January 2026 Conservancy Newsletter

Forest Health Threshold Standards Update

The TRPA and its partners are proposing to update the environmental goals, or Threshold Standards, of the region to better reflect today’s forest health priorities. The new standards set clear, measurable targets for forest structure and fire dynamics. The proposed new standards also recognize fire as a natural and necessary process for the region. Altogether, the proposed changes set specific goals to advance a shared regional vision for resilient, fire-adapted forests and communities.

Check out TRPA’s story map to learn more and provide your feedback.

Using Beneficial Fire to Reduce Wildfire Risk

The Conservancy’s Community Forestry program continues to conduct prescribed burns on Conservancy properties. So far this month, the Conservancy has partnered with CAL FIRE’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit (NEU) and Amador-Eldorado Unit (AEU) to burn 18 acres of piles on properties in the McKinney-Rubicon neighborhood on the west shore, near Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City, and in Kings Beach.

The Conservancy is grateful to CAL FIRE NEU and CAL FIRE AEU for their support for these operations, which will increase forest resilience while reducing wildfire risk on these lands and for the adjacent neighborhoods. 

When favorable weather conditions return for prescribed burns, the next projects will be on Conservancy properties in the Tahoe Pines community on the west shore and Carnelian Bay on the north shore.

Grantee Spotlight:
City of South Lake Tahoe Advances on the Tahoe Valley Greenbelt Project

Check out this video to see the City of South Lake Tahoe’s progress on the Tahoe Valley Greenbelt project. The Greenbelt includes storm water treatment using natural systems, drainage solutions for localized flooding, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and other recreational amenities. The Conservancy has been supporting the City on this years-long effort, providing $1,925,000 in grant funding for project planning and construction, and allowing the City to construct and maintain the project across 18 Conservancy properties. We look forward to seeing the City wrap up construction on this project in 2026.

We’re Hiring

Seasonal Forestry Aides

Want to join a great team helping to protect and restore a national treasure? The Conservancy is hiring for seasonal Forestry Aides to assist a Registered Professional Forester and other Community Forestry program staff in a broad range of forest management activities during the field season (typically May through early November). Learn more at tahoe.ca.gov/jobs.