August 2019 Conservancy Newsletter
We are deep into summer and Lake Tahoe remains full to its brim. High lake levels make for smaller beaches, and I want to thank our staff and crews for managing our lakefront properties during the always busy July Fourth holiday week. If your favorite Lake Tahoe beach fills up, you can always use the new tahoepublicbeaches.org website to find another lakefront gem.
On August 20, Senator Dianne Feinstein will host the 23rd Lake Tahoe Summit in South Lake Tahoe. Conservancy staff looks forward to engaging Governor Newsom and our state and federal leaders on the issues so critical to the health of the Lake Tahoe Basin, particularly adaptation to climate change, forest health and wildfire risk, aquatic invasive species, and sustainable communities.
Patrick Wright
Executive Director, California Tahoe Conservancy
Protecting Eroded Slopes on Conservancy Lakefront Property
At two of the Conservancy’s south shore lakefront properties, crews from California Conservation Corps and Tahoe Resource Conservation District are protecting steep slopes from further erosion after they collapsed due to high lake levels and extreme wave action. Their hard work sets the stage for major slope stabilization scheduled for this fall. Combined, these projects are protecting public safety and Lake Tahoe’s water quality.
Quiet July Fourth on Conservancy Lands
Hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive at Lake Tahoe for the July 4 holiday week. With conditions on Tahoe beaches strained by high lake levels, 13 Conservancy staff and Tahoe Resource Conservation District crew members patrolled the Conservancy’s most visited south shore lakefront properties. Staff reported peaceful conditions on Conservancy lands, with many families thanking them and the California Highway Patrol officers who provided law enforcement.
State of the Lake: Climate Change and Invasive Shrimp at Lake Tahoe
In its latest State of the Lake Report, scientists with the U.C. Davis –Tahoe Environmental Research Center highlight the impacts of climate change on Lake Tahoe, and the importance of exploring the removal of invasive Mysis shrimp as an ecological approach to restore lake clarity. The Conservancy has funded the U.C. Davis research on Mysis shrimp removal. Learn more.
Photo courtesy of UC Davis – Tahoe Environmental Research Center
Conservancy Hosts Community Meetings on Climate and Watershed Initiatives
Conservancy staff recently organized public meetings in which dozens of Lake Tahoe Basin community members engaged on a pair of major initiatives.
On June 27, staff hosted a public meeting to gather information for the Greater Upper Truckee River Watershed Synthesis, which will provide an inventory of existing programs and projects in the South Shore area; identify gaps and future opportunities; and establish a vision for a resilient landscape. The Synthesis will cover forestry, stream environment zones, storm water, recreation, transportation, wildlife, aquatic invasive species issues, and more.
On July 16, the Conservancy hosted a public meeting about adapting to climate change at Lake Tahoe. Conservancy staff and partners presented information developed for a Vulnerability Assessment for all natural resource topics—including Lake Tahoe and the Basin’s forests, fish, and wildlife—as well as the built environment and communities, including transportation, water, communications, and energy infrastructure, public health, recreation and cultural resources, and public safety. The Vulnerability Assessment will provide a foundation for the Conservancy and partners to develop the Climate Adaptation Action Plan later this year.
Conservancy Staff Grows
Collin Cabral
Forestry Aide
Collin Cabral joined the Conservancy as a seasonal Forestry Aide in July. Collin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Restoration and Natural Resource Management from San Jose State University. Prior to moving to the Lake Tahoe area, Collin had over a decade of customer service experience working at a hardware store.
Emma DiClementi
Forestry Aide
Emma DiClementi also joined the Conservancy as a seasonal Forestry Aide in July. Emma has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Northern Michigan University. She most recently worked as a member of the Tahoe Resource Conservation District restoration crew.
Upcoming California Tahoe Conservancy Board Meetings
The Conservancy Board will meet on August 21 at the California Conservation Corps Tahoe Center auditorium in Meyers, California. The agenda will be available ten days prior to the meeting. Learn more.
Lake Tahoe in the News
New website shows visitor and locals over 40 public beaches in the Tahoe Basin – South Tahoe Now, June 4, 2019
California Tahoe Conservancy launches 2019 Stakeholder Survey – Tahoe Daily Tribune, June 17, 2019
Conservancy votes to allow Oflying Water Control Project to move forward on their land – South Tahoe Now, June 22, 2019
Some South Lake Tahoe beaches to temporarily close due to high water levels – South Tahoe Now, June 24, 2019
Conservancy approves $500K to spend on Alta Mira project in South Lake Tahoe – South Tahoe Now, June 22, 2019
Conservancy to help improve Kings Beach Neighborhoods – South Tahoe Now, June 21, 2019
High water forces closure of some Lake Tahoe South Shore Beaches – Tahoe Daily Tribune, June 24, 2019
Big winter shrinks Tahoe Beaches – Tahoe Daily Tribune, June 28, 2019
Tahoe Conservancy to use asset hands to help improve neighborhoods – Sierra Sun, June 28,2019
Cycling icon Levi Leipheimer partners with “My Tahoe” license plate campaign – South Tahoe Now, July 4, 2019
New Bike Path to be built in Tahoe Vista – Tahoe Weekly, July 11, 2019
California Tahoe Conservancy hosting public meeting on climate change impacts at Lake Tahoe – Tahoe Daily Tribune, July 15, 2019
California Governor Newsom to Keynote Lake Tahoe Summit – Tahoe Daily Tribune, July 20, 2019
Placer County moves forward plans for another link in North Tahoe Trail – Sierra Sun, July 26, 2019
California Tahoe Conservancy evaluating land parcels in Meyers for possible future uses – Tahoe Daily Tribune, July 26, 2019