The snowpack is back! The snowpack in Tahoe is now is twice the average of a typical Dec 5th according to SNOTEL data from our friends at NRCS. This day last year, the snowpack was 173% of average.
Tahoe Fund Issues Call for 2020 Projects
Nonprofit seeks projects that offer solutions to environmental challenges impacting Lake Tahoe
TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2019) – The nonprofit Tahoe Fund has opened its annual call for projects that offer solutions to environmental challenges that impact Lake Tahoe. Specifically interested in supporting projects designed to improve lake clarity, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, reduce wildfire risk, and promote healthier forests, the Tahoe Fund will also consider funding projects that improve transportation and enhance stewardship opportunities in the Tahoe Basin. Organizations can submit projects for consideration by January 31, 2020 at tahoefund.org/challenge.
“Our goal is to support projects that improve the environment within the Tahoe Basin and encourage greater stewardship of this place that is treasured by so many,” said Allen Biaggi, Tahoe Fund Board Vice Chairman. “There are so many organizations doing great work in our region, we look forward to considering the projects they put forward and understanding how they can help increase the pace and scale of environmental improvements that are needed in Tahoe.”
Eligible projects must be able to demonstrate that necessary environmental permits will be obtained, that it has strong community support, and that other sources of funding have been identified. All submissions will be reviewed by the Tahoe Fund Projects Committee, which is responsible for developing the Tahoe Fund’s Signature and Premier Projects Portfolio. Project selections are expected to be made in late spring or early summer 2020.
Project submissions for early-stage grants that bring innovative solutions to Tahoe’s environmental challenges are also being accepted through Tahoe Fund’s Environmental Venture Trust. These projects should be able to demonstrate how an early investment can be leveraged to secure significant funding in the future from public and/or private sources.
Since 2010, the Tahoe Fund has raised funds from private donors for more than 35 environmental improvement projects including new bike paths and trails, watershed restorations, removal of aquatic invasive species and environmental stewardship programs. In 2019, financial support was provided to projects including the Spooner Lake Trailhead and Amphitheater, Bike Racks for Businesses, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Outdoor Learning Center, Lily Lake Trail and more.
Project guidelines and the request for projects submission form can be found at tahoefund.org/challenge.
Family-friendly Thanksgiving Hikes
Thanksgiving is a great time for family hikes in Tahoe, especially in newly fallen snow. Sometimes it can be hard to find a hike that suits the needs of a whole family. Here are three great family trail options for the young and old, or cautious and bold.
Monkey Rock Trail
Of course we recommend the new East Shore Trail for a family-friendly stroll, but if you are looking for
something a little off the beaten path we recommend Monkey Rock. Named for a well know monkey-shaped rock that perches high above Incline Village, this trail features stunning views of Lake Tahoe, with an added attraction that the family can enjoy. The trailhead is located just off of the new East Shore Trail and next to the Tunnel Creek Café, a great place to grab a bite before heading off. Make sure to bring a camera, Monkey Rock paints an iconic scene of Tahoe’s unique collaboration between the mountains and the Lake.
- Open: Year-round access
- Parking: Park in the new East Shore Trail parking lots and walk up the road behind the Tunnel Creek Café. After a small but steep walk up the road the dirt trail begins with an immediate pay-off of stunning views.
- Distance: 2.6-mile out and back.
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium- the hike is short but there is a steep section that may require a little extra motivation. The views are worth it!
- Dogs: Permitted if on a leash
Rubicon- Lighthouse Trail at Bliss State Park
Tahoe Fund partnered with California State Parks to build a new section
of the Lighthouse Trail that merges with the iconic Rubicon Trail. Accessed from within Bliss State Park, the trail offers a short hike to stunning views from the West Shore of Tahoe. Stop along the way at the new vista point and benches, and make sure to check out the old Rubicon Lighthouse, once the highest elevation lighthouse in the world.
- Open: Year-round, April and September are the best times to go
- Parking: During the summer season there is a $10 entrance fee for vehicles at Bliss State Park. During the off-season, which is weather dependent, the gates are closed and parking will be located at the parking lot near the highway 89 visitors center, just a mile from the closest Rubicon trail head.
- Distance: .5 mile and connects to Rubicon Trail for a longer hike
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs: Permitted if on a leash
Spooner Lake Trail
Whether looking for a place to bike, hike, fish, or take in nature at your own pace, Spooner Lake State Park offers the perfect backdrop to do just this. Spooner Lake serves as an educational and recreation paradise that allows for a quieter, more tranquil experience of Tahoe, while also being a gateway to more than 60 miles of backcountry trails including the famous Flume Trail and Marlette Lake. The heart of the park features a family-friendly trail around Spooner Lake that is flat and offers many benches for unhindered views of the lake. The Tahoe Fund has teamed up with Nevada State Parks to envision a revamped the trailhead with the addition of an amphitheater. Information about donations and project renderings can be found here.
- Open: Year-round access
- Parking: There is a $10 entrance fee for drive-ins, with a $2 entrance fee for walk-ins.
- Distance: 2.5-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs: Permitted if on a leash
With these trails in mind, get out and make your Tahoe Thanksgiving one to remember!
Christmas Tree Permits Will Be Available Nov 25
Our favorite Tahoe holiday tradition is back, and it’s about more than cutting trees. Starting November 25th, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be granting tree-cutting permits to the general public. This program allows for a great family experience, while taking the smaller trees that cause excess vegetation and increase fire danger.
Here are a few specifics to know before applying for a permit this year.
Where to purchase a permit?
Christmas tree permits will be sold at two locations this year:
- Forest Supervisor’s Office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
- Open: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
- North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, 100 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145.
- Open: Seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., excluding Christmas Day.
How much do permits cost?
- Each permit will cost $10, payable by cash, check, or credit card.
How many permits are given out?
- This year the USDA will be limiting permits to one per family.
Permit Specifics
- Available: starting Monday November 25 and can be purchased up until December 31 to allow time for military families that have to celebrate the holidays late.
- Tree Types: Pine, Cedar, or Fir
- Tree Size: The tree must be no larger than 6 inches in diameter at the base and no more than 10 feet from another tree (tape measure is provided with the permit).
- Where to cut: Maps will be provided when given the permit.
- How to cut: Must remove tree from the base, leaving no more than 6 inches of stump.
- Before you leave: Tag the tree before exiting the area.
Every Kid Outdoors Program
- Through the “Every Kid Outdoors Program,” fourth-grade students can obtain a free Christmas tree permit by bringing a valid Every Kid Outdoors pass.
- The permits for Every Kid Outdoors Program are only available at the South Lake Tahoe location.
- For more information about this program, visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/
index.htm.
Important
- It is important to understand that travel is weather dependent in Tahoe.
- Before heading out to your tree-cutting destination, notify people where you are going and always check the weather report; never cut trees in conditions that are wet and windy.
For more information, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ChristmasTreePermits
Tahoe Fund Meets Campaign Goal for Lily Lake Trail Thanks to Triple Funding Match by Vail Resorts’ Epic Promise
Contributions from Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise guest donation program helped meet funding gap required to complete new multi-use trail accessing Fallen Leaf Lake and Desolation Wilderness
TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2019) – Thanks to a triple match from Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise guest donation program at Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood, completion of the Lily Lake Trail will be a reality in 2020. Earlier this year, the planned 2.1-mile multi-use trail designed to provide new access to Fallen Leaf Lake and Desolation Wilderness faced a $75,000 funding gap. The nonprofit Tahoe Fund mobilized its supporters, and within a few short months, secured funding commitments from VailResorts EpicPromise, the Mathman family and other contributors to ensure the trail can be completed next summer by the US Forest Service and Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association.
“Our goal has always been to help environmental and sustainable recreation projects like this one achieve completion in the Tahoe Basin,” said Katy Simon Holland, Tahoe Fund board chair. “This effort truly demonstrated the incredible power of philanthropy – among our partners in both the public and private sectors – and the support our community has for projects that enhance sustainable recreation and access to our public lands.”
“Those who visit our resorts are passionate about the outdoors,” said Tom Fortune, vice president and general manager of Heavenly Mountain Resort. “It’s important to Vail Resorts that we provide opportunities for our guests to give back and support projects like this in the mountain communities where we operate. Lending support to aid in the completion of the Lily Lake Trail, a new trail I myself look forward to using, aligned perfectly with the intent of our guest donation program.”
Once complete, the Lily Lake Trail, designed to connect to the newly built trail system on Angora Ridge, will feature stunning views of Desolation Wilderness, Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe, reduce traffic on narrow roads, and offer new access to hikers and mountain bikers who want a car-free way to enjoy Fallen Leaf Lake, Glen Alpine Springs and Desolation Wilderness. The trail will be comprised of aspects unique to the Tahoe trail repertoire — slickrock, boulder traverses, and an expansive view of Fallen Leaf Lake on the edge of a 75-foot cliff.
Construction started in 2018; however, due to the challenges of building through dense vegetation and unforgiving talus, and the requirement of funding that has now been achieved to pay for professional engineering and building crews, completion isn’t expected until late 2020.
“Without the active support of the Tahoe Fund and Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise triple match, construction of the Lily Lake Trail simply wouldn’t be possible,” said Scott Brown, Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association board member and crew leader. “It’s incredibly inspiring to know that when we put out the call for help, this community is willing to step up and make it happen.
Learn more about this on our Lily Lake project page.
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