The unidentified man suffered serious burns to his head, face and arms. He was flown to the UC Davis Burn Center.
The cause is still under investigation for the afternoon incident, but fire officials do know that the man was working on a fueled vehicle. He was able to get out of the building on his own.
Road to a solution for traffic jams as cars leave South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/22/2018 - 10:11pmThere are several reasons, as well as ideas for a solution, surrounding the traffic jams in Meyers that occur on many Sundays and holidays as vehicles leave the South Lake Tahoe area.
El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel held another town hall meeting about traffic with almost 30 people at the Lake Tahoe Environmental Magnet School this week. She brought along El Dorado County transportation staff and was joined by the California Highway Patrol.
Tahoe Fund expands advisory board
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 10:56pmThe Tahoe Fund has expanded its Advisory Council to include the Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Jeff Marsolais, and the Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Joanne Marchetta. Marsolais and Marchetta add federal and regional agency representation to the council that already includes Patrick Wright, Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy and Jim Lawrence, Deputy Director of Nevada’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Column: Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan on track
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 5:10pmLake 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.
Collaboration key to keeping all sides happy with SnowGlobe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/03/2018 - 11:02pm"This is what our community is all about, true collaboration," said Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis during Tuesday's Council meeting. "I want to thank all of you for working with us and finding solutions."
Chad Donnelly, the CEO of SnowGlobe Music Festival, the City of South Lake Tahoe and members of the No Globe Alliance spent the month of march working together to address concerns about the three-day music festival held annually in South Lake Tahoe.
Business Expo fills with 85 vendors - Early bird tickets still available
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 11:28pmA wide variety of local businesses will fill Harveys Tahoe on Friday, March 30 for the 2018 GO Local: Business EXPO from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This annual event is a community favorite that aims to showcase the most cutting-edge businesses on the South Shore. This year 85 exhibitors will feature their latest and greatest products, services and promotions. All members of the community are encouraged to attend and can expect a fun night of food tasting, beer and wine sampling, live music and vendor giveaways.
Column: Working together for a healthier Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 3:13pmEarth 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.
Poker Run for those with electric vehicles at Tahoe Truckee Earth Day
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/22/2018 - 1:13pmDrive an electric vehicle? All drivers are invited to celebrate Tahoe Truckee Earth Day with a poker run scenic cruise around Lake Tahoe on Saturday, April 21, 2018.
Online tools now available through TRPA for Tahoe property information
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/21/2018 - 11:57amWith another building and construction season approaching, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is launching a new Parcel Tracker available online to the public. Part of the Lake Tahoe Info portal, the Parcel Tracker provides a wide range of information for property owners and people considering buying or investing in property at Lake Tahoe.
Conservancy approves funding for ED raise and several projects
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/15/2018 - 11:24pmDuring 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.
Meyers Area Plan approved by TRPA, on to County Supervisors
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/01/2018 - 12:39amThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday unanimously approved El Dorado County’s Meyers Area Plan, the fifth local area plan approved at Lake Tahoe to implement the 2012 Regional Plan.
SLT Parks & Recreation Commission opposes events on local fields
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/24/2018 - 8:00amWith the March 6 South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting set to address the annual music festival SnowGlobe, the Parks & Recreation Commission held a special meeting to decide what their stance would be on the festival being held on the Community Playfields.
The new playfields have never had a soccer or football game played on them, but they are in need of a lot of repair after SnowGlobe unpacked and left after their Dec. 29-31 event.
Best in the Basin nominations being accepted by TRPA
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/23/2018 - 6:10pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is accepting project nominations for its annual Best in Basin awards program through Saturday, March 31.
TRPA created the awards program as a way to recognize projects that demonstrate exceptional planning and design and compatibility with Lake Tahoe’s environment and communities.
Column: Making progress on Tahoe’s housing shortage
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/22/2018 - 6:30pmLike many communities across the country, the Tahoe Basin is facing an affordable housing crisis. The high cost to buy or rent a home is simply unaffordable for most Tahoe residents. It’s a problem for people of many economic backgrounds, including middle-income teachers, nurses, police, and firefighters.
TRPA Accepting Lake Spirit Award Nominations
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/21/2018 - 9:51pmDo you know someone who loves Lake Tahoe and strives to protect it every day? Would you like to see their dedication recognized? Now’s your chance.
The 2018 Lake Spirit Awards recognize real people making real progress in conserving Lake Tahoe’s unique natural environment and are now open for nominations. The awards honor those committed to a spirit of cooperation and protecting Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe home recently seen on "The Bachelor" for sale
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/12/2018 - 11:09pmIf you caught the January 22, 2018 episode of The Bachelor that showed bachelor Arie Luyendyk, Jr. in many scenic spots around South Lake Tahoe you most likely saw the home the show's contestants, the bachelorettes, stayed in while in town.
That 17,000 square foot house on Sherman Way is now for sale with a price tag of $15,880,000. It has 17 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms, five fire places, a swimming pool, high end features and appliances, and amazing views.
Safety along Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe analyzed
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/07/2018 - 10:53pmHighway 50 through South Lake Tahoe serves a lot of functions, from a local road for commuters both on bicycles and in cars, to a major highway to transport visitors through the city.
City Council to vote on finalizing $250,000 from SnowGlobe organizer for fields
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/05/2018 - 4:30pmAs part of his agreement with the City of South Lake Tahoe to hold SnowGlobe on the new Community Play Fields, organizer Chad Donnelly guaranteed $250,000 to fix and/or replace the fields should they be damaged by the three-day festival December 29-31.
SNC student's project brings new shed to Bijou Bike Park
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/24/2018 - 1:00amNot all college seniors know what they'll be doing the day after they graduate, but Weston Park does.
The 23-year-old Sierra Nevada College student is majoring in sustainability with a focus on entrepreneurship. When he graduates in May he is committed to Tahoe Shed Company of South Lake Tahoe.
He has already hit the road running.
For Park's senior project he teamed up with Bret Hackett, owner of green builder Healthy Home Consultants and Tahoe Shed Company, to bring a new and secure shed to Bijou Bike Park.
Column: Marking five years of progress on regional plan
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/17/2018 - 12:17pmConserving 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.
67% of homes in Stateline have elevated levels of Radon, learn more at presentation
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/16/2018 - 1:20pmJanuary is National Radon Action Month, and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Radon Education Program is offering educational presentations and free radon test kits across the State of Nevada.
One presentation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) offices in Stateline, 128 Market St. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has partnered with the California Radon Program, so free radon test kits will be available at the event for residents of both states.
Operation Sierra Storm returns to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/12/2018 - 9:43amEvent Date:
January 23, 2018 - 8:00am
A leading national weather conference, Operation Sierra Storm (OSS), returns to the South Shore January 21-24 and locals are invited to attend a morning of their presentations. OSS brings together national weather broadcasters and journalists, prominent scientists and experts.
Are extreme weather events linked to global warming? How do weather broadcasters decide what is aired?
Public input sought on new Tahoe South Events Center
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/05/2018 - 10:56pmCould there soon be a publicly-owned events center on the corner of Highway 50 and Lake Parkway on the MontBleu parking lot in Stateline, Nevada?
The plan to build the 88,420 square foot Tahoe South Events Center is now in the scoping stage where the public can weigh in and provide comments on the Tahoe Douglas Visitor's Authority (TDVA) proposal to construct the assembly, event and entertainment venue.
Meyers Area Plan topic of three upcoming meetings
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/04/2018 - 1:43pmMeyers, the commercial, public services, and recreation hub of unincorporated El Dorado County at the South Shore may soon have a new area plan and there are three upcoming public meetings on the plan. It could be adopted at the third meeting, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board meeting on February 28.
Change in permitting process for Washoe County projects in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 3:17pmWashoe County, Nevada and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) are continuing to work together to streamline project permitting for their customers, and have announced a change in the permitting process for projects in the Washoe County portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Opinion: Working together on traffic and parking at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 5:00pmThe rural mountain lifestyle we all enjoy at Lake Tahoe is not isolated from the major urban areas nearby. On a typical holiday weekend, the Tahoe Basin turns into a recreation thoroughfare as tens of thousands of day and overnight visitors who sustain our local economy drive up from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Reno.
2017 Tahoe in Depth issue covers multiple Lake Tahoe challenges and actions
Submitted by paula on Sun, 12/10/2017 - 9:46pmFor 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/.
Public comment sought for next phase of Stateline-Stateline bikeway
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/25/2017 - 11:16pmPlans for the next phase of a multi-agency project to connect North Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe along State Route 28 with a Class 1 shared-use pathway are underway, and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management is seeking public input.
Column: Conservation partnerships are an opportunity to bridge divides
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/24/2017 - 1:17amNearly 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.