Blog - Tahoe Fund

Construction Bid Now Open for Spooner Lake State Park Improvements

January 21, 2021 by Skyler Monaghan

Tahoe Fund donors helped secure funding to start construction process for a new visitor center and amphitheater

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. (Jan. 22, 2021) – Nevada State Parks is seeking construction bids for Phase 1 of the Spooner Frontcountry Improvement Project. Phase 1 will involve a complete redesign and update of the 35+ year old facilities, and construction of a new visitor center and amphitheater at Spooner Lake. Proposals will be accepted at the Nevada Division of State Parks office until March 11 at 2:00 p.m. PST.

This is an important milestone for the project, after a successful fundraising campaign completed last year by the Tahoe Fund generated more than $300,000 in contributions from private donors. The private funds helped to unlock $2.9 million in public funding for the project.

Spooner Lake, an incredibly popular place to hike, mountain bike, ride horses or simply enjoy nature, welcomes more than 150,000 visitors every year. The new facilities will offer visitors high quality interpretive programming and environmental education, and will serve as a base for natural and cultural history programs, ranger-led hikes and tours, and an outdoor science venue for students. The addition of the amphitheater will also expand ecology and outdoor education programs, with a number of science and nature-based field trip opportunities for local elementary and middle schoolers. It will serve as a major portal to 60+ miles of paths and trails in 13,000 acres of spectacular non-motorized wilderness within the Lake Tahoe Basin.

“It’s exciting to see the bid proposal process get underway for this project,” said Tim Cashman, Tahoe Fund board member. “The renovation of the facilities at Spooner Lake will provide new educational opportunities for local students and visitors from around the world. We are so thankful for all of the generous donors who helped get this started.”

The project will include the removal of the existing restroom, site preparation, utility installation, construction of a visitor center and amphitheater, pathways and site amenities, landscaping and irrigation, entrance road realignment and paving, vault toilet installation, and any other specified work as outlined in the project specifications.

For detailed project and bid information, visit http://parks.nv.gov/about/public-notices.

The Spooner Lake State Park renovation is a collaborative effort between the Nevada Division of State Parks, the Nevada Division of State Lands, the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, and the Tahoe Fund. For additional project background, as well as other projects in the Tahoe Basin, visit tahoefund.org.

Support Tahoe Fund at Alpenglow Sports’ Free Virtual Winter Speaker Series February 4

January 19, 2021 by Skyler Monaghan

Tahoe Fund selected to receive proceeds from event featuring professional skier Ingrid Backstrom

TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2021) – It’s not too late to register for the fourth event of the 2020-21 Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series and support the Tahoe Fund. Scheduled to take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, the free live streamed event will feature a presentation by professional skier Ingrid Backstrom followed by a live raffle that includes coveted outdoor gear. Tickets for the live raffle are available for purchase upon registration for the free event, with proceeds benefiting the Tahoe Fund.

An eagerly anticipated winter storytelling tradition for North Lake Tahoe’s adventure community, the Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series attracts over 4,000 attendees annually and has successfully generated more than $50,000 per show for local nonprofit organizations. The Tahoe Fund is the beneficiary of the February 4 event.

Backstrom, a professional skier of international fame, will present “Little Big Mountain Skiing,” showcasing a few of her best trips and ski lines. She will also share how she has continued to manage her ski career while becoming a mother.

“The Tahoe Fund is honored and humbled to have been selected by Alpenglow Sports as one of the nonprofits benefiting from its successful winter speaker series,” said Jim Porter, Tahoe Fund board member. “Over the past 15 years, Brendan Madigan and Alpenglow has done a phenomenal job sharing the inspiring stories of athletes in our community and beyond, while motivating people to give back to organizations that keep our community moving forward. We are thrilled to be part of this event and grateful for the support.”

Alpenglow Sports will give away over $10,000 in outdoor gear during the live broadcast. Everything from skis to jackets and other outdoor swag will be part of the raffle giveaway, with entries starting at just $5.

Event registration is free! Register Here.

Tahoe Fund Partners With SOS Outreach to Help Get Underserved Youth Outdoors

January 14, 2021 by Skyler Monaghan

Program provides mentorship, outdoor experiences and facilitates local service projects designed to impart leadership skills and cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards

TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2021) – When he participated as a mentor for the SOS Outreach program for the first time last year, Crew Stover had few expectations. He finished the first day of skiing at Northstar with his group of fifth graders with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding of the real, impactful ways the program gives back to the kids and the community.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of the SOS Outreach program. Not only is it awesome to see these kids learn how to ski or snowboard and become passionate about recreating in the mountains, it’s a privilege to help them grow as people,” said Stover who is also a program and outreach coordinator for the Tahoe Fund. “The SOS Outreach program curriculum both on and off the mountain helps kids build confidence and develop skills they’ll use throughout their lives.”

The Tahoe Fund announced its support of SOS Outreach with a $30,000 program grant to expand its impact in North and South Lake Tahoe. SOS Outreach is a nonprofit that provides opportunities for underserved youth to experience the outdoors while participating in a mentorship program that is designed to prepare them for life’s challenges. Every winter, kids who would not normally have the opportunity, enjoy five ride days at Northstar or Heavenly with their mentors. Off the slopes, they engage in social service projects that help improve their local community.

In North and South Lake Tahoe, more than 250 kids learn to ski and snowboard, learn leadership skills and the importance of protecting the environment through service projects each year. In the summer months they learn to fly fish, river raft and mountain bike.

The effectiveness of the SOS Outreach program is clear. Over the past 10 years, SOS programs have led to more kids graduating from high school, attending college, finding careers and giving back to their communities. In fact, 96% of SOS youth plan to attend college, and 61% return to mentor peers.

“Our programs are designed to help underserved youth in our community discover joy through outdoor recreation they might not otherwise have access to, feel included, overcome challenges, improve their mental health, and become strong leaders,” said Theresa Papandrea, senior regional director, SOS Outreach. “We’re thrilled the Tahoe Fund supports our goals and has agreed to help us deliver this important programming to local kids.”

“The goals of the SOS Outreach program align perfectly with the Tahoe Fund’s commitment to sustainable recreation and environmental stewardship,” said Katy Simon Holland, Tahoe Fund board member. “On behalf of our donors, not only are we pleased to contribute to such a valuable program, we appreciate the opportunity for our staff to participate as mentors to the local youth who are part of this incredible program.”
Learn more about the Tahoe Fund and the programs it supports at www.tahoefund.org.

Safe Winter Roads and A Clear Lake

January 6, 2021 by Skyler Monaghan

Have you ever wondered how the public agencies manage to keep us safe on snowy roads without harming the pristine clarity of Tahoe? Science has proven that the number one source of lake clarity loss comes from runoff from roads into the Lake. Runoff generated by these impervious surfaces picks up sediment like sand applied to make winter roads safe for driving. How we treat the roads during, before, and after can have a huge impact on Tahoe’s famed clarity.

Road managers spend a lot of time testing and refining techniques and tools for when the snow starts flying. Here is a look at some of the various materials and tools that are used to keep our roads and the Lake safe during the winter.

Materials

When we put materials on the road matters:

Pre-Wetting systems:

Prewetting systems are employed to both enhance the ability of sand particles to stay on the road and also act like an anti-icer/de-icer. Prewetting systems apply a small spray of brine on the sand prior to being spread on the road surface. This allows the sand to stay on the road longer, bounce/scatter less, increase traction, and lower the freezing point of the road.

How we spread the material counts:

Epoke Spreaders (Sand Spreaders):

Epoke spreaders are an advanced winter maintenance strategy that applies less traction material to the road while more efficiently distributing it.

What we put on the roads is critical:

Brine/Beet Juice Applications:

Brine is a water-salt mixture used as an anti-icing agent to control ice buildup on the road surface and reduce the freezing point of the road surface to prevent ice from forming. The brine is mixed at a ratio that includes much more water than salt. Brine is a great alternative to dry salt, which can blow off of the shoulders and causes negative consequences to the natural environment and lake clarity.

Salt & Sand Mixture

Salt and sand are mixed at a ratio of two parts sand and one-part salt. The mixture is applied strategically to hills, curves, poor drainage areas, schools, and at reported safety concerns. While the salt is used to melt the ice, the sand is used for improved traction. Sand particles continue to move around on the road, making it hard for ice to form even at low temperatures.

In addition, transportation agencies work hard to get out and recover sand applied to roads to make them safe for driving. Hi-tech road sweepers enable for these materials to be picked up before they can be ground up and more easily transported in stormwater runoff.

Road Resources to Help You Stay Safe

Before you head out, you can track current road conditions in real-time at the NV 511 site. There are even webcams, so you can see how much snow is on the roads.

Click Here

Driving Tips for Winter Roads

Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.
Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
Turn off cruise control.
Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped (antilock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
Always comply with all posted traction device requirements.
If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
Keep additional distance from other vehicles.
Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
Do not pass without good distance and sight clearance.
Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas- they may freeze first.
Maintain a high fuel level.
If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator.
Be aware of black ice.
If parked or stuck in snow, leave window slightly cracked for ventilation and make sure vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow.

Tahoe Fund Donors Meet Tahoe Blue Vodka’s $100,000 Match to Clean Up the Lake

January 5, 2021 by Skyler Monaghan

SCUBA dive team effort to remove trash around all 72-miles of Lake Tahoe will begin in earnest in Spring 2021

TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2021) – The Tahoe Fund announced today that Tahoe Blue Vodka’s generous $100,000 match has been met, allowing the nonprofit Clean Up The Lake to begin its massive effort to remove trash around all 72-miles of Lake Tahoe this spring. Support to meet the match was overwhelming, with more than 135 businesses and people donating to the cause, including $25,000 from Vail Resorts.

Beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe, long known for its famed clarity and brilliant blue waters, thousands of pounds of trash are breaking apart and impacting the lake’s aquatic habitats. A SCUBA dive team of professionals and volunteers, spearheaded by Clean Up The Lake, now has the support it needs to begin an extraordinary effort to recover trash that has been accumulating untouched under the surface of the lake for decades.

Last summer, the first phase of the effort resulted in the recovery of over 2,200 pounds of trash from just six miles of Lake Tahoe, and solidified interest in the expansion of the project to include the entire circumference of the lake. Led by Colin West, Clean Up The Lake founder and executive director, the team of divers will begin the project in May and expect to have the cleanup completed by the end of October 2021.

“I am humbled and grateful to those who value this project and the effort to clean up the lake,” said West. “The support the Tahoe Fund was able to generate from organizations like Tahoe Blue Vodka and Vail Resorts, as well as from individual donors, has been tremendous. We can’t wait to get started!”

Tahoe Blue Vodka’s award-winning spirit is made from the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, so stepping up to support this effort was an easy decision for founder and CEO Matt Levitt.

“Since I started Tahoe Blue Vodka, our mission has always been to give back to organizations and efforts that work to protect Lake Tahoe,” said Levitt. “It’s incredible to see the passion that people have for protecting the lake’s clarity and how matching donations like this one can inspire people to give back and make a difference.”

“We are in awe of how quickly the community stepped up to ensure this project met its funding goal so that it can move forward. We are so thankful to Tahoe Blue Vodka for their inspiring matching donation,” said Paul Felton, Tahoe Fund board member. “The passion for Lake Tahoe is undeniable, and we look forward to the kick-off of this massive cleanup effort in the spring.”

Learn more about the project and how to volunteer on dives at www.tahoefund.org.