Tahoe Fund and Tahoe Rim Trail Association Need Your Help to Secure Matching Grant
Desolation Wilderness efforts will rehabilitate trail in the backcountry
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.—July 31, 2018—On the western shore of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most scenic hiking and backpacking destinations on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Increased use combined with extreme weather events have significantly degraded a popular section of trail, impacting safety, recreational experience and water quality.
With the support of a $40,000 matching grant from the Tahoe Fund, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association is engaging backcountry trail crew volunteers to rehabilitate this section of trail. Volunteers and youth crews are working to improve safety for trail users, reducing the flow of sediment into alpine lakes and streams and reducing overall impact on alpine vegetation.
“Our goal is to improve access for folks to be able to safely enjoy one of the most beautiful and scenic areas in the country,” said Chris Binder, Director of Trail Operations at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. “It’s an honor to get to be out here working on these overnight trips with so many passionate volunteers.”
Joining the Tahoe Fund and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association in the restoration efforts are the Backcountry Horsemen of California, Motherlode Unit, the Pacific Crest Trail Association, El Dorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
“The Tahoe Fund is honored to support the hard work being done in Desolation Wilderness, and it’s exciting to see the project come to life with the incredible opportunity of the matching grant,” said Tahoe Fund Board Chair Katy Simon Holland.
Every dollar contributed to this unique project will be matched by the Tahoe Fund up to $40,000 through the end of 2018. With the support of the community, we can help restore a wonderful section of trail for all to enjoy.