aberry, Author at Tahoe Fund

Tahoe Fund Launches ‘Smartest Forest Fund’ to Accelerate the Pace and Scale of Forest Restoration

August 19, 2019 by aberry

New initiative will provide seed funding to public and private sector ideas for rapidly improving forest health in the Tahoe Basin

TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2019) – The Sierra Nevada forest is home to over 100 million dead trees, and in the Tahoe Basin, tree mortality has exploded to 160,000 in the past few years. At a dinner event attended last night by California and Nevada Governors Newsom and Sisolak, and Senators Cortez-Masto and Feinstein, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund launched the Smartest Forest Fund. Designed to use philanthropy to drive innovation through seed funding, the Smartest Forest Fund will invest seed funding in new ideas and pilot projects that will significantly increase the pace and scale of forest restoration, bolstering the great work already underway by the US Forest Service, California and Nevada.

“Many people believe it is not a matter of if, but when we will face a catastrophic wildfire in the Tahoe Basin,” said John Jones, Tahoe Fund Board Member who is leading the initiative. “We know the devastation that occurred with the Camp Fire in Paradise, California could happen here. For this reason, the Tahoe Fund has identified forest health as our number one priority.”

To get started, the Tahoe Fund announced it will support three projects:

A $30,000 grant will be provided to the US Forest Service to develop an acoustic monitoring protocol and system to more effectively determine the value of habitat and the occurrence of the California spotted owl in project areas. Combined with automated recording device deployment, this will more efficiently detect individual owls and thereby shorten the existing process from two years to one year.
A $35,000 grant will join the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s support of Salo Sciences and Planet’s efforts to build the California Forest Observatory, an interoperable, aggregated data platform that will support dynamic, real-time wildfire risk mapping. If successful, it could significantly reduce the time needed for forest restoration planning, and also support emergency operations.
A $35,000 grant to support the efforts of the Nevada Division of Forestry will be provided to begin the process of re-starting the Carson City Biomass facility. Once restarted, the facility will create a new off-taker of excess timber less than 20 miles from the Tahoe Basin.

Although significant barriers to forest restoration planning and implementation exist today, the intent of the Smartest Forest Fund is to remove those barriers through technology and innovation. Projects supported by the Smartest Forest Fund will:

Dramatically decrease the time it takes to plan and approve restoration work
Use technology to enhance wildlife studies and harvesting plans
Find new outlets for excess fuel in the forest
Prepare the community for wildfire evacuation
Find new financial tools to do more, quickly

“We know that some of the ideas and projects the Smarter Forest Fund supports will work, and some may not. Working together with our public agency partners, we believe there is an opportunity to harness the power of philanthropy and the private sector to help fix our forest,” continued Jones.

This fall, in partnership with Tahoe’s forest management agencies, the Tahoe Fund will launch a call for innovative project ideas that align with the goal of increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration. Public agencies and private sector organizations will be invited to submit their ideas for funding. Tahoe Fund will also provide opportunities to collaborate with the public agencies and an experimental forest in the Lake Tahoe Basin to test out the ideas that are brought forward.

Tahoe Fund and Nevada State Parks Team Up to Reimagine Spooner Lake State Park

August 15, 2019 by aberry

Naming Rights Available for New Educational Amphitheater

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nevada (Aug 15, 2019) – An incredibly popular place to hike, mountain bike, ride horses or simply enjoy nature, Spooner Lake sees 150,000 visitors annually. Building on the recent success of the new Tahoe East Shore Trail, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund and Nevada State Parks are pursuing a major renovation project to improve and modernize the over 35 year old facilities at Spooner Lake which will eventually be the bookend of the path when it is extended from Sand Harbor to Spooner Lake.

The Tahoe Fund is actively seeking $300,000 from private donors to name a new amphitheater that will be at the heart of the park renovations. These funds will help to unlock $2 million in public funding to complete significant improvement projects at the park. Designed to serve as a base for natural and cultural history programs, ranger-led hikes and tours, and an outdoor science venue for students, the Spooner Lake Amphitheater will be a key connector between the world-renowned backcountry trail systems and the developed area at Spooner Lake that provides recreation facilities to support backcountry activities.

“Connecting kids to the outdoors, and allowing for that special moment of discovery, is paramount to nurturing a lifelong love for the environment and an understanding of the need to protect important ecological areas,” said Jay Howard, project manager, Nevada State Parks. “Not only is it critical to update the existing facilities that are available at Spooner Lake, our goal is to provide education to visitors and locals so we can encourage more environmental stewardship within the Tahoe Basin.”

“As we experienced with the generosity of donors who contributed to the Tahoe East Shore Trail, private funds can help make significant public funds available to construct projects like this. In addition to being a bookend to the future extension of the Tahoe East Shore Trail itself, there is tremendous value to the community and those who visit Spooner Lake to modernize the area facilities and construct a new amphitheater,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry. “The Tahoe Fund is committed to helping to ensure this project becomes reality.”

Once complete, the amphitheater will:

Provide a place for high quality interpretive programming, public outreach and environmental education
Act as a southern bookend to the planned Incline to Spooner section of the Tahoe East Shore Trail
Serve as a major portal to 60+ miles of paths and trails in 13,000 acres of spectacular non-motorized primitive wilderness

In addition, construction of the amphitheater will give Nevada State Parks the opportunity to expand its ecology and outdoor education programs with local elementary and middle schoolers through a rotating series of park field trips. The facility will also provide an outdoor study area for high school and college students.

A single gift of $300,000 will provide amphitheater naming recognition, while gifts of $50,000 or more are eligible for other recognition opportunities. Learn more or donate at www.tahoefund.org.

Tahoe East Shore Trail: What to Know Before You Go

August 9, 2019 by aberry

Tahoe East Shore Trail: What to Know Before You Go

Even before the first line was drawn on a map in 1988, residents and visitors of North Lake Tahoe have been dreaming of a trail that provides a safer alternative for cyclists and beach goers near the scenic East Shore of Lake Tahoe. Through the work of 13 partners, the impossible is now a reality with the opening of the new Tahoe East Shore Trail. The opportunity now exists to safely explore a wide range of activities along the East Shore, whether walking, riding, or rolling. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Access for All: The new Tahoe East Shore Trail offers a 3-mile long, 10-foot wide paved path that meets the American Disability Act standards to make certain that everyone can participate whether walking, rolling, running, or riding. Pedal-assist e-bikes are welcome, but leave motorized vehicles or scooters at home.

Parking: To alleviate the risk of crossing SR 28, there are 91 new parking spots at the northern end of the trail, ensuring a safer, easier place to unload for the day. Roadside parking along SR 28 is now prohibited.

Shuttle Services: The East Shore Express is a great way to access the path if parking is full. Pick up the shuttle at the old Incline Elementary School on Southwood or the Sand Harbor Visitors Center. Bus fare is $3 for the general public, and $1.50 for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Bike Rentals: Rent a bike to explore the new trail at Flume Trail Bikes (https://flumetrailtahoe.com/) located at the Northern Trailhead, or at Village Ski Loft located about one mile north on SR 28.

Mountain Side to the Lake: The first mile of the path is on the mountain side of the highway, offering spectacular views of Tahoe from a completely new vantage point. Cross through the tunnel, and enjoy two miles of path along the shoreline. The steepest section of the path is on the mountain side, but it never reaches more than 8% grade.

Beach Access Points: Bring a towel! The East Shore Trail offers 11 beach access points for a cool, refreshing mid-trail swim, including safer and easier access to the popular Hidden Beach. Bike racks along the path offer a secure place to lock up a bike or stroller.

Dogs: The trail is pet friendly, so leashed four-legged family members are welcome. Keep in mind the path does get very hot during peak sunlight hours as there is very little shade. Dogs are not recommended during hot summer days. And, don’t forget to pick up after your pup.

Vista Points: There are 16 vista points along the path that offer beautiful rest stops to get off the path and enjoy the views. While there, take the time to read the inscriptions vista point donors wrote on their Tahoe-shaped plaques.

Trail Etiquette: As you can imagine, the path is very popular for walkers and cyclists. Please stay to the right and pass on the left. Don’t walk four or more across the path. Cyclists must yield to hikers.

Tunnel Creek Café: Located at the Northern Trailhead, a new remodel of this popular trailhead cafe (re-opening soon) will be sure to take care of all your pre- and post-trail needs. From the Café, you can access a lot of really exciting mountain bike rides and hikes including the iconic Flume Trail and Monkey Rock.

Bears and Trout: Along the path you will notice bears set in concrete and steel trout mounted along the bridges. These are in honor of Tahoe Fund donors who help raise more than $1M in private donations to secure the public funding needed for the path. All donations of $100 or more are featured on the donor wall at the start of the trail. Donations are still being accepted. If you would like your name added to the path on a bear, trout or the next donor wall, visit tahoefund.org/donate.

Sand Harbor: The Southern most end of the trail concludes at Sand Harbor, a wonderful place to enjoy Lake Tahoe and spend time with friends and family. Entrance from the path is $2 for both cyclists and pedestrians. The most popular State Park in Nevada, Sand Harbor offers access to giant boulders, crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and kayak rentals among other things.

Pack In, Pack Out: Do your part to take care of Tahoe by always picking up your trash and personal belongings before you go.

Now that you know what to expect, get out on the path and see for yourself how the “Impossible Trail” became reality.

Tahoe Fund Partnering With Tahoe Water Suppliers Association To Get More People To DRINK TAHOE TAP

July 31, 2019 by aberry

With 99.994% purity, Tahoe tap water was voted the best tasting water in the country by the National Rural Water Association. The Tahoe Fund is partnering with the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association to encourage more people to DRINK TAHOE TAP to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Grants are now available to organizations in the Tahoe Basin to install water bottle refill stations. To apply for a grant, organizations can visit DRINKTAHOETAP.org.

“The Tahoe area is set apart by having award-winning water available in our communities. The Tahoe Tap Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program is intended to promote greater access for both visitors and locals to Tahoe Tap at businesses and facilities,” said Madonna Dunbar, executive director of the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association. “It’s a win-win, resulting in fewer single use plastic bottle waste in the environment and greater tap water access for people. TWSA is delighted to partner with Tahoe Fund on this project.”

Available on a first-come basis, $500 grants will be offered to Basin businesses who complete the application, install water bottle refill stations and submit proof of installation and payment. The program was designed to encourage environmental stewardship and reduce the use of single-use plastics by providing a way to easily refill reusable water bottles. Visitors and local residents can easily find nearby water bottle refill stations by using the free TAP app at https://findtap.com.

“We are happy to make it easier for people to reduce and reuse while refueling on some of the best water in the country,” said Cory Ritchie, Tahoe Fund board member. “Our partnership with TWSA provides an opportunity for our donors to help inspire greater stewardship of Lake Tahoe.”

Learn more about the DRINK TAHOE TAP initiative at DRINKTAHOETAP.org.

PLEDGE FOR THE WILD

July 23, 2019 by aberry

Let’s say you spend a day in South Lake Tahoe. You enjoy a morning of mountain biking on the Corral Trail, followed by a swim at Nevada Beach. Your cost for this day of recreation bliss? Free.

Okay, there’s gas involved, and maybe a day-use parking fee. But for the most part, you get access to stunning, well-marked trails without ever getting a chance to help support the maintenance and preservation of those awesome areas.

Until now.

WHAT’S PLEDGE FOR THE WILD?

There’s a trend in the travel world where visitors are looking for ways to give back to special places they love. Visiting a cool wilderness area is one thing, but actively investing in making sure it’s there for generations to come? That’s next-level awesome.

That’s what Pledge for the Wild is all about. It’s sustainable tourism at its best, starting with five U.S. mountain towns making it easier for tourists to open their hearts and digital wallets in support of wild places.

Participating cities have taken stock of which land managers and nonprofits are working to protect the wild places in their community. From there, Pledge for the Wild towns are creating direct channels for visitors to support those organizations through online donations or text-to-donate.

WHY DO WE NEED THIS?

It’s no secret that funding for the Forest Service has been slashed to bits in recent years. That leaves a lot fewer resources devoted to things like trail maintenance. Sadly, there’s no such thing as a trail fairy who magically trims brush and removes fallen logs from your hiking path, and the aforementioned parking fees don’t quite cut it. That’s why nonprofit groups have jumped in to help tackle these tasks, and now you can support them with Pledge for the Wild.

WHO GETS THE MONEY IN TAHOE?

In Tahoe, we are the nonprofit receiving the funds. We will use the funds generated to support our efforts to drive innovation into everything happening in Tahoe, from new trails to lake clarity to new ways to restore our forest through our Environmental Venture Trust.

HOW DO I TRY IT OUT?

To use the text-to-donate feature, just text 44-321 and use the code WILD4TAHOE. From there, you can walk through the easy-peasy system to donate using your credit card or ApplePay.

WHAT OTHER TOWNS ARE INVOLVED?

The program launched June 2019 with five Western mountain towns that tend to attract an outdoorsy sort of traveler.

Tourism agencies in Bend, Oregon; Bozeman, Montana; Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Flagstaff, Arizona; and South Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada, are the founding cities for Pledge for the Wild, though more may join in the future.

ER, HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?

It’s totally up to you! Even donations as small as a dollar can make a difference. One option is to add up all the time you spent recreating outdoors in Tahoe, then donate a buck for each hour. Not only is it a simple system to use, it’s a great way to look back over all the fun things you’ve done on your Tahoe vacation.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

To discover more about Pledge for the Wild, visit www.pledgewild.com.

Read what Fast Company and Travel & Leisure have to say about this new program.