The Summer 2025 issue of TRPA’s award-winning environmental newspaper has arrived!
Read about Lake Tahoe’s latest environmental health report, actions to keep golden mussels out of Lake Tahoe, wildlife safety crossings, and how the Pony Express touched the Tahoe Basin.
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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.
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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.
By Julie ReganLake Tahoe is leading the charge into Spring for all of us. Budding trees, songbirds, and warm days are bursting forth just in time for the 55th celebration of Earth Day next Tuesday. Started in 1970, the annual event is a touchstone for conservation, sustainability, and harmony between the natural and human environments. These are the principles on which the states of Nevada and California founded the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), also marking 55 years this year.
It was a courageous move. In the 1950s and ‘60s, Tahoe was undergoing an enormous building boom. Plans for freeways and a city the size of San Francisco encircling the lake were on the table. Fortunately, it was also a time when environmental science was beginning to drive public policy. Studies on the clarity of Lake Tahoe’s water by UC Davis’ Dr. Charles Goldman warned state leaders that pollution and environmental damage were bringing Lake Tahoe to a tipping point. High levels of nutrients and widespread erosion were clouding the lake with algae and suspended sediment.
In the same era as the first Earth Day and the passage of fundamental federal legislation like the Clean Water, Air, and Endangered Species Acts, Nevada and California signed a unique Bi-State Compact creating the first planning agency of its kind in the nation. The research of Dr. Goldman and others formed the scientific basis for TRPA’s groundbreaking environmental standards and conservation programs.
Tahoe’s unique challenges and complexities continue to require innovative solutions, some of which provide a model for areas facing similar issues. TRPA’s 1999 prohibition of high-polluting marine engines in Lake Tahoe reduced fuel compounds in the lake to near undetectable levels. Environmental studies that supported the prohibition shaped similar regulations at other lakes and pre-empted a shift in the boating and jet ski industries to cleaner engines.
Similarly, the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program is providing a national model for aquatic invasive species prevention. The broad support for the inspection program allowed TRPA to quickly pivot last month to begin requiring mandatory decontaminations for all visiting boats to increase protection against the invasive golden mussel recently discovered in the Central Valley of California.
Lake Tahoe has become a model for other areas fighting to protect natural resources, confront climate change, and support communities. The Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program is often upheld as one of the most successful landscape conservation programs in the nation. Through it, more than 80 organizations have added 200 miles of bike paths, treated nearly 100,000 acres of forest for hazardous fuels, and removed aquatic invasive species from more than 480 acres of lake bottom.
Today, Lake Tahoe is facing new pressures and emerging threats. Rising temperatures, the threat of catastrophic wildfire, and extreme weather swings – from severe drought to atmospheric rivers – are testing the environmental progress we have made as a region. Lake Tahoe is also not immune to the global challenges around tourism. Lake Tahoe’s outdoor recreation opportunities and expanses of public land are as much of a draw to travelers and people in surrounding regions as they are for full- and part-time residents. Traffic congestion, full recreation areas, and the shortage of affordable housing are affecting the environment and the Tahoe experience.
These are complex problems that may look as daunting to us as the issues Lake Tahoe leaders in the 1960s faced. Over the past 55 years, partnership, collaboration, and well-informed public policy have led to some of Lake Tahoe’s greatest accomplishments. I believe that no challenge is insurmountable and that the courage to lead lies in each of us.
As we all get out and enjoy the glorious spring weather, I hope you consider the difference each of us can make and how the simplest actions can inspire others. Find an Earth Day event or follow the daily Earth Week challenges at takecaretahoe.org/earthweek.
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.
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.
Complete one activity each day of the week, April 19th through 26th. Post your pictures and tag #earthweektahoe!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
