Image: Jason Vines, Flickr CC |
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Keep Tahoe Blue Advocacy Update
Read this eNewsletter online |
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Our advocacy, policy, and science experts keep a watchful eye on projects and plans that could impact the health and clarity of Lake Tahoe. We do this work through our three campaigns: Advance Restoration, Combat Pollution, and Tackle Invasive Species. Scroll down to read about a few projects we're working on now. |
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COMBAT POLLUTION:
Village at Palisades Tahoe Project |
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Image: Wayne Hsieh, Flickr CC |
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What is it? The Village at Palisades Tahoe development project was first introduced in 2012. Since 2014, the project plan has called for creating 850 condo and hotel units with 1,493 bedrooms and a 90,000-square-foot mountain activity center in Olympic Valley. In 2016, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved the project. It was then sued by local conservation nonprofit Sierra Watch, citing violations of the California Environmental Quality Act. A lower court sided with the County, but Sierra Watch appealed and in 2021 it won on several of its claims, including a lack of analysis and mitigation for impacts to Lake Tahoe. The ruling forced Placer County to decertify the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The owners of Palisades Tahoe, Alterra Mountain Company, chose to revise the EIR and cure the deficiencies noted by the appellate court, but it did so without making any meaningful changes to the project’s size, scope, or projected impacts. The Partially Revised EIR was made public in early 2023 and more than 2,600 comments were submitted, more than 99% in opposition. Placer County officials then read and responded to those replies as part of the project’s Final EIR (FEIR), which was released on August 9, 2024. The size and scope of the project remain unchanged in the FEIR, though traffic management and parking plans are now included, as well as a one-time impact fee paid to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and a lodging fee imposed on guests to fund an ambiguous set of objectives, among other things.
Where is it in the process? The project’s Final Environmental Impact Report was made public on August 9, 2024. That kicked off a series of public meetings this summer and fall.
A joint meeting of the Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Council (OVMAC) and North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council was held on Saturday, August 17. Along with League staff, nearly 300 people attended in person with well over 100 more joining online. Around 50 people commented, almost all in opposition to the project. After a nearly seven-hour meeting, the OVMAC voted not to recommend (support) the project to the Placer County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Additionally, the OVMAC sent a message to the County and applicant (Alterra Mountain Company) that 1) the community is overwhelmingly against this plan, 2) the County and applicant are encouraged to evaluate a different, reduced-size plan with a reduced-size mountain activity center, and 3) the community wants collaborative input.
What’s next? The Placer County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 10am on September 5 in Kings Beach, followed by a meeting of the Placer County Board of Supervisors “anticipated to occur late fall 2024” where the Board will make its final decision to approve or deny the project. The schedule of public meetings and hearings can be found here.
What is the League's position? STRONGLY OPPOSE
The League to Save Lake Tahoe is strongly opposed to the Village at Palisades Tahoe, just as we have been since 2012, because of its significant impacts to Lake Tahoe’s environment from added traffic. It will add 1,353 new car trips amounting to 12,406 vehicle miles travelled to the Tahoe Basin on an average day. That is more than 10 times what would be allowed for a project inside the Basin. Private car travel is recognized as one of the main drivers of clarity loss in Lake Tahoe due to tailpipe emissions, road degradation, and sediment runoff, as well as microplastic pollution from wear and tear on tires. However, the project is located a mere four miles outside the Basin’s boundary, so the proponents argue impacts to Tahoe are of no consequence. Without major changes, the project will do the opposite of Keep Tahoe Blue. Read the League's recent op-ed about the project, and sign up for our email updates.
Climate connection: The Village at Palisades Tahoe project would generate a substantial amount of new traffic, triggering erosion and tailpipe emissions that are known to impact Lake Tahoe’s water clarity and accelerate climate change. Development in the wildland urban interface increases the risk of wildfire, which can directly impact Lake Tahoe through burning, as well as smoke and ashfall on the watershed and Lake.
More information: |
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COMBAT POLLUTION:
Legal Challenge to TRPA's Affordable Housing Amendments |
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Image: TRPA & Design Workshop |
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What is it? In December 2023, the Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) passed amendments to its rules for residential development. The amendments were intended to encourage the creation of affordable and workforce housing to help alleviate the Basin’s housing crisis. The amendments include a combination of relaxed building requirements—such as limits on density and building height—for below-market priced units. These changes apply only to projects close to public transit that provide permanently deed-restricted units for lower income and local workers.
Prior to passing the amendments at the December 2023 meeting, the Governing Board made several last-minute alterations. One of the alterations was to residential bonus units, which developers are allowed to build if they meet certain eligibility criteria. The Governing Board decided to change how the units were allocated among different types of income-qualified housing: affordable (lowest income), moderate income, and achievable (higher income) housing. A local environmental nonprofit organization, Mountain Area Preservation (MAP), sued TRPA over the amendments, with a focus on the changes made to bonus housing units.
Where is it in the process? MAP’s lawsuit with TRPA was settled in July of this year. TRPA agreed to rebalance its allocation of bonus housing units so more are available to the lowest income, or “affordable,” tier of tenants. TRPA also tightened its stormwater treatment requirements, correcting a prior error.
What’s next? The next and third phase of TRPA’s housing code update program, called Tahoe Living, will launch in September with two community workshops. The League will take part as a member of the Tahoe Living Working Group to ensure housing needs are balanced against protections for the natural environment we call home. What is the League's position? SUPPORT
The League supports the outcome of the lawsuit because it made sure the housing amendments are designed to be as effective as possible while still protecting the environment. We thank MAP for their commitment.
Throughout the four-year process leading to the amendments, the League remained heavily involved. We pushed back against earlier versions of the amendments and were successful in convincing TRPA to adopt scaled down changes that provide ample protections for Tahoe’s delicate ecology. MAP’s lawsuit aligned with our position. We look forward to working with MAP and other stakeholders through the next phase of TRPA’s housing code updates.
Climate connection: Tahoe’s strong development regulations prevent new projects from becoming too big or located too far from existing services, which would add traffic that triggers erosion and tailpipe emissions known to impact Lake Tahoe’s water clarity and accelerate climate change.
More information: |
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ADVANCE RESTORATION: Meeks Bay Restoration Project |
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Image: Katy Jo Caringer, ECO-CLEAN Solutions |
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What is it? The Meeks Bay Restoration Project will restore degraded habitat in Meeks Lagoon and Meeks Creek and remove the shuttered marina, while maintaining recreation access. The overall goal of the project is to restore a functioning stream, barrier beach, and lagoon ecosystem—including addressing aquatic invasive species—and to provide sustainable recreation opportunities, education, and access.
The Meeks Creek watershed on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore includes about 68 acres of severely impacted habitat. Before the marina was created by dredging the lagoon in the 1960s, the Meeks Creek and Lagoon system provided important habitat for native fish and natural filtration that kept fine sediment pollution out of Lake Tahoe. It was also a summer homesite for the native Washoe people for thousands of years before they were forcibly removed. Máyala Wáta, as it is known by the Washoe, was a site for hunting, fishing, gathering medicinal plants, and conducting ceremonies.
In 2016, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California partnered to begin work on a full restoration of the Meeks Creek watershed.
Where is it in the process? In 2018, initial work to outline the scope of an environmental study for the project was completed. In 2020, the project team shared design alternatives for the project with the public, including various options for pedestrian paths and watercraft access. In 2022, the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement (DEIR/DEIS) was circulated for public review and comment. The DEIR/DEIS included a designated "Preferred Alternative" for the project design, which prioritized access for non-motorized watercraft and full restoration of Meeks Creek and Lagoon. The League strongly advocated for and supports the Preferred Alternative.
The League is helping guide the development of the EIR/EIS and final restoration as a member of the project’s stakeholder committee. Our team has been actively engaged in the project design from the start and has collaborated with the Washoe Tribe to conduct hands-on restoration work in Meeks Meadow, as well as expand stewardship work at Meeks Bay Resort through invasive species education and litter prevention efforts.
Proposed changes for the Highway 89 bridge—which would increase recreational access for paddlers and improve fish passage upstream—are now included in the project, along with Caltrans as the implementing agency.
What’s next? The Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will decide whether to certify the project’s EIS on August 28. Certifying the EIS will solidify the plan and allow it to move ahead. The League will provide oral and written comment at the August 28 meeting in support of the Preferred Alternative. What is the League's position? SUPPORT
The League is very supportive of this rare opportunity for restoration of a complete ecosystem that will also remove the existing marina infrastructure. The project will also accelerate ongoing efforts by the Washoe Tribe and USDA Forest Service to restore the natural functions, tribal access, and plant and animal habitat of Meeks Meadow and Meeks Creek. We do not support a pier as part of this project and advocated against it. A pier would have invited more motorized watercraft traffic and generated conflict with paddlers, swimmers, and other non-motorized users.
Climate connection: Landscape-scale restoration projects, which seek to revitalize entire functioning ecosystems, build Tahoe’s ability to withstand the impacts of climate change, like drought and wildfire. This project is an unparalleled opportunity for restoration of an aquatic ecosystem that is uncommon in Tahoe. Restoration projects such as this should be prioritized to help build climate change resilience while reducing fine sediment pollution entering Lake Tahoe.
More information: |
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TACKLE INVASIVE SPECIES: Final Year Underway for Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test |
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What is it? The Control Methods Test (CMT) is a three-year, science-based program to test a range of treatment methods, alone and in combination, to control the infestation of aquatic invasive weeds in targeted areas within the Tahoe Keys. The results will guide a long-term strategy to tackle Tahoe’s most threatening invasive species infestation, stop its spread further into the Lake, and help protect water quality and clarity lakewide.
Where is it in the process? In the second year of the three-year CMT (summer 2023), the initial knock-back (reduction) in invasive plant density achieved in year one was largely sustained using only non-chemical methods.
This summer, TKPOA expanded the use of non-chemical methods, including UV light treatment, bottom barriers, and diver-assisted suction harvesting to continue evaluating whether the knock-back of invasive plants can be sustained. No herbicides have been or will be applied in this final year. Year two results and year three of the test have been reviewed by the Tahoe Science Advisory Council (Science Council).
A lawsuit was filed against the CMT after it was approved by regulators in 2022. The main objection focused on the repeated use of herbicides, which was never on the table. The test did include a one-time, targeted use only. In May 2024, a court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in a limited way that did not prevent the year three tests from being conducted this summer. There may be additional legal effects of the lawsuit still to come.
What’s next? Once the tests are complete, the full three years of environmental monitoring data will be compiled and analyzed by the project team, and further reviewed by the Science Council. A report of results will be released in spring 2025. These cumulative findings will inform long-term management plans for addressing aquatic invasive weeds in the Tahoe Keys so they cannot spread further into the Lake.
What is the League's position? SUPPORT
Aquatic invasive species are the single largest ecological threat to Lake Tahoe and must be contained. We support the CMT because the status quo has failed to control the problem; the test will help inform a long-term invasive weed control strategy; and the CMT’s design has a firm foundation in the best available science.
The League has been heavily involved in all aspects of the CMT, from designing the project's tests to funding adaptive management and non-chemical tests. It has been our priority to ensure that the process is guided by and adheres to the best available science to protect Tahoe’s water quality. While the project is underway, we watch closely to ensure it is executed safely and with long-term invasive species control and containment at the forefront.
Climate connection: Climate change is creating more hospitable habitat for aquatic invasive species and harmful algal blooms in Lake Tahoe. Prolonged drought lowers Tahoe’s water level, expanding areas of shallow water that warm easily—especially in elevated air temperatures—and allow for invasive weeds to flourish.
More information: |
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TACKLE INVASIVE SPECIES: Technology for Invasive Species Prevention |
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Image: Chris KIllian, TRCD |
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What is it? Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are an ecological menace that threaten to turn Lake Tahoe’s famously clean, blue water to a murky green as they spread. AIS can be introduced as stowaways on anything that touches the water.
In June of 2023, the League played a leading role in introducing the CD3, a mobile, solar-powered cleaning station with onboard tools to stop the spread and introduction of AIS in Lake Tahoe. The innovative device is free to use and intended for fishing gear, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and anything you can paddle, row, or float. It is deployed during summer months at popular, high-use recreation sites around the Basin that lack boat inspection stations or staff. The technology is being provided through a public-private partnership between the League, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and Tahoe Resource Conservation District.
The machine makes it easy for any non-motorized watercraft user or angler to help Keep Tahoe Blue by following the simple steps to CD3 – “clean, drain, dry, and dispose.”
Where is it in the process? The first CD3 was put to work in Tahoe last summer. This year, a second machine was delivered to Meeks Bay Resort where it will be permanently stationed and operated by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, which operates the resort.
What’s next? The CD3 machines have been popular and used frequently since their introduction. The League and our partners are advocating for funding to bring more machines to Tahoe as a complement to the Basin’s effective, globally recognized program for inspecting motorized watercraft for AIS. While the boat inspection program works together with Tahoe marinas to prevent uninspected boats and jet skis from launching, nonmotorized watercraft can launch anywhere. With more CD3s stationed at popular launch points, we can cast a wider preventative net around the Lake.
What is the League's position? SUPPORT
The League provided 100% of the funding for the first CD3 in order to test its effectiveness. Based on the success of that pilot test, we advocated for additional funding for more CD3s. The dollars for the second CD3 were provided through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In September 2023, the New Zealand mudsnail, an invasive species new to Tahoe, was found in the Lake. It was likely introduced on a paddlecraft or fishing gear. This unfortunate discovery was a call to action for wider adoption of technologies like the CD3 to prevent the spread or introduction of aquatic invasive species.
Climate connection: Warming air and water temperature driven by climate change make Lake Tahoe more hospitable for aquatic invasive species, while also leaving more areas of the Lake susceptible to their spread. More information: |
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WE'RE KEEPING AN EYE ON IT:
Other Projects, Programs, and Issues |
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California Climate Bond on November Statewide Ballot
The League is a member of the coalition actively supporting California Proposition 4. This climate bond will provide funding to boost Tahoe’s climate resilience, advance the pace and scale of restoration work in the Basin, and step up wildfire preparedness.
US Supreme Court Decision Overrules Chevron Doctrine
In June, the US Supreme Court made a ruling that sharply curtailed the power of federal agencies to interpret the laws they administer and ruled that courts should rely on their own interpretation of ambiguous laws. The League is tracking the issue closely to see how and if it may impact the Tahoe Basin, so we can implement solutions that will maintain Tahoe’s crucial environmental protections.
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Tahoe Blue Crew Training
August 20 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm Zoom
Learn how to become a Tahoe Blue Crew Leader, adopt a litter hotspot, and collect data for your site. We will also help you develop your personal approach for planning your Blue Crew efforts. |
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10th Annual Labor Day Cleanup
September 2 | 8:30 - 11:30 am Kings Beach, CA Join your fellow Tahoe Blue-Gooders to refresh and revitalize Kings Beach after the holiday weekend. |
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Great Sierra River Cleanup
September 21 | 9 am - noon Zephyr Cove, NV
Join other volunteers throughout the Sierra Nevada to celebrate this annual day of stewardship! |
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27th Annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day
September 28 | 9 am - 1 pm Stateline, NV
This event is open for all ages and skill levels to participate in hands-on outdoor work, such as native tree planting, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and more. |
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Lake Tahoe Summit: Transportation, trail projects aim to help with overcrowding, Nevada Independent, August 15, 2024
Revealed: 11 years of data from “Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue” July 5th cleanups, League to Save Lake Tahoe, August 8, 2024 Lake Tahoe Clarity Report Shows Highs and Lows of 2023, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, July 30, 2024 Passed the Senate: Sen. Cortez Masto’s bill to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, Office of Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, July 10, 2024 |
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