Blog - Tahoe Fund

TAHOE FUND LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR MAJOR TRAIL RESTORATION WORK IN DESOLATION WILDERNESS

July 12, 2023 by Caroline Waldman

Nineteen miles of trail that travel through Desolation Wilderness from Echo Lakes to Lake Aloha are in desperate need of extensive restoration work due to high use, erosion and extreme weather events. To address this critical need, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund is partnering with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association to launch a $50,000 matching campaign.

“In the last year alone, the section of trail that travels from Echo Lakes to Lake Aloha had over 2,000 trail users per week between June and September,” said Morgan Steel, Executive Director, Tahoe Rim Trail Association. “With the support of Tahoe Fund donors, we will be able to undertake major restoration work to repair and fortify this popular section of the Tahoe Rim Trail system co-aligned with the Pacific Crest Trail.”

The work to be completed over the next two years will include re-establishing the trail tread, completing extensive rock work to make the trail surface safer for hikers and equestrians, and adding drainages to decrease erosion. Together, these trail restoration activities will protect water quality, prevent habitat and landscape fragmentation, and protect sensitive biological resources.

“This beloved section of trail takes you to gorgeous alpine lakes and through pristine wilderness,” said Deb Howard, Tahoe Fund board member. “We’re calling on our community to help fund this restoration work to give all trail users a safer, more enjoyable experience, while also reducing the impact on Tahoe’s sensitive alpine environment.”

All donations to the Echo Lakes Trail Restoration project will be doubled until the $50,000 fundraising goal is reached. Contributions will also be matched with funding from the Latrobe Fund and in-kind contributions from California Conservation Corps, the Pacific Crest Trail Association, and the US Forest Service.

Learn more about the project and donate at www.tahoefund.org/desolation.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TUNNEL CREEK SINGLETRACK TRAIL BEGINS

July 6, 2023 by Caroline Waldman

Construction of the new 2.3-mile Tunnel Creek Singletrack Trail is now underway, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Tahoe Fund, a Recreation Trails Program grant from Nevada State Parks, and trail-building efforts by Great Basin Institute and the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA). This new trail will reduce conflicts between hikers and bikers on the busy Tunnel Creek Road, which is a popular route to and from Monkey Rock, Marlette Flume Trail, Incline Flume Trail, and the Tahoe Rim Trail.

“This trail will provide new opportunities for sustainable recreation in the Tahoe Basin and make the experience better and safer for two very different user groups,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “We are thankful to all of our donors for helping us raise the funds necessary to make this trail a reality, and to our great partners at Nevada State Parks, Great Basin Institute, and TAMBA for their hard work to build it.”

The trail will be constructed to the International Mountain Biking Association’s green classification with grades of less than 15% and an average of 8%. Trail users can expect to see trail crews and equipment on Tunnel Creek Road this season, as crews begin the work of trail alignment and installation of at least one bridge.

“The Nevada Division of State Parks is excited to improve the experience for park visitors. It is a long-standing goal of the division to provide safer and sustainable recreation within Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park, and this project will be an asset for many years to come,” said Kevin Fromherz, Conservation Staff Specialist, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “We would like to thank the Tahoe Fund, Great Basin Institute, Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, Flume Trail Bikes, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tunnel Creek Lodge, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Environmental Improvement Program for their hard work in planning and permitting this project. We are excited to see construction begin.”

The Great Basin Institute, with support from the Nevada Conservation Corps program, TAMBA, Nevada State Parks, Flume Trail Bikes, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, and the Tunnel Creek Lodge, secured a $72,265 grant from Nevada State Parks through the Recreation Trails Program for the first phase of trail construction.

Learn more about the project at https://www.tahoefund.org/projects/active-projects/tunnel-creek-singletrack/.

‘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.