April 2025 Conservancy Newsletter
Published: Apr 18, 2025
As spring continues, California Tahoe Conservancy staff is gearing up for planning and projects on Conservancy land. While field operations proceed year-round across much of California, at Tahoe we must adjust for snowmelt, nesting birds, and other factors, resulting in a short but action-packed field season.
Forest and wildfire resilience remain top of mind. We welcome Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclamation of a state of emergency to fast-track critical wildfire prevention projects statewide (see below). The Governor is also working with the Legislature to fast-track wildfire funding for Lake Tahoe. We look forward to working with Basin partners on projects to protect Tahoe communities and natural resources.
This month, we have multiple opportunities for you to have a say in Tahoe projects and programs, such as the Upper Truckee Marsh South project and Tahoe for All grants program. Looking ahead to Public Service Recognition Week at the beginning of May, we also offer another video profile of a Conservancy employee: administrative coordinator Steve Byrne.
Finally, with Earth Day just around the corner, see below for opportunities to join a celebration near you.
-California Tahoe Conservancy
Fast-Tracking Wildfire Safety Projects and Expanding Beneficial Fire
Last month, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to expedite projects that will protect California communities from catastrophic wildfire. The proclamation includes streamlining environmental regulations, allowing non-state entities to conduct approved fuels reduction work with expedited and streamlined approval, measures to increase the pace and scale of prescribed fire, and more. Earlier this month, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot hosted a virtual briefing on what the proclamation means for projects and programs to improve wildfire resilience across the state. Learn more.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Share your ideas: Upper Truckee Marsh South Project
We want your ideas for restoration and public access improvements at the south end of the Upper Truckee Marsh, including the site of the former Motel 6.
The Upper Truckee River flows through the center of the City of South Lake Tahoe. Much of the river’s floodplain has been developed and paved over since the 1940s. The California Tahoe Conservancy—with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, as well as federal, state, and local partners—is developing the Upper Truckee Marsh South project.
We want to hear from you. This project presents an opportunity to benefit the community, enhance connections, and restore an extraordinary natural resource for all to enjoy.
Take the survey to share your input for the future of this area.
Check out a story map about the Upper Truckee Marsh South area.
Take a Survey on Lake Tahoe’s Environment
We invite you to share your thoughts in a brief survey about the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) and the collaborative efforts underway to restore and enhance Lake Tahoe’s environment.
Take the survey. Your input will help Lake Tahoe Basin partners better connect with the public, increase awareness, and strengthen support for environmental restoration.
Seeking Input: Tahoe for All Grant Program
The California Tahoe Conservancy seeks your input on a new recreation and public access grant program. The Tahoe for All Grant Program will support programs and projects providing positive and inclusive outdoor experiences in the Lake Tahoe Basin for communities facing barriers to accessing the outdoors at Tahoe.
Share your feedback on the proposed Tahoe for All program goals, grant eligibility, and funding priorities by May 5, 2025.
- Review the Draft Tahoe for All Grant Program Description.
- Send your questions, comments, and feedback to tahoeforall@tahoe.ca.gov.
All photographs courtesy of Adventure Risk Challenge.
TRPA Seeks Public Comment on Connections 2050
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has released Connections 2050, the draft update to the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The plan outlines a vision for a comprehensive transportation system that will preserve Tahoe’s environment, reduce congestion, and improve safety over the next 25 years. You can review Connections 2050: Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy at trpa.gov/rtp2050. TRPA will accept public comments through May 23. The agency has also scheduled public meetings. Learn more.
Earth Week 2025
Earth Day is April 22, and celebrations will take place all week long throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and across California. The Conservancy looks forward to joining residents and visitors at South Tahoe Earth Day on Saturday, April 19 at Lake Tahoe Community College. Learn more about Tahoe Earth Day activities at the Take Care Tahoe website. The Washoe Environmental Protection Department’s Earth Day celebration is on May 3. Our state partners under the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) are also hosting many events online and statewide – learn more here.
Natural Resources Agency Launches the Trailblazer and Outdoors for All Logo!
California has a new Outdoors for All newsletter dubbed The Trailblazer and logo! These new tools will help CNRA and its departments, conservancies, and partners chart their progress and continue building an Outdoors for All.
This initiative is expanding parks and outdoors spaces in communities that need them the most, supporting programs to connect people who lack access, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians outdoors, and much more.
Why is it important for people to connect to nature?
- Connecting people to nature is critical for our physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
- Outdoor spaces help communities adapt to climate change by serving as a refuge from extreme heat, filtering polluted water that runs off roads after it rains, and storing carbon dioxide in trees.
- When designed with ecosystem health in mind, parks and other outdoor spaces can be good for wildlife and biodiversity, too, providing places for plants and animals to thrive.
- Finally, outdoor recreation is a reliably powerful economic engine for the state. California is home to the nation’s largest, active outdoor-industry economy.
Meet the Conservancy: Steve Byrne
Meet Steve Byrne, an administrator coordinator for the Conservancy. Steve is a jack of all trades, supporting Conservancy executives, coordinating our Board meetings, managing the Conservancy fleet, and much more. On early winter mornings, you can usually find Steve backcountry skiing before work. Watch the video to hear what it means for Steve to help protect the natural landscape where he lives.
Upcoming California Tahoe Conservancy Board Meetings
The Board will meet on June 12, 2025. An agenda will be available on the Conservancy website ten days prior to the meeting.
Lake Tahoe in the News
Tahoe Fund meets campaign goal to help Tahoe Conservancy demolish former Motel 6 – South Tahoe Now, April 8
April is Citizen Science Month: Help Protect Lake Tahoe – Tahoe Daily Tribune, April 11
Governor Newsom signs legislation investing additional $170 million to prevent catastrophic wildfires, issues executive order to fast-track projects – Governor’s Office, April 14
Show Your Love for Tahoe While Protecting It
When you order a California Lake Tahoe license plate, you help build biking and hiking trails, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and protect Lake Tahoe’s famous beaches and blue waters. 96 percent of all funds from Tahoe plate sales come back to Lake Tahoe.
Show Your Love for Tahoe While Protecting It
When you order a California Lake Tahoe license plate, you help build biking and hiking trails, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and protect Lake Tahoe’s famous beaches and blue waters. 96 percent of all funds from Tahoe plate sales come back to Lake Tahoe.