August 2023 Conservancy Newsletter
The 27th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit’s theme was “Protecting Lake Tahoe: Sustainability and Stewardship in the Face of the Climate Crisis.” Underlying that theme was the acknowledgment by all the speakers—from Washoe Tribe leaders to the congressional delegation—that we can best address this crisis by working together.
Reasons for hope include progress on our shared goals, and improved collaboration as we make plans for the future. Many speakers emphasized the importance of reauthorizing the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, past versions of which have been instrumental in advancing projects to protect and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin’s natural resources. If you missed it, you can watch the Summit online here.
Jason Vasques, Executive Director
California Tahoe Conservancy
Update on Progress towards Basin Forest Resilience Goals
The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team comprises 21 federal, tribal, state, and local partners—including the California Tahoe Conservancy. TFFT partners collaborate to reduce fuels in the wildland-urban interface and prepare communities for wildfire. A new update to the 2019 Lake Tahoe Basin Forest Action Plan shares progress on improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk.
Open Space Lots and Defensible Space at Lake Tahoe
The Conservancy manages thousands of open space lots at Lake Tahoe to protect forest habitat and water quality. This video shows how, with partners such as Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) and the California Conservation Corps, we aim to complement defensible space and home hardening, reducing wildfire risk.
NTPUD Unveils New Scenic Overlook and Recreation Enhancements at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area
Kudos to the North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) for rehabilitating the scenic overlook at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. Supported in part by a Conservancy grant, NTPUD’s improvements meet the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the scenic view and picnic area. NTPUD is also installing benches, picnic tables, interpretive signage, and has added public storage racks for kayaks and paddleboards.
Using State Lands to Support Basin Partners
The Conservancy often makes state lands available to Basin partners to implement projects that complement our mission and strategic plan goals. Current examples include projects in South Lake Tahoe to improve public access, restore natural resources, and meet community planning goals.
Under license agreements, the City of South Lake Tahoe has active projects underway on Conservancy lands, including installing new stormwater basins along 2nd Street and implementing the Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project. Projects like these help restore habitat and water quality and improve local trail connections.
The largest ever affordable housing project is under construction in South Lake Tahoe, using state land from the Conservancy. Sugar Pine Village will provide 248 affordable housing units.
Conservancy Staff Updates
Meet the Conservancy, Vol. 4
Next up in our video series in which we periodically highlight a Conservancy employee: Matt Whalen, Budget and Accounting Supervisor for the California Tahoe Conservancy. Matt and the rest of the Conservancy’s fiscal team play a role in every aspect of the agency’s programs and operations.
We're Hiring
Want to join a great team working to protect and restore a national treasure? The Conservancy has openings for a Forest Management Specialist, Tahoe Livable Communities Supervisor, and Office Administrator. Learn more about our career opportunities.
New Roles
Nick Meyer
Land Management Program Supervisor
Nick Meyer is now the Conservancy’s Land Management Program Supervisor, following several months serving in that role in an acting capacity. Nick oversees the Conservancy’s work to manage its nearly 4,700 properties, which total about 6,500 acres. Land Management staff and crews implement projects on Conservancy lands to restore resilience, protect water quality, provide public access, maintain facilities, improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and resolve encroachments. Nick has been with the Conservancy Land Management Program since 2012. Before joining the Conservancy staff, he helped lead field crews with Tahoe RCD and served as the Upper Truckee Marsh Land Steward. Nick earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Northern Arizona University.
Jeff McFarland
Wildlife Biologist
Jeff McFarland has joined the Landscape Resilience Program as the Conservancy’s new Wildlife Biologist. In this role, Jeff will monitor wildlife populations throughout Conservancy lands, ensuring that land management activities support healthy wildlife populations and promote biodiversity. Jeff previously worked for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, studying biodiversity in the Northern Sierra Nevada and assessing special-status species populations throughout California. Jeff graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation and Biology.
Special Thanks
Sara Ray
The Conservancy has appreciated having the support of Sara Ray this summer. Sara is staffing our front desk, making her the first person the public encounters when people visit the office or call our main line. She is also helping our staff coordinate responses when community members report issues on Conservancy lands. Thanks for all the help, Sara!
Upcoming California Tahoe Conservancy Board Meetings
The California Tahoe Conservancy Board will meet on September 20-21, 2023. An agenda will be available on the Conservancy website ten days prior to the meeting.
Lake Tahoe in the News
27th annual Lake Tahoe Summit hosted at Kings Beach State Recreation Area, keynote speaker Nancy Pelosi looks to the future of the basin, Sierra Sun, August 11, 2023
Washoe Tribe among delegation pledging continued protection at annual Lake Tahoe Summit, Carson Now, August 13, 2023
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.