Although the past development of natural wetlands and ongoing nutrient inputs from human activities (e.g. fertilizer use, polluted roadway and stormwater runoff) have been contributing to algae growth in the lake for decades, according to this year’s State of the Lake Report, there are a variety of other factors that may be leading to the significant increased growth of algae experienced in recent years, including climate change, aquatic invasive species, and wildfire smoke.

As always, we will keep you updated on West Shore activities 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.

Sincerely,

Meeks Bay Resort Restoration Project

TRPA recently reported that the lead agencies will be working through the fall to prepare the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report, including a response to public comments. They anticipate releasing the final document this winter, with the U.S. Forest Service, TRPA, and Lahontan Water Board review of the final environmental analysis and decision regarding next steps for the restoration project planned for early 2023.

Homewood Mountain Resort

There have been no new updates regarding the new Conceptual Plan we first reported on in our March/April newsletter. In the meantime, the permitting for the first part of Phase 1 (aka “Phase 1C”, which includes seven residences on Fawn St.) approved by Placer County last summer is working its way through additional permitting processes with the county and TRPA related to implementation of the first phase.

Tahoe City Projects

Tahoe City Lodge: The construction of the Tahoe City Lodge will reportedly begin in spring 2023.

Boatworks: The owners of the Boatworks property in Tahoe City have recently announced that they are proposing an 80-85 key hotel on the water, which would nearly triple the current occupancy of the Inn and 31 residential condos. This would require demolition of the mall but part of the plan includes new retail space closer to North Lake Boulevard. Community members have expressed concerns about the size and location of the proposed development, issues associated with traffic/parking, increased population and emergency evacuation, and scenic and other impacts. The owners report an environmental review is underway. Additional information is available at https://boatworkstahoe.com/.

Hazardous Algae Blooms

Hazardous Algae Research:

In July, researchers collected water samples at several locations around South Lake Tahoe and Serene Lakes. Water samples are currently being analyzed at the University of New Hampshire. Unlike typical tests for Hazardous Algae Blooms (HABs) as conducted by the state, this research involves testing for additional types of HABs that require specialized laboratory equipment. See updates on the proponents’ GoFundMe page). Members of the FOWS Board of Directors have been involved in this project and participated in the collection of samples and other project activities.

Tahoe Keys Aquatic Weeds Control - Herbicide Testing

Testing the use of herbicides in the Tahoe Keys lagoons remains underway. It was previously reported that some of the chemicals had leaked outside of the designated testing area, but did not pass into Lake Tahoe. Currently, the re-opening of the affected lagoons has been delayed due to the chemicals remaining in the water longer than anticipated. Weekly updates can be viewed here.

Olympic Valley (formerly Squaw Valley)

In late July, a California Court ordered all approvals of the proposed Village at Squaw Valley Specific Plan Project be rescinded, closing out a sweeping victory for Sierra Watch and the grassroots movement. While the developers have indicated plans to re-apply for a new project, the path toward approval has become steeper. For example, in the 11 years since the approval of the original project in 2011, the risk of catastrophic wildfire has significantly grown, traffic in the area has increased (posing additional concerns regarding emergency evacuation), California’s drought is leading to reduced water supply, Lake Tahoe’s water quality continues to decline, and the region is experiencing a housing crisis, raising questions about where new employees of a large project will live. All of these factors will have to be rigorously analyzed in an environmental study for a future project.

FOWS will continue to support the efforts of Sierra Watch and others to seek environmentally-responsible development, ensure the safety of locals and visitors, and protect Lake Tahoe from the impacts of additional traffic and over-tourism.

Martis Valley West Specific Plan

A final Writ and Judgement was handed down in July, directing the rescission of all approvals for the Martis Valley West Specific Plan Project, which proposed 760 new gated units in an undeveloped forest rated as a “very high” fire hazard area just outside of Tahoe’s northern rim. Learn more here.

TRPA Housing Initiative

A proposal was brought to the TRPA Governing Board in July concerning efforts to improve housing for working locals. The proposals include variations of increasing the allowed density (number of units/acre), height, and land coverage in and outside of “Town Centers” in an effort to provide more affordable housing. FOWS understands the importance of addressing housing availability for local residents, however we are concerned that the proposed plan amendments aim to further increase the population in Tahoe communities (in addition to other proposed market-rate units and tourism projects) without a plan to first address existing problems that will be exacerbated by an increased population of residents and visitors, including limited roadway capacity, peak congestion (especially during wildfire season), and existing concerns regarding emergency evacuation and access. FOWS will continue to follow this Initiative.