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.
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.
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.
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 
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.
$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.
“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.