May 2023 Conservancy Newsletter
Following the big winter, melting snow is allowing the Conservancy to begin field operations for the season. Our staff will address damage the storms caused on some forested Conservancy properties, while also preparing for work to reduce wildfire risk. Read on for updates on this work, news on Conservancy staff and crews, and more.
Jason Vasques, Executive Director
California Tahoe Conservancy
Conservancy Grants $658k to Placer County to Reduce Wildfire Risk
This month, the Conservancy awarded $658,457 to Placer County for work to reduce wildfire risk in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The funding will help the county’s Department of Parks and Open Space manage overgrown trees and brush on approximately 78 acres of county property, encompassing 51 parcels stretching from Kings Beach on the north to Tahoma on the south. This work will reduce wildfire risk for communities while improving forest health on county lands.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, and this grant will provide much-needed funding to reduce the risk of wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin,” said Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson, who also serves on the Conservancy Board. “With the help of the California Tahoe Conservancy, the county will continue to work toward a safer and more sustainable future for Tahoe.”
Forestry Aides Begin Preparing Future Forestry Projects
The Conservancy’s new seasonal forestry aides have begun preparing forestry projects on state and federal open space lots. Before the Conservancy can thin forested lots to reduce wildfire risk, we need to prepare each project and mark trees for removal. Under a good neighbor authority agreement with the USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the Conservancy aides are identifying project boundaries and marking trees on Conservancy open space lots as well as Forest Service lots. Here, Kelsey Lemming, the Conservancy’s Lot Inspector, trains the aides on identifying project boundaries. Watch our 2022 video to learn more about how the Conservancy manages its open space lots.
Winter Weather Impacts to Open Space Lots
This past winter’s storms brought heavy snow and high winds to the Basin, damaging many trees. The Conservancy is aware of storm damage to a number of our nearly 4,700 parcels. We are prioritizing and scheduling clean-up work, focusing on areas that are near residences. If you see storm damage to trees and brush on a Conservancy property and would like to notify us, please use our online form.
Field Crew Season Kicks Off
The Conservancy is happy to continue collaborating with Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) to organize seasonal field crews. This year’s forestry, land management, and restoration crews will work on projects to maintain and restore Conservancy lands, reduce wildfire risk and improve forest resilience, and protect Lake Tahoe’s water quality.
Community Forestry Field Tour
Milan Yeates, the Conservancy’s Community Forestry program supervisor, facilitated a tour for 40 participants as part of the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual conference. Along with representatives from Liberty Utilities, the USDA Forest Service, and the National Forest Foundation, Milan presented information on how partners reduce wildfire risk on public land, including open space lots in communities, and along utility lines throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Newsom Administration Releases ‘Outdoors for All’ Initiative Draft Strategy
The California Natural Resources Agency has released a draft strategy for its Outdoors for All initiative, which aims to ensure that all Californians have access to the outdoors, regardless of their background or location. This strategy maps out how government, public and private partners can collectively build a movement to achieve equitable outdoor access. Review the full draft strategy online and then provide your feedback. Public comments are welcome now through July 10.
Implementing 30x30 at Lake Tahoe
The State of California is committed to conserving 30 percent of its lands and coastal waters by 2030. The Conservancy and its partners are integrating California’s 30×30 goals into projects by restoring ecological functions and managing Tahoe lands for a more resilient future. Check out our new handout to learn more.
Tahoe Bike Month Kicks Off June 1
Gather your friends, family, and coworkers for a month-long celebration of biking in Tahoe. Together with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition is celebrating 18 years of Bike Month starting June 1. Ride your bike to work or school, around town, or just for fun.
Conservancy Staff Updates
Meet the Conservancy, Vol 2.
Last month we launched a new video series where we periodically highlight a Conservancy employee. Watch to find out who we are and what we do toward our mission to lead California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural resources and recreation opportunities of the Lake Tahoe Basin. This month: Aimee Rutledge, with the Conservancy’s Tahoe Livable Communities Program.
Farewells
Brian Hirt
The Conservancy says farewell to Brian Hirt, who has accepted a position with California State Parks after 12 years with the Conservancy. In his role as a Registered Professional Forester, Brian has contributed to years of Conservancy projects throughout the California side of the Basin that have improved forest resilience while reducing wildfire risk to Tahoe communities. We wish Brian the best in his continued public service.
Elena Neigher
The Conservancy also says farewell to Elena Neigher, who joined the Conservancy Legal Team in February 2021. Elena provided legal support for all aspects of Conservancy operations. We wish Elena the best.
New Employees
The Conservancy recently hired four seasonal Forestry Aides who work on forest health and fuel hazard reduction projects on Conservancy lands, primarily identifying project boundaries and marking trees for removal.
Scott Call
Forestry Aide
Before joining the Conservancy, Scott worked in vegetation management on residential and commercial properties. He has also worked with Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District as a fuels mitigation specialist, where he led the community woodchipper program and inspected properties, contributing to larger fuels reduction projects. Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business at Chico State University.
Ren Chamarro
Forestry Aide
Before the Conservancy, Ren worked at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) on the Forestry Crew and treated plant diseases at Aspen Hollow. Ren earned a degree in biology at Willamette University.
Berkley Crumpacker
Forestry Aide
Berkley has three years of experience in forestry, previously working on the CCC Tahoe Saving Our Sierras crew, Tahoe RCD Forestry Crew, as well as a local tree service.
Eyalee Lopez
Forestry Aide
Eyalee recently worked with Conservation Legacy and the National Park Service as an ecology assistant in Yosemite National Park. Serving under the park service, she monitored forest health and fire fuels while also completing a research project of avian species prediction models within the park. Eyalee graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s degree in Forest Management and Ecology.
Upcoming California Tahoe Conservancy Board Meetings
The California Tahoe Conservancy Board will meet on June 15, 2023. An agenda will be available on the Conservancy website ten days prior to the meeting.
Lake Tahoe in the News
Free yards signs offered to Tahoe residents to encourage safe, slow driving, May 23, 2023
California State Parks at Lake Tahoe open for season, Tahoe Daily Tribune, May 27, 2023
Lake Tahoe water enthusiasts need to understand dangers of Cold Water Shock, South Tahoe Now, May 29, 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.