From left: Joanne S. Marchetta (TRPA), Amy Berry, Gavin Feiger, and Jim Lawrence (TRPA). Not pictured: Sue Hughes, Jacob Quinn.
Stateline, Nevada – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) recognized four people for their commitment to protecting and enhancing Lake Tahoe’s environment with Lake Spirit Awards on Wednesday.
People whose passions include building new paths and trails led the way in nominations this year, with improving mountain biking routes, creating new multi-use paths, and advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety among the interests of the award winners.
TRPA gives the awards, which were started in 2011, to people from both the North and South Shores who are either citizens or agency representatives/environmental scientists.
This year’s Lake Spirit Award winners are:
South Shore Citizen: Gavin Feiger
Gavin Feiger is a passionate bicycle advocate who has shared his love of pedaling by doing everything from teaching elementary school students bike safety to analyzing existing bike parking and writing grants to get more bike racks.
“Gavin Feiger is an exemplary Tahoe citizen, not only in his work in the watershed and environmental conservation industry but also in his volunteer efforts as an active member and leader of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition and the Community Tahoe Mobility Group,” said South Shore’s Gianna Leavers in nominating Feiger.
“He is an excellent candidate for a Lake Spirit Award because he not only strives to protect the Lake Tahoe environment in so many ways, but he always does it with a smile on his face and encourages others to do the same through his good nature and great attitude.”
North Shore Citizen: Sue Hughes
Sue Hughes was instrumental in improving and maintaining the Incline Flume Trail, a trail above Incline Village popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.
“Sue Hughes is a perfect example of what one citizen can accomplish for Tahoe when they tirelessly dedicate themselves to a project,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry in nominating Hughes. “Sue is the president of Friends of Incline Trails. In this role, she has led the efforts to restore the historic Incline Flume Trail. A family-friendly trail used by many, she saw that it was in need of trail work and signage to make it more environmentally sound and safe for users. And fun for mountain bikers.
“Through a lot of hard work, sweat, and dusty clothes, Sue has made this project a reality. The community owes Sue a debt of gratitude and more than a couple cold beers. Thanks to her efforts we will have an improved nine-mile trail for all user types to enjoy the wonder of Tahoe.”
South Shore Agency Representative/Environmental Scientist: Jacob Quinn
If you’ve enjoyed any of the recent additions to mountain bike trails at Lake Tahoe’s South Shore, it’s likely Jacob Qui
nn had a part in your ride.
“Jacob Quinn has gone above and beyond his job duties with the U.S. Forest Service to help build more sustainable, multi-use trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including Corral, Star Lake, Tahoe Rim Trail, Monument, Tahoe Mountain, Angora, and beyond,” said Amy Fish, board member with the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, in nominating Quinn.
“His efforts have increased the number of recreational opportunities in Lake Tahoe, while helping to preserve the natural beauty of the region. Jacob not only gets things done, he comes up with creative ways to engage volunteers. He’s a master trail builder that brings the community into the process.”
North Shore Agency Representative/Environmental Scientist: Amy Berry
As the CEO of the Tahoe Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to building broad support and funding to restore and enhance Lake Tahoe’s natural environment, Amy Berry has helped raise more than $7 million from private donors, including more than $1 million for a new section of bike path from Incline Village to Sand Harbor.
The Tahoe Fund’s portfolio includes helping more than 25 projects cross the finish line. The projects include critical watershed restoration projects, new paths and trails around the lake, and removal of aquatic invasive species.
“Amy Berry defines the person who has leadership skills to infuse the spirit of Lake Tahoe in anyone she meets,” said North Shore’s Holly Racich. “Not only is her life passion to experience Lake Tahoe at its fullest, but it is her dream to preserve and enhance the great gifts Lake Tahoe has to offer. As the CEO of Tahoe Fund, she has the experiences and perspectives on the approach and qualities necessary for effective leadership. She empowers not only her donors to want to be involved, but she also brilliantly collaborates with government officials to succeed together.”
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 Adam Jensen at (775) 589-5251 or ajensen@trpa.gov.