At over 1300 acres, the Upper Truckee Marsh was historically the largest wetland in the Sierra Nevada. Despite substantial development, the remaining Marsh still comprises the largest wetland in the Tahoe Basin and the only significant conservation area on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. The Conservancy has acquired over 600 acres to protect the existing ecological values of the site and to restore the natural processes and functions of the river and associated wetlands.
Restoration Opportunities
The Upper Truckee River drains the largest watershed in the LakeTahoe Basin. The watershed however, has been substantially altered by land practices during the past 150 years. These human influences have resulted in reduced habitat quality for plant, wildlife, and fish species within the watershed. Physical changes to the river have affected the river’s stability increased sediment and nutrient loads discharging into Lake Tahoe, which contribute to the declining clarity of the Lake. Restoration of natural functions to this critical piece of land will help ensure that the water quality of Lake Tahoe is improved and protected.
Approach
Four restoration alternatives have been developed through technical analysis, agency review and community input. The alternatives apply various methods to reconnect the river with the Marsh and will allow for more natural ecological function. The alterantives include:
• reactivating historic channels
• constructing a new sinuous channel
• narrowing and aggrading the existing channel
• creating inset floodplains
The alternatives also include removing fill to recreate lagoon areas and redirecting public use away from sensitive areas. The project will benefit water quality and multiple special status species.
Next Steps
Each of the four alternatives has been developed to a level that allows full environmental review. These alternatives will be reviewed by regulatoryu agenceis and the science community. Public comment is also encouraged. Pending available funding and Conservancy board approval, the multi-year project will proceed to construction as early as 2015.