The Tahoe Fund Board of Directors is pleased to announce three new Signature Projects that need your support. These projects will continue to improve outdoor recreation in the Tahoe Basin while restoring the natural environment.
Rubicon Trail & Lighthouse Restoration
Goal: $50,000
Project Partner: California Department of State Parks & Recreation
The Rubicon Trail is one of the most iconic in the Tahoe Basin. Granite boulders reach down to the crystal blue waters below, while hikers can take in the panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe from the West Shore. A section of the trail is currently challenging to navigate due to extreme steepness. This steepness also causes major trail erosion that ends up harming the trail and depositing sediment into the Lake.
State Parks has a plan to reroute this section of the trail to make it a more enjoyable trail to explore without the current erosion issues. With the support of private donors, we can help create a wonderful new section of trail for all to enjoy.
The project also includes restoration of the original lighthouse structure.
Dollar Creek Bike Path
Goal: $47,000
Project Partner: Placer County
Dollar Creek Bike Path is a 2.2 mile section of the Lake Tahoe Bikeway that will one day circumnavigate the entire Lake. This section expands the trail that currently leads from Tahoe City up to Dollar Hill. When complete, there will be more than 25 miles of contiguous Class 1 bike path from Tahoma to Carnelian Bay allowing users to explore the natural area as well as the local shops and eateries without ever getting into a car.
The project will include three new areas to stop and enjoy the scenery, benches, picnic tables, bike racks, and interpretive panels that will call attention to interesting environmental information about the trail. Donor recognition opportunities are available on the benches, tables, bike racks and panels.
Taylor Creek Overlook
Goal: $28,000
Project Partner: US Forest Service
Taylor Creek is the most popular interpretive center in the Tahoe Basin. Visitation spikes in the fall, when the Kokanee salmon begin spawning up the creek. Throngs of visitors, young and old, rush to the creek’s edge to see the waters turn alive with the bright red fish. Not surprisingly, so do the bears. Unfortunately, there is currently no proper way to responsibly protect the salmon and bears from the visitors, putting all three in danger.
The Tahoe Fund is working with the US Forest Service to design a new overlook at Taylor Creek that will provide a wonderful viewing location that will also significantly lower the issue of human-bear conflicts. Donations will be recognized on a donor wall at the trailhead.