May 9, 2025
Kahle Drive Complete Streets Project will improve water quality, safety, and recreation
Lake Tahoe, Nev./Calif. – A transformative project on Kahle Drive in Stateline, Nev. is beginning this week, and agencies are asking residents and users of the area to be alert and prepare for temporary changes to access and conditions in work zones.
The Nevada Tahoe Conservation District (NTCD) is leading the Kahle Drive Complete Streets Project to construct a new streetscape along the entire Kahle Drive corridor. The project includes water quality improvements, sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks, a bike lane, landscaping, undergrounding of utility lines, and enhanced access to recreation and open space. This half-mile road provides key connections to the Stateline-to-Stateline bike trail, trails throughout Rabe Meadow, and Douglas County service centers.
The road was originally built on a wetland that provided multiple environmental benefits including protecting Lake Tahoe’s famed clarity. The road surface is also in poor condition, is unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, and lacks stormwater infrastructure needed to keep fine sediment and other pollutants out of the lake. The project will also raise a portion of the roadway to help restore some of the natural function of the wetland.
The environmental improvements will dovetail with completed and ongoing Environmental Improvement Program projects to restore the Burke Creek Watershed and Rabe Meadow—known to the native Washoe people as Lam Watah—an important area historically used for processing and preparing food for winter. The project is expected to finish by October 2026.
Funding and support for the project are being provided by NTCD, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Nevada Division of State Lands, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Douglas County, and the Oliver Park General Improvement District. Additional federal funding was provided through a Congressionally Directed Spending request.
Private sector support is also being provided by the Tahoe Fund, NV Energy, and Barton Health, which is allowing project staging on the vacant parcel formerly occupied by the Lakeside Inn & Casino.
More information about the project is available on the NTCD project page.
Images
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Caption: Architectural drawing of Kahle Drive after the Complete Streets Project. A portion of the roadway will be raised out of the wetland to help restore some of the natural function of the watershed. Credit: NTCD
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Caption: Rendering of Kahle Drive after the Complete Streets Project. The project includes stormwater control, underground utilities, sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks, landscaping, and enhanced access to recreation and open space. Credit: NTCD
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Caption: Lower Kahle Drive regularly floods with partially untreated stormwater and runoff from the upper neighborhood. Credit: NTCD
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Caption: Stormwater infiltration systems in the Tahoe Basin like this earlier project on Kahle Drive are helping keep more than 500,000 lbs. of fine sediment and other pollutants out of Lake Tahoe every year. The Kahle Drive Complete Streets Project will tie in with completed and ongoing restoration projects in the Burke Creek Watershed and Rabe Meadow. Credit: NTCD
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The Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program is an unparalleled partnership working to achieve the environmental goals of the region. Local, state, and federal government agencies, private entities, scientists, and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California have collaborated for more than 25 years to restore the environmental health of Lake Tahoe. The prime directive of the EIP is to move the Tahoe Basin closer to environmental threshold attainment. For media inquiries, contact Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer, at (775) 589-5278, or jcowen@trpa.gov.
Apr 28, 2025
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding residents, property owners, and project managers that the grading and digging season for permitted projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin begins May 1.
Grading and digging work are confined to drier months to protect Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity from sources of erosion and sediment, according to TRPA. Working in dry conditions prevents soil compaction and stops loose soil and mud from washing away from project sites or into roadways, storm drains, waterways, and the lake.
Widespread erosion and sediment-laden runoff can flow into Lake Tahoe during storm events and when saturated soil is disturbed.
During the grading season, May 1 through October 15, soil work can proceed in dry conditions, but is prohibited when a project area is covered with snow, when ground is saturated, muddy, or unstable, and during periods of precipitation. Although all grading is prohibited in wet conditions, not all digging requires a permit. More information is available at trpa.gov/applications-forms under Grading.
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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer, at (775) 589-5278 or jcowen@trpa.gov.
Apr 22, 2025
Truckee-Tahoe, CA/NV — Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) have launched a new regional housing survey as part of an updated assessment of housing needs in the greater Lake Tahoe Region This region encapsulates the Lake Tahoe Basin, plus the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District boundary, which includes parts of Eastern Placer and Nevada Counties, including the Town of Truckee.
Partners request survey responses from those who live and work in the region, including local residents, seasonal workers, in-commuters, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The data results will highlight regional demands for housing that may include units which are more affordable, of better quality, closer to work, or less crowded.
“The analysis also breaks down housing needs by factors such as location, unit size, and income level, giving a clearer picture of the specific needs within different areas of the region,” said Kristina Kind, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Program Director. “By comparing these results to those from the 2016, 2021, and 2023 assessments, our organizations can better understand how housing needs have changed over time and which groups are most affected.”
Previous regional housing assessments have led to the establishment of the Mountain Housing Council, informed the development of white papers and policy recommendations on local and State levels, and informed the launch of fifteen regional housing programs. The survey only takes a few minutes and will be open through May 30, 2025. The survey is open now in both English and Spanish for anyone who lives and/or works in the region through the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/TahoeHousingNeeds2025
https://tinyurl.com/NececidadesDeViviendaTahoe
This is the first time the Regional Housing Needs Assessment will include all of Truckee, North Tahoe, and the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. TTCF will provide the analysis for the area within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District boundaries to inform the work of regional achievable housing collaborative partners. TRPA will update housing need information for all communities of the Lake Tahoe Region and help inform the Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project.
Responses will remain anonymous and general results will be shared with housing partners and made available on TTCF’s website at ttcf.net and the TRPA website at trpa.gov/housing.
Contact
Ashley Beck, Director of Engagement & Communications
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
Ashley@ttcf.net
o: (530) 587-1776 ext. 100
Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
JCowen@trpa.gov
o: (775) 589-5278
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Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) brings together trusted partners to align strategies and inspire philanthropy to nurture a resilient community and environment. Since 1998, TTCF has served the people and places of this region. From 2017 – 2023, TTCF facilitated the Mountain Housing Council of Tahoe Truckee to help accelerate achievable housing solutions for all. For more information about TTCF visit www.ttcf.net.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information about TRPA, visit trpa.gov/housing.
Apr 16, 2025
Transportation Plan Update Renews the Regional Vision for a Connected Transportation System
May 7, 2025 Update: The public review and comment period has been extended to June 2, 10 a.m. PT.
Lake Tahoe, NV/CA – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has released Connections 2050, the draft update to the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The plan outlines a vision for a comprehensive transportation system that will preserve Tahoe’s environment, reduce congestion, and improve safety over the next 25 years, the agency said today.
With renowned outdoor recreation opportunities, abundant public lands, and growing populations in neighboring regions, Lake Tahoe’s transportation system will continue to see metropolitan-level travel demands on peak days, according to plan documents. Connections 2050 provides a blueprint for creating a more efficient and interconnected transportation system that will enhance access to public transit, trails, transportation technology, and connections to town centers.
“Lake Tahoe faces unique challenges in updating the transportation network to protect the environment and safely connect people and communities without solely relying on private car travel,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “The region has come together with a shared vision to accelerate transportation improvements and propel the Lake Tahoe Region toward a safer, more sustainable future.”
Connections 2050 includes improvements that will address significant barriers faced by Tahoe’s diverse travelers and improve safety and access for all roadway users, according to TRPA. Regional partners recognize the critical need to address funding shortfalls to complete projects in the plan and are meeting new funding milestones for transit and operations and maintenance to make the 2050 vision a reality.
In addition to collaboration with local governments and transportation partners, TRPA engaged with more than 10,000 people over the last four years to develop the plan update. Connections 2050: Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy can be viewed at trpa.gov/rtp2050 and public comments will be accepted through June 2, 10 a.m. PT. The agency has also scheduled public meetings listed below.
Wednesday, April 23 at 9:30 a.m.
TRPA Governing Board Meeting, Transportation Committee
955 Fairway Boulevard, Incline Village, Nevada
Online participation available
Wednesday, May 7th at 3 p.m.
Tahoe Transportation Commission
128 Market Street, Stateline, Nevada
Online participation available
Wednesday, May 14th at 9:30 a.m.
TRPA Advisory Planning Commission
128 Market Street, Stateline, Nevada
Online participation available
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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer, at (775) 589-5278, or jcowen@trpa.gov.
Apr 15, 2025
News Release
Contact: Lily Summerville
lsummerville@caclimateactioncorps.org
530-307-4177
Lake Tahoe, NV/CA – Organizations across the Lake Tahoe Region are helping the community celebrate the 55th annual Earth Day with events on South and North Shores and a week of fun activities to show everyone how to Take Care of Tahoe. The annual South Tahoe Earth Day festivities are returning to Lake Tahoe Community College on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring more than 20 educational booths, it is an opportunity for adults and kids alike to learn how to protect Lake Tahoe.
Admission and parking are free for attendees. Festival goers are encouraged to walk, bike, or take public transport in the spirit of Earth Day. There will be a free bike valet run by Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition. All those that use alternative transport will receive a free raffle ticket.
“This event teaches visitors and residents how they can protect Lake Tahoe not just for Earth Day, but every day,” said Lily Summerville, California Climate Action Corps Fellow and Earth Day Committee Co-president. “We are excited about the incredible eco-booths, live music, drum circle, and the aerialist performance.”
The event includes:
• Raffle prizes donated by local businesses and nonprofits
• Climate friendly food and beverage trucks
• Live music by local band, The Imposters
• DJ set by Deon Pearson
• Aerialist performance by Liv Davi and her students
• Drum circle facilitated by Liz Broscoe
• 50 local non-profits and educational booths
Sponsors include Lake Tahoe Community College, South Tahoe Public Utility District, South Tahoe Refuse, Pay It Forward Project, Tahoe Fund, Barton Health, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Tahoe Water Suppliers Association, Liberty Utilities, Keep Tahoe Blue, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
The official Earth Day is April 22.
Saturday’s South Tahoe Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 19 will kick off Tahoe Earth Week 2025. Learn more at southtahoeearthday.org.
The North Shore Tahoe-Truckee Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday, April 26 at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley, Calif.
Celebrate #EarthWeekTahoe with us!
Complete one activity each day of the week, April 19th through 26th. Post your pictures and tag #earthweektahoe!
Media Releases
4.20.2025 News Release Send It Sustainably Sunday Earth Week 2025
4.21.2025 News Release Mother Nature Monday Earth Week 2025
4.22.2025 News Release Happy Earth Day Earth Week 2025
4.23.2025 News Release Wildlife Wednesday Earth Week 2025
4.24.2025 News Release Tahoe Tap Thursday Earth Week 2025
4.25.2025 News Release Healthy Forest Friday Earth Week 2025
The Tahoe Earth Day Foundation, a non-profit organization, formed to educate the general public regarding the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region’s unique beauty and how to preserve and protect it. The means of providing such education include, but are not limited to, regional Earth Day festivals that include environmental and educational booths with focus areas on watershed health, forest health, water conservation, pollution prevention, alternative energy and waste management.
Mar 27, 2025
Golden mussels could be a greater threat than any other aquatic invader
Invasive golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) found October, 2024 in the O’Neill Forebay in Merced County, Calif. Credit: Xavier Mascareñas / California Department of Water Resources
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board on Wednesday approved a critical update to the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program to protect the lake from a new aquatic invasive species recently discovered just a few hours away from the Tahoe Basin. Invasive golden mussels were discovered for the first time in North America last October in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta of California. TRPA and Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), which manage the boat inspection program, strengthened inspection procedures to reduce the risk to Lake Tahoe.
On Wednesday, the agencies enacted mandatory decontaminations for all visiting motorized watercraft entering Lake Tahoe. The TRPA Governing Board approved an updated fee structure to support the additional services.
As new threats to Lake Tahoe emerge, the emphasis on following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols remains for all boaters, paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers. Golden mussels are not in Lake Tahoe, and following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols will reduce the risk of invasion.
The main change for motorized boaters traveling from other areas will be a watercraft decontamination following the mandatory inspection. As always, boats that were launched last in Lake Tahoe and have a Tahoe security seal can launch again without reinspection.
2025 Boating Season Protocols
- Decontamination: All “Tahoe In & Out” motorized watercraft will be decontaminated following inspection.
- Clean, Drain, Dry: Arrive Clean, Drained, and Dry to minimize fees and protect your watercraft.
- Appointments: Make an appointment at TahoeBoatInspections.com/appt to get on the water faster.
- Non-motorized watercraft: Visit TahoeKeepers.org to learn how to Clean, Drain, and Dry your kayak, paddleboard, and inflatables. Decontaminations are free for hand-launched non-motorized watercraft.
- Fees: Inspection fees remain the same. Use this guide to predict the total decontamination fee for your watercraft.
Water intake systems:
- 1-2 water intake systems: $30
- 3+ water intake systems OR ballasts: $60
Affected areas not Clean, Drained, and Dry:
- 1 area not Clean, Drain, Dry: $0
- 2-3 areas not Clean, Drain, Dry: $30
- 4+ areas not Clean, Drain, Dry: $60
An outline of waterbodies hydrologically connected to the San Joaquin Delta. Golden mussels have the potential to infest a large portion of California’s waters. Credit: Tahoe Resource Conservation District
Golden mussels can attach to surfaces, damage boats and clog infrastructure. Credit: Xavier Mascareñas / California Department of Water Resources
“Boaters and paddlers have a key role in protecting the waters they enjoy,” said Dennis Zabaglo, aquatic invasive species program manager for TRPA. “Golden mussels are a greater threat to Tahoe than other aquatic invasive species. We appreciate the support of boaters and will continue working to keep the lake safe and accessible to all.”
Since its discovery in Stockton, Calif., the golden mussel has been detected almost as far south as Bakersfield through connected water systems. To keep the risk to Lake Tahoe as low as possible, all motorized watercraft from other waterbodies will be decontaminated, which will increase the cost to operate the program.
Governing Board Updates Fee Structure
The Watercraft Inspection Program is a public-private partnership with one third of its funding from inspection fees and two thirds from public sources. The TRPA Governing Board approved a minimum decontamination fee of $30 for all visiting motorized watercraft needing an inspection to address the cost of increased decontaminations.
“These strengthened procedures are necessary to preserve Tahoe’s waters,” said Hayley Williamson, Chair of the TRPA Governing Board. “The introduction of golden mussels would be devastating to the lake, and the Watercraft Inspection Program is our frontline defense.”
By adhering to Clean, Drain, Dry protocols, boaters can limit additional increases to their decontamination fee.
About Golden Mussels
The golden mussel is likened to quagga mussels, an invasive species that the Lake Tahoe inspection program has successfully kept out of Lake Tahoe since beginning in 2008. Like quagga mussels, golden mussels can encrust boats, piers, rocks, and pipes.
Golden mussels can also tolerate a broader range of habitats and can reproduce faster, making them more of a threat. If introduced, golden mussels could irreversibly harm Lake Tahoe’s recreation, water quality, and native ecosystem.
Areas outside the Tahoe Region have responded to the threat with temporary waterbody closures and 30-day quarantine periods. Invasive species prevention programs throughout the western United States are rapidly assessing protocols to limit the spread outside of California.
To view the updated fee structure, visit TahoeBoatInspections.com/stickers-and-fees.
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The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program is implemented by 40 public and private partner organizations, including federal, state, and local jurisdictions, research partners, public utility districts, and private marinas. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District lead the program in collaboration with the public and private partners. The program’s mission is to prevent, detect, and control aquatic invasive species in the Region so that future generations can enjoy Lake Tahoe. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, TRPA Public Information Officer, at 775-589-5278.
