Caroline Waldman, Author at Tahoe Fund

‘Think Before You Sink’: New Take Care Tahoe Campaign Highlights Dangers of Cold Water Shock

June 29, 2023 by Caroline Waldman

Every year, an average of seven people drown in Lake Tahoe due to cold water shock. A new safety education campaign from Take Care Tahoe is encouraging those who spend time in Lake Tahoe to wear a life jacket and “think before you sink.” Envisioned by local Girl Scout and South Lake Tahoe high school student Sadie Beall, the campaign was designed to educate people about the dangers of cold water shock, how quickly it can happen, and how to avoid drowning. Several marinas and kayak and SUP rental operators in the Tahoe Basin have already agreed to help get the word out to their customers about the campaign.

“Growing up in Tahoe, I’ve been around the lake and its cold water for my entire life. My dad has always worked at a marina, and boating is part of our life, so hearing about cold water shock and drownings that unfortunately happen every year is not unusual,” said Sadie Beall, initiator of Take Care Tahoe’s Cold Water Shock campaign. “In launching this campaign, my goal is to educate people about what cold water shock is, and how it can be avoided while still enjoying Lake Tahoe.”

Cold water shock occurs when the body enters extremely cold water and the muscles lock up, resulting in temporary paralysis. Marinas and other watercraft rental operators participating in the campaign will post cold water shock posters and stickers with QR codes that drive visitors to the Take Care Tahoe website for more information. There, viewers will find facts about cold water shock such as:

Within 15 minutes in cold water, blood flow decreases to the extremities to preserve heat at the core. You will lose movement of legs and arms and will be unable to stay afloat unless you are wearing a life vest.
55% of all open-water drownings occur within 10 feet of safe refuge.
66% of people who drown in cold water are regarded as strong swimmers.

Information shared on the campaign page also includes boating laws related to lifejacket use, live lake conditions information, and forecast models for water temperature, wave height, and water currents, as compiled by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Site visitors will also find details about proper boating etiquette on Lake Tahoe, information from the Lake Tahoe Water Trail, and other resources related to cold water shock.

“Sadie came to us last year to propose a new Take Care Tahoe campaign focused on cold water shock,” said Noah Shapiro, Take Care Tahoe program coordinator. “Realizing that this effort can help save lives and impact how people recreate on Lake Tahoe, it was something all of the Take Care partners were eager to support. We are pleased to be rolling this campaign out as summer officially gets underway, and are encouraged that so many marinas and other businesses are committed to helping get the word out.”
Learn more about cold water shock and how to prevent it at https://takecaretahoe.org/take-action/cold-water-shock/.

Tahoe Fund Launches Campaign to Build Accessibility Ramp in Tahoe Meadows

June 22, 2023 by Caroline Waldman

A boardwalk trail meanders through Tahoe Meadows near Mt. Rose summit, providing visitors with incredible views and signage about the local flora and fauna. Access to the boardwalk, however, is currently limited to those who can successfully navigate two sets of stairs. The Tahoe Fund has partnered with the Tahoe Meadows Access Ramp Committee (TMAR) to raise $150,000 for a new accessibility ramp to the boardwalks.

“A recent gap analysis commissioned by the Tahoe Fund on access and inclusion in the Tahoe region found what many already know — there are far fewer opportunities for all to enjoy the Tahoe environment,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Tahoe Fund donors, Steve and Sandy Hardie, every dollar we receive will go twice as far to bring this access ramp to life and offer greater outdoor accessibility.”

The TMAR is working alongside the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation and the US Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Carson Ranger District to build the ramp. Once all required funding and environmental approvals have been secured, plans are to begin construction this fall.

“It is hard for anyone with mobility challenges to navigate the railroad-style stairs that lead down to these boardwalks,” said Roberta Ross, chairperson for TMAR. “We are calling on our community to help us ensure that everyone – regardless of physical ability – can access the boardwalks and experience the wonder of Tahoe Meadows.”

Every donation to this project will be matched up to $75,000. To give today, visit tahoefund.org/tahoemeadows.

Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan Introduced to Address Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Challenges

June 20, 2023 by Caroline Waldman

An unprecedented group of Lake Tahoe destination management, land management, and non-profit organizations, including the Tahoe Fund, launched the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan today with the signing of an agreement to create the first destination stewardship council for the greater Tahoe region. The plan outlines a comprehensive framework and sets in motion action priorities to better manage outdoor recreation and tourism and ensure the sustainability and preservation of an iconic natural treasure and its local community.

Today’s event capped an extensive stakeholder engagement and community visioning process that began in 2022 after the community felt immense challenges initially brought on by COVID. The plan’s vision and actions were developed in collaboration with 17 regional organizations and participation of over 3,000 residents, visitors, and businesses through surveys, interviews, and workshops.

The Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan establishes a shared vision for the region’s recreation and tourism system: A cherished place, welcoming to all, where people, communities, and nature benefit from a thriving tourism and outdoor recreation economy. The plan identifies 32 actions across four strategic pillars:

Foster a tourism economy that gives back
Turn a shared vision into shared action
Advance a culture of caring for the greater Lake Tahoe region
Improve the Tahoe experience for all

By implementing this plan, member organizations, and Lake Tahoe communities will reinforce their commitment to responsible recreation and tourism practices, ensuring the continued enjoyment of this national treasure for generations to come.

“At its heart, this plan is about taking care of Tahoe for generations to come,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “With the entire region putting this strategy into action, we will be able to build a sustainable future for the Lake Tahoe environment that everyone can enjoy.”

“The launch of the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan represents a significant step forward in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this beloved destination,” said Tony Karwowski, President and CEO of the North Tahoe Community Alliance. “It demonstrates the commitment and partnership of the local community, government agencies, and tourism industry to safeguard Lake Tahoe’s future.”

“This plan responds to the need to balance a robust tourism economy, a fragile environment and thriving local communities,” said Carol Chaplin, President and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “And the collaboration and commitment by our lakewide partners to achieve that balance is extraordinary and powerful towards achieving our shared vision.”

“As the Tahoe region’s primary economic engine, tourism must be nurtured and shaped to support the wellbeing of its communities, visitors, businesses, natural environment, and cultures,” said Erick Walker, Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest. “It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard and improve Lake Tahoe and its surrounding lands, tributaries and forests. To protect the quality of the Tahoe experience, it is vital to manage use while providing opportunities for all to enjoy it.”

“The culmination of this plan and creation of Tahoe’s first destination stewardship council underscore the commitment we all share to a brighter future where the lake, our communities and visitors, and the backbone of our regional economy can thrive together,” Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Executive Director Julie Regan said. “The diverse makeup of our region has put Lake Tahoe on the forefront of collaborative conservation and today that spirit of partnership is taking us forward to be a model for sustainable recreation and tourism as well.”

Action Priorities

To implement the plan, partners agreed today to establish a Lake Tahoe Stewardship Council that will actively engage with stakeholders, residents, and visitors to foster a collective sense of responsibility towards the destination’s sustainability. The plan will be continuously reviewed, updated, and adapted to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

This summer, visitors and residents at Tahoe will see destination stewardship programs already working. Key programs include Take Care Ambassadors at recreation sites and trailheads, expanded litter clean ups, solar compacting trash cans, and coordinated stewardship education campaigns focused on visitors and outdoor recreation users.

For more information about the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan and to access the full plan document, please visit www.stewardshiptahoe.org.

The public can learn more about the plan at an upcoming online webinar on July 10 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. or by signing up for the eNews at www.stewardshiptahoe.org.

The plan was developed in collaboration with 17 regional organizations including the California Tahoe Conservancy, City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, North Tahoe Community Alliance, Placer County, Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, Tahoe Fund, Tahoe Prosperity Center, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Travel North Tahoe Nevada, USDA Forest Service – Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Visit Truckee-Tahoe, Washoe County, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Experience Lake Tahoe’s First Trilingual Audio Tour at Taylor Creek Visitors Center

June 13, 2023 by Caroline Waldman

As you wander through a grove of quaking aspens, watch kokanee salmon swim in the creek, or take in beautiful meadow views, you’ll find that Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe is a great place to learn about Lake Tahoe’s natural environment.

That’s why the Tahoe Fund partnered with the National Forest Foundation to create Lake Tahoe’s first trilingual walking audio tour. Available in English, Spanish, and Washoe, the audio tour provides a guided experience of the interpretive trails at Taylor Creek and celebrates the history of the Washoe Tribe on their native lands. The tour is also available online for virtual exploration.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the launch of the audio tour on Saturday, June 17 from 2-6pm at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. This all-ages event will feature demonstrations of the tour in all three languages, reading circles with stories in Washoe, Spanish, and English, and educational information from local organizations working to improve the Lake Tahoe environment. Click here for more details on the event.

This audio tour was made possible through collaboration between the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, The National Forest Foundation, The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, the Great Basin Institute, and generous contributions from Tahoe Fund donors.

Introducing the Tahoe Fund’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Recap

May 1, 2023 by Caroline Waldman

When an organization has been around for over a decade, it’s rare to continue to encounter firsts. And yet, that’s what the Tahoe Fund experienced with our incredible projects this fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2023.

We celebrated the completion of the first-ever cleanup of Lake Tahoe’s entire shoreline, with scuba divers from Clean Up the Lake removing 25,000 lbs of litter. We joined Nevada State Parks in opening a brand new visitors center and amphitheater at Spooner Lake State Park, which will serve nearly 150,000 visitors annually. And we gave scholarships to every student in the inaugural year of Lake Tahoe Community College’s new Forestry Program, helping more young people pursue careers in the understaffed forestry workforce.

These are just some of the impactful projects happening because of our Stewardship Circle members and donors like you.

We are proud to share that since its inception in 2010, the Tahoe Fund has supported over 130 environmental improvement projects. In the last 12 months alone, we funded more than 50 such projects, awarding $1.4 million-plus in grants. These philanthropic dollars helped leverage upwards of $7 million in public funds.

Please read our FY 2022-23 Project Portfolio to learn more about the projects we funded this past fiscal year alongside our outstanding partners. Each initiative falls within one of the Tahoe Fund’s five focus areas—forest health, lake clarity, sustainable recreation, stewardship, and transportation—and showcases the transformative power of your philanthropy.

Read our FY 2022-23 Project Portfolio.