February 2025 Conservancy Newsletter
Last month, catastrophic wildfires burned through Southern California communities. Many of our fellow state agencies continue to contribute to recovery efforts. Closer to home, Lake Tahoe fire chiefs have shared their priorities for wildfire resilience (below). The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) collaborates closely with fire agencies, land managers, and other partners on work to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.
As we get closer to the 2025 field season, Conservancy staff is preparing to put funds from Proposition 4 to work at Lake Tahoe. Prop. 4 funds will support work by the Conservancy and our partners to improve wildfire and forest resilience, and to protect biodiversity and accelerate nature-based climate solutions in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Jason Vasques, Executive Director
California Tahoe Conservancy
Lake Tahoe Fire Chiefs Emphasize Home Hardening and Fuels Reduction to Decrease Wildfire Risk
Photo: A firefighter conducts a home hardening and defensible space inspection for a residence at Lake Tahoe.
“Lake Tahoe Basin fire chiefs and executives recently met and discussed the devastation in Southern California. These fires serve as a stark reminder of the power of wind-driven embers and their ability to ignite homes, leading to catastrophic urban conflagrations. These events underscore the urgent need to prioritize home hardening and community-wide efforts to reduce wildfire risk.” – Lake Tahoe Fire Chiefs
Read the full announcement from the Lake Tahoe Fire & Fuels team to learn more.
Employment Opportunities with the Conservancy & Partners
Scientific Aide | Breeding Bird Specialist (Seasonal) | Conservancy
The Conservancy is hiring a seasonal scientific aide to conduct nesting bird surveys and assist with other wildlife monitoring and survey efforts. This position is open until filled. Apply by March 4 to be considered for the first round of interviews. This seasonal position runs from late spring through late summer.
Learn more at tahoe.ca.gov/jobs.
Outreach and Communications Specialist | Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative
The Great Basin Institute is hiring a Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative (TCSI) Outreach and Communications Specialist to engage partners, Tribes, and communities in advancing forest health and resilience across a 2.4-million-acre landscape. This role includes leading outreach efforts, managing communications such as a quarterly newsletter and the TCSI website, and organizing events such as workshops and field tours.
Learn more and apply here
Seasonal Crews | Tahoe Resource Conservation District
Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) is hiring multiple positions for its 2025 field crews. Seasonal Tahoe RCD crews help maintain Conservancy properties. Crews implement projects on Conservancy land to improve forest health and wildfire resilience, enhance wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and improve public access and recreational opportunities.
Learn more about these positions
North Tahoe Fire Protection District Makes Progress on Wildfire Resilience at Carnelian Bay
Photo by Katelyn Welsh, Tahoe Daily Tribune
Funded in part by a Conservancy grant, the North Tahoe Fire Protection District is improving wildfire resilience on forested land in the Carnelian Bay area of Placer County. Located within the wildland-urban interface, where neighborhoods meet the forest, this work improves forest health and reduces wildfire risk for community members. Learn more in this Sierra Sun article.
Peer-Reviewed Update on Environmental Progress at Lake Tahoe
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has released the latest report on environmental progress at Lake Tahoe. For the 2023 Draft Threshold Evaluation, the TRPA has compiled data, research, and monitoring from 2020 to 2023 on more than 100 environmental threshold standards. The TRPA conducts a comprehensive evaluation of environmental standards every four years to help assess the progress of science-based policies in protecting and restoring Lake Tahoe. Coordinated by the Tahoe Science Advisory Council, scientists conducted an independent peer review of the report. Key takeaways from the report show that most standards are in attainment and many are improving, due in large part to the work of Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program partners.
Read the Threshold Evaluation report
Upcoming California Tahoe Conservancy Board Meetings
The Conservancy Board will meet on March 20, 2025 at Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake Tahoe. An agenda will be available on the Conservancy website ten days prior to the meeting.
Lake Tahoe in the News
Pathways to Wildlife creating safe road passage for Lake Tahoe animals – South Tahoe Now, February 24, 2025
Fuel reduction projects are ‘first time’ collaboration between Lake Valley Fire Protection and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue – Tahoe Daily Tribune, February 25, 2025
Plates For Powder Returns
Ski For Free at a Tahoe Area Resort When You Buy a Tahoe License Plate
The Tahoe Fund has launched Plates for Powder, the annual program that offers free skiing opportunities to those who purchase a Lake Tahoe license plate. Proceeds from California Tahoe plate sales and renewals support the Conservancy’s work.
Learn how to purchase your plate and redeem your free lift ticket by visiting tahoeplates.org.
