Tahoe Area Group April 2023 eNewsletter

April 6, 2023

April 6, 2023

Dear Friend,

Spring is finally here and so is all of this snow! But we're not going to let massive amounts of snow stop us from all of the important work we have to do in the Tahoe Basin. We're happy to share the comment letters we submitted for the Burke Creek Restoration Project and the Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy, we're seeking volunteers for Earth Day celebrations, keeping an eye on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the NV Energy Resilience Corridors Project, and the Tahoe Keys Weeds Project, and we encourage you to follow us on social media to stay up to date on all we do, while we do it. And of course, we wouldn't be able to do any of this without your support. Thanks for all you do!

Our Concerns on the Burke Creek Restoration Project

This project, involving (a) over 600 cubic yards of cut and fill to recreate Burke Creek at its outlet to Lake Tahoe and (b) plans to transplant state endangered Tahoe Yellow Cress, should not be approved with a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Protection Act. Both of these planned activities, as well as others, could have potentially significant impacts, which would require, at a minimum, an Environmental Assessment. Read the full comment letter...

Earth Day Celebrations - Seeking Volunteers

We will be tabling at Earth Day celebrations at both ends of the lake, and we could use your help. Join us at one or both of the celebrations and help us spread the word about who we are and all that we do!

April 15: Village at Palisades
April 22: South Lake Tahoe

Please email grace@sierranevadaalliance.org if you're able to join us or to learn more!

The Future of Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has been increasing density, coverage, and height (by lessening restrictions on each) in “Town Centers” to allow for “affordable housing.” However, what is being approved is not affordable; luxury condominiums are being allowed instead. Several groups, including Tahoe Area Group, are raising concerns about TRPA not performing its duty under the Bi-State Compact to protect the environment of Lake Tahoe, and are instead selling off Tahoe to the highest bidder. Read more...

Our Comment Letter on the Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy

We are concerned about the potential for environmental impacts from the proposed near-term 11% increase in trail miles in the Basin combined with further unspecified increases in the next 20 years. The increase in trails will bring an increase in numbers of people to the Basin at a time when it is already at maximum carrying capacity and Lake Tahoe’s water quality is suffering because of it. Read the full comment letter...

A Glimpse Behind the NV Energy Resilience Corridors Project

Watching the progression of the NV Energy Resilience Corridors Project we were very concerned with the excessive removal of trees during October 2022. To learn more about the agreement behind, and scope of the project, we requested the contract between NV Energy and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Requested in December of 2022, the contract was just received at the end of March 2023. Read more...

Keeping an Eye on the Tahoe Keys Weeds Project

The Annual Report on the first year of herbicide and testing was due last month. We requested and received a copy of the report. There will be a presentation to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's Governing Board in May. Our lawsuit against Lahontan Water Board continues and we're expecting the full Administrative Record shortly. The next two years (2023 and 2024) of the "Control Methods Test" will involve non-chemical methods for weed control, though we are concerned about the extent of testing now that the herbicides have been used. We will continue to monitor and report on the project.

Stay Up to Date on Our Work as We Do It

Receiving this quarterly eNewsletter is a wonderful way to stay up to date on everything the Sierra Club Tahoe Area Group is doing for the Tahoe Basin. There's a lot that happens during the three months between our quarterly editions. Follow us on social media and keep abreast of all we're doing as we do it!

Wildflower Walk and Talk

Don't miss out! We are looking forward to celebrating Spring, even if it might come a little later this year. We invite you to join the Sierra Nevada Alliance and the Sierra Club – Mother Lode Chapter as we bring Molly Ferry, Plant Ecologist, to share her vast knowledge of wildflowers in the Sierra Nevada. More information and registration here...

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