April 2021 Conservancy Newsletter
Spring at Lake Tahoe can be full of sunshine and wildflowers emerging. Sometimes it can also bring a few more feet of snow. Across the west, drought conditions are returning, and wildfire concerns are rising. We will hope for the snow but prepare for another busy field season, especially when it comes to forest management and wildfire prevention. We are excited to apply the emergency wildfire funding approved by the legislature and Governor Newsom earlier this week. This funding, along with funds provided in the Governor’s proposed budget, will allow the Conservancy to double the acres of forest treated on Conservancy land.
Next week we celebrate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Conservancy staff will participate in California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot’s Earth Week Speaker Series, discussing the role for state conservancies in advancing resilience at the regional scale. We look forward to sharing our work, ranging from how we manage our recreation sites to provide people an opportunity to recharge and connect to nature, to our role in the 2.4-million-acre Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative.
Jane Freeman
Acting Executive Director, California Tahoe Conservancy
Framework for Resilience – Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative
The Conservancy and its Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative (TCSI) partners are proud to release the TCSI Framework for Resilience. This new tool will help land managers and their partners assess landscape conditions, set objectives, design projects, and measure progress towards social-ecological resilience. State, federal, and non-governmental partners developed the Framework for the 2.4-million-acre TCSI landscape – but restoration teams could easily apply the same framework to fire-adapted landscapes across California and beyond.
Earth Week Events – Natural Resources Virtual Speaker Series
April 22 marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. This year, we celebrate the resilience of our communities and natural places amidst an unprecedented global pandemic. As we look to brighter days ahead, this Earth Day we explore how to protect our people and planet together. Please join the California Natural Resources Agency for a series of Earth Day 2021 virtual events and activities.
- Monday, April 19 I 12:30-1:30 PM: Pacific Crest Trail to Planet
Join California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot and California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Jared Blumenfeld as they reflect together on the last year and draw inspiration from their experiences in nature. - Tuesday, April 20 I 12:30-1:30 PM: State Conservancies 101
Learn how our state conservancies and the Wildlife Conservation Board work to protect and expand access to California’s natural treasures. Jane Freeman, Acting Executive Director for the California Tahoe Conservancy will join a panel of fellow state conservancy leaders. - Wednesday, April 21 I 12:30-1:30 PM: State Conservancies Fast Forward
Hear from emerging leaders, including the California Tahoe Conservancy’s own Whitney Brennan, on where environmental conservation in California is headed. - Thursday, April 22: Day of Action!
Share how you are celebrating Earth Day and tag @calnatresources on Twitter. Need ideas? Visit: resources.ca.gov/earthday2021. - 3:00 PM : It’s in our Nature
Join a discussion on nature’s emerging role in combatting climate change and protecting people. - Friday, April 23 I 12:30-1:30 PM: The Science Exchange
Find out how ground-breaking ocean research is protecting California’s coastal environment.
Van Sickle Bi-State Park to Reopen Gates on May 1
The road to day use facilities at Van Sickle Bi-State Park reopens on May 1, concluding the annual winter closure. As always, the Conservancy encourages visitors staying in the Stateline area to take advantage of the easy walk to the park, leaving their cars behind. The Conservancy will also reopen parking at the recently restored Tahoe Pines recreation site in Meyers.
Community Firewood Program
The Conservancy will continue offering free firewood-gathering permits through its Community Firewood Program. Download permits and view a map of firewood locations at tahoe.ca.gov/fuelwood-permit.
Peregrine Falcons Return to Eagle Rock
Conservancy staff recently confirmed that Eagle Rock’s resident peregrine falcons have returned and are again nesting on the cliffs. While hikers remain welcome at the popular west shore hiking destination, the Conservancy has posted signs asking visitors to avoid rock climbing or flying drones in the area, which can disturb the falcons.
Employment Opportunity: Environmental Planner
The Conservancy has an opening for an Environmental Planner in its Tahoe Livable Communities (TLC) program. The TLC program protects and restores the Lake Tahoe Basin by removing development from environmentally sensitive lands and helping to revitalize the Basin’s town centers. Want to join this exciting team? Applications are due by April 23.
Conservancy Staff Updates
Farewell
Dorian Fougères
The Conservancy says farewell to Acting Deputy Director Dorian Fougères at the end of April. Dorian joined the staff in 2018 to lead the Conservancy’s Natural Resources division, overseeing programs on land management, forest resilience and wildfire prevention, watershed protection, public access and recreation, and climate change adaptation. He also drew upon his experience in facilitation and mediation to take a lead role in developing the Conservancy’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. In summer 2020, following leadership adjustments related to the State of California’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dorian stepped up to fill the role of the Conservancy’s Acting Deputy Director. We wish Dorian the best in his new adventures ahead.
Upcoming California Tahoe Conservancy Board Meetings
The California Tahoe Conservancy Board will meet on April 21, 2021. This meeting will take place virtually, with a teleconference option, to protect the health of Board members, staff, and the public. The agenda is available on the Conservancy website.
Lake Tahoe in the News
Tahoe fire agencies working to burn hazardous fuels around basin – Tahoe Daily Tribune, March 21, 2021
Tahoe Conservancy commits $1.4 million to forest health projects – Tahoe Daily Tribune, March 19, 2021
Put Your License Plate Fees to Work for Tahoe
Show off your love and support of protecting Lake Tahoe by ordering your California Lake Tahoe license plate. 96 percent of the fees generated from license plate sales come back to Lake Tahoe, resulting in more hiking and biking trails as well as water quality and restoration projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. New Tahoe license plate fees benefiting the Tahoe Basin are $50. The annual renewal fee is $40. Personalized plates are also available for additional fees.
