Nonprofit seeks to close $200,000 funding gap for restoration efforts in Upper Truckee
The Tahoe Fund is launching a fundraising campaign to support one of the most important restoration projects in Lake Tahoe’s history. The nonprofit is seeking donations to fill a $200,000 funding gap in the California Tahoe Conservancy’s efforts to demolish the Motel 6 building, restaurant and parking lot that sit within the Upper Truckee River watershed in South Lake Tahoe.
“Right now, we have a unique opportunity to close this funding gap and transform these sensitive lands back to a healthy functioning wetland,” said Cory Ritchie, Tahoe Fund board member. “This project and the restoration of the entire Upper Truckee River has long been one of our highest priorities to improve the Lake’s clarity. We hope the generosity of our donors and the entire Lake Tahoe community will help make it happen.”
The Motel 6 property and surrounding 31 acres were acquired in March 2024 by the California Tahoe Conservancy with funding from the Conservancy, the California Wildlife Conservation Board, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Tahoe Fund and the League to Save Lake Tahoe. Following the demolition and removal of the motel infrastructure, planning work will commence on the restoration of the lands.
“Protecting this property has been a top priority for decades, because of its importance for wildlife habitat and connectivity, and for how it will help with restoring the Upper Truckee River and floodplain.” said Jason Vasques, Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy. “We could not have completed the acquisition without our partners like the Tahoe Fund, and we’re grateful for their continued support as we move towards removing the development, which sets the stage for future restoration.”
In addition to restoring the watershed and the native habitat, this project further advances the 2012 Lake Tahoe Regional Plan and Environmental Improvement Program by removing aging development from sensitive land and retiring or transferring development rights to town centers.
Learn more and contribute to the project today at tahoefund.org/motel6.
Photo by California Tahoe Conservancy
