Senator Dianne Feinstein will host the 18^th annual Lake Tahoe Summit on August 19^th at the historic Valhalla Estate in South Lake Tahoe.  The theme of this year’s summit is “Drought, Wildfire, and Invasive Species: Confronting the Effects of Climate Change on Lake Tahoe.”

The summit is open to the public and will feature remarks from Senator Feinstein, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. California Governor Jerry Brown will offer a keynote address. Guests are encouraged to register online at www.tahoefund.org/2014summit.

“The Tahoe Fund is thrilled to once again be the organizing sponsor of this important event,” said Art Chapman, vice chairman of the Tahoe Fund board of directors. “The future health of our lake is dependent on the support of our public officials and the private community that is brought together annually at the Lake Tahoe Summit.”

Feinstein is author of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, a bill to restore Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin. The legislation authorizes projects to improve Lake Tahoe’s water clarity, reduce risks for catastrophic wildfires, combat invasive species and protect threatened species and wildlands.

The Tahoe Fund’s annual Founders Circle Summer Dinner, held the night before the summit, is sold out.

Founded in 2010, the Tahoe Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to raising public and private money for  projects that will improve lake clarity, enhance recreation and inspire environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Tahoe Fund welcomes donations of any size to help sustain the organization and the extraordinary natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Information is available at info@tahoefund.org, or by calling 775.298.0035.

Organization now focused on new bike path from Incline to Sand Harbor

LAKE TAHOE Calif. and Nev. (Monday, August 11, 2014) – The Tahoe Fund presented checks totaling $131,000 to the recipients of its 2013 Signature Projects in front of a large crowd of supporters on Tuesday. Tahoe Fund donors provided funding that will allow completion of four environmental improvement projects that address erosion control, beach improvements, bike paths and the removal of invasive Asian clams.

The 2013 Signature Projects will help restore lake clarity and improve outdoor recreation in the Basin.  The project recipients were California State Parks for a bridge across the newly restored Angora Creek; Nevada State Parks for beach improvements including new ADA access at Sand Harbor; Tahoe City Public Utility District for a mile section of bike path along the west shore; and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency for the removal of Asian clams at the mouth of Emerald Bay.

“The Tahoe Fund’s singular focus is to inspire the private community to support important environmental improvement projects in the Tahoe Basin,” said Tim Cashman, Tahoe Fund board chair. “It is always heartwarming to celebrate our donors’ generosity, especially when we know it will mean great improvements for Tahoe and for the people who love it here.”

The Tahoe Fund presented the checks at an event supporting the Incline to Sand Harbor Bike Path. The organization is seeking to raise $750,000 in private contributions to trigger more than $12.5M in public funding for this 3-mile section of bikeway along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe.  Since June, the Tahoe Fund has raised more than $600,000 for the new path. All donations of $100 or more will be featured on a donor wall at the trailhead.  Engraved Bear and Trout shaped pavers are also available along the path for donations of $2,500 and $5,000.

Founded in 2010, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund is dedicated to raising money for  projects that will improve lake clarity, enhance recreation and inspire environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Basin.  The organization has funded the Blackwood Creek/Eagle Rock Trail watershed restoration on the west shore; the Incline/3^rd Creek watershed restoration on the north shore; segments of the Lake Tahoe Bikeway in Tahoe City, the west shore and South Lake Tahoe; environmental and recreational improvements at Sand Harbor State Park, Van-Sickle Bi-State Park and Washoe Meadows State Park; Asian Clam removal at Emerald Bay; a Tahoe Beaches App; and the UC Davis “State of the Lake” report.

The Tahoe Fund welcomes donations of any size to help sustain the organization and the extraordinary natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Information is available at info@tahoefund.org, or by calling 775.298.0035.

Tahoe Fund Seeks Donors to Help Secure Public Grants for New Trail

July 3, 2014 (Incline Village, Nev.) – The dream of a dedicated bike path along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe moved one step closer to reality with a vote by the Tahoe Fund board of directors to launch a new campaign to raise $750,000 for the trail. The private money raised by the Tahoe Fund would help the Tahoe Transportation District secure $12.5 million in public funding for the new bike path from Incline Village south to Sand Harbor on the lake’s northeast corner.

“It’s hard to imagine a more incredible experience than walking, biking or strolling those three miles along the lake,” said Tahoe Fund chairman Tim Cashman. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to ensure this project becomes reality.”

The Incline Village to Sand Harbor bike path will provide an opportunity for the community to explore the natural beauty of the eastern shore of Tahoe that until now was safely accessible only by car. The path would provide an exceptional recreational amenity, while significantly improving safety along the State Route 28 corridor. With a 10-foot wide path, it will meet the American Disability Act standards to ensure it is accessible for everyone to ride, walk or stroll.

“This is another example of how crucial public/private partnerships are for projects that improve the quality of life throughout the area,” said Carl Hasty, district manager of Tahoe Transportation District. “We appreciate Tahoe Fund inspiring the private community to support the trail – and look forward to working with individuals throughout the region to make this bike path an example for future transportation efforts.”

The new path will be separated from the highway. It will begin at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and State Route 28, expanding the current Lakeshore bike path to Sand Harbor State Park, providing access to Hidden Beach, Memorial Point and other scenic vistas. It is a major component of the Lake Tahoe Bikeway that will one day circumnavigate the lake.

The Tahoe Fund has identified a series of naming opportunities along the trail, including scenic vista points, rock walls, benches and bridges. In addition, the trail-head will feature a donor wall that recognizes all contributions of $100 or more to the project. To learn more about project support and involvement, please contact Amy Berry at aberry@tahoefund.org, (775) 338-1668 or visit http://www.tahoefund.org/our-projects/2014-project-investments/

For details on Tahoe Transportation District and its current projects, visit http://www.TahoeTransportation.org or call (775) 589-5500.

About the Tahoe Transportation District
The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is responsible for the implementation and management of transportation projects and programs in the Tahoe Basin. The organization has facilitated many area safety infrastructure projects, including bicycle paths, roadway improvements, pedestrian thoroughfares, water quality and watershed improvements and public transit solutions.

Nevada State Parks Offering Free Access to Sand Harbor, Cave Rock, and Spooner Lake.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. and Nev. – July 26th, 2014 – The Tahoe Fund is partnering with Nevada State Parks to offer free access to Sand Harbor, Cave Rock and Spooner Lake on Saturday, July 12th to current owners of Lake Tahoe license plates. The event is meant as a thank you to those who support Lake Tahoe with the purchase of Tahoe license plates.

Funds generated through the sale of Tahoe license plates support projects that help to preserve and restore the natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Tahoe Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money and support for environmental improvement projects, promotes the sale of Tahoe license plates on behalf of the stewards of the plate fees, the California Tahoe Conservancy and the Nevada Division of State Lands.

“Buying a Tahoe license plate is one of the easiest ways to help the Lake,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry. “Thanks to Nevada State Parks, we are able to show our appreciation to Tahoe plate holders with a free day at the beach or park.”

“We are thankful to the thousands of people who choose to buy and renew their Tahoe license plates,” said Jay Howard of Nevada State Parks. “Our Lake Tahoe parks benefit greatly from those funds, with beach improvements, watershed restoration work, and new hiking trails.”

Nevada State Parks operates four miles of shoreline and four management areas along the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Sand Harbor, the region’s most popular beach, hosts an average 800,000 visitors a year, while more than a million people visit Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park in general. The funds from the license plates help State Parks, and other public agencies maintain the environment of the parks and Lake Tahoe while improving recreational access to the public.
Founded in 2010, the Tahoe Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to raising money for projects that will improve lake clarity, enhance recreation and inspire environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Basin. In addition to the Tahoe Beaches App, the organization has funded two high priority watershed restoration projects, the Blackwood Creek/Eagle Rock Trail restoration on the West Shore and the Incline/3rd Creek Restoration on the North Shore; segments of the Tahoe Bikeway in Tahoe City, the West Shore and South Lake Tahoe; environmental and recreational improvements at Sand Harbor State Park, Van-Sickle Bi-State Park and Washoe Meadows State Park; and the UC Davis “State of the Lake” report. The Tahoe Fund seeks donations of any size to help sustain the organization and the extraordinary natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Tahoe License Plates Provide Funding for Environmental Improvements at Lake Tahoe

Tahoe license plates can be purchased from the DMV. For more information, please visit www.tahoeplates.com.

TAHOE BEACHES APP IS READY FOR SUMMER
Free App Helps Beachgoers Find More Than 50 Beaches around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. and Nev. – June 19, 2014 – The summer season is here and more people than ever are expected to visit the shores of Lake Tahoe to find respite from the hot temperatures and dry conditions in the region. The Tahoe Fund is once again promoting the Tahoe Beaches App to help beach-goers find their way to more than 50 public beaches around the Lake. The App is also built to help spread out the crowds and provide an opportunity for people to discover new beaches while learning ways to care for Lake Tahoe.

“When we launched the Tahoe Beaches app last summer we received great feedback that people were now finding beaches they had never known existed before,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry. “With record temperatures and visitors predicted for this summer, we hope more people will download the app and discover new ways to cool off in the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe.”

Screen shots of the Tahoe Beaches App

The app, available in iTunes and Google Play, allows visitors to plan their Tahoe experience with images and details about beach amenities, including barbecues, boat rentals, pet restrictions, and public transportation. With more than 50 public beaches, the app allows users to plan their Tahoe experience from home or while traveling around the Lake. Twitter feeds enable real time information from the public agencies managing the beaches. Users can post their favorite beaches to Facebook and invite family and friends to join them. The app also includes important stewardship information to help beach goers take care of the environment.

The Tahoe Beaches App was developed by the Tahoe Fund and co-funded by the California Tahoe Conservancy through the Lake Tahoe License Plate Program. Seven public agencies collaborated to develop the app, seamlessly integrating public beach information across their organizations to get information to their users. The partners include: California Tahoe Conservancy, California State Parks, Tahoe City PUD, North Tahoe PUD, Nevada Division of State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and Tahoe Transportation District.

“The Conservancy has worked with our partners for nearly thirty years to increase public access to Tahoe’s incredible beaches,” said Patrick Wright, Executive Director of the Tahoe Conservancy. “We hope that this app continues to encourage people to bring their friends and family to enjoy the beautiful beaches we have worked so hard to create.”

The Tahoe Beaches App is available on both Apple and Android phones and is available for free in their respective App Stores. To learn more or to download the app, please visit www.tahoepublicbeaches.com.

Founded in 2010, the Tahoe Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to raising money for projects that will improve lake clarity, enhance recreation and inspire environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Basin. In addition to the Tahoe Beaches App, the organization has funded two high priority watershed restoration projects, the Blackwood Creek/Eagle Rock Trail restoration on the West Shore and the Incline/3rd Creek Restoration on the North Shore; segments of the Tahoe Bikeway in Tahoe City, the West Shore and South Lake Tahoe; environmental and recreational improvements at Sand Harbor State Park, Van-Sickle Bi-State Park and Washoe Meadows State Park; and the UC Davis “State of the Lake” report. The Tahoe Fund seeks donations of any size to help sustain the organization and the extraordinary natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

About the Tahoe Fund
The mission of Tahoe Fund is to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin by building broad support and funding for projects and programs that increase the enjoyment of the region for current and future generations. The Fund focuses grants on the core areas of conservation, recreation and education/stewardship. More information available at http://www.tahoefund.org

About the California Tahoe Conservancy
Established in 1984, the mission of the Tahoe Conservancy is to lead California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. More information available at http://tahoe.ca.gov/