As always, we will keep you updated on these and other projects in our bi-monthly newsletters. We look forward to your continued feedback and support, and encourage you to contact us with any additional ideas or questions you may have. In addition, although we don’t have a date set at this time, we are planning to host another Community Party in late July or August and hope to see you there - stay tuned!

Sincerely,

Meeks Bay Resort Restoration Project

Project leaders have scheduled a Stakeholder Forum meeting regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Report (DEIS/DEIR) for June 7th, at which point the DEIS/DEIR will have been released for public review. Project proponents aim to review the document with Forum members and discuss the next steps (including the possibility of a site visit with TRPA Governing Board members). A public workshop on the DEIS/DEIR will also be held after the Forum meeting within the 60-day public comment period. We will send an alert when the DEIS/DEIR is available for review and comment. Information from previous meetings and other materials can be accessed here.

Hazardous Algae Bloom Study - Volunteers & Funding Needed!

“Evidence has shown linkages between water quality, cyanobacteria [aka Hazardous Algae Blooms], and high ALS incidence…” [Cite below]

We recently sent an Alert seeking volunteers and donations to assist with an important water quality and human health study related to Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) and the potential link to neurological illnesses. We are thankful to those who responded, however additional volunteers and donations are still needed. Water quality tests are scheduled to begin in June and run through October. This research is imperative, especially as the herbicides being used in the Tahoe Keys this year may exacerbate the problem. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Trish Friedman at aocmarin@yahoo.com. Donations can be made through the proponents’ GoFundMe page. As of the date of this newsletter, only 30% of the necessary funds have been raised.

More information is available through the following two Facebook pages:

Tahoe Hazardous Algae Blooms

Tahoe Area ALS/MND Research Library

[Cite] Torbick, Nathan et al. “Assessing Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms as Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.” Neurotoxicity research vol. 33,1 (2018): 199-212. doi:10.1007/s12640-017-9740-y (View publication)

Tahoe Keys Aquatic Invasive Weeds Treatment Proposal

Despite a Petition to the Lahontan Water Board by the Sierra Club (with FOWS’ support) requesting the project be halted due to the availability of non-chemical options (among other reasons), the controversial plan to apply herbicides (in addition to non-chemical treatments) to the Tahoe Keys lagoons begins implementation this month. At this time, the State Water Board has not yet responded to Sierra Club’s Petition.

In addition, as noted above, researchers have found that herbicide application can actually lead to increased growth of toxic Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs). With the potential link between HABs and neurological illnesses such as ALS, it is imperative to fully understand the impacts of herbicide application, yet this relationship has not been studied with regards to the existing HAB problems in the Tahoe Keys and whether herbicide use will increase HAB growth and the associated risks to human and animal health.

Olympic Valley (formerly Squaw Valley)

Another large development - six-stories tall with over 100 condo/hotel bedroom units - is being proposed in Olympic Valley, once again raising concerns about local and regional traffic impacts (including within the Tahoe Basin) and other environmental effects. The Friends of Squaw Valley have submitted a detailed comment letter regarding the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for this project. Comments on the NOP can be submitted through May 20; click here for additional information.

Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan

Stemming from increased tourism pressure and impacts, which rapidly increased during the pandemic, agencies and partners have announced a new effort termed the Lake Tahoe “Destination Stewardship Plan.” According to the website:

“Lake Tahoe residents, community members and stakeholders interested in the responsible management of tourism and recreation are invited to take part in workshops next month to create a destination stewardship plan that will balance the needs of Lake Tahoe’s environment, businesses, visitors, and local communities. This new shared strategy will inspire all to take care of Tahoe…

This planning process will collectively redefine how destination management can better serve the greater Tahoe region – now and into the future. The plan will help address recent pressures while optimizing the value of recreation and tourism in a changing world.”

In-person and virtual meetings are being held around the Lake to share and discuss the new effort. More information can be found here.