Lake Tahoe Archives - Tahoe Fund

CHECK TAHOE PUBLIC BEACHES WEBSITE BEFORE YOU GO TO THE BEACH THIS SUMMER

June 23, 2022 by Caroline Waldman

As the summer season gets underway, the Tahoe Fund and agencies that manage Lake Tahoe’s public beaches have updated TahoePublicBeaches.org to help improve the recreation experience for residents and visitors. Designed as a resource guide to over 40 beaches that surround the iconic shores of Lake Tahoe, the site offers information about frequented hotspots and lesser known locations. Users will find helpful information about how to get to each beach, where to park, hours of operation, and what amenities and services are offered, if any.

“With the low lake level, the beaches that surround Lake Tahoe will be larger than usual, and are likely to be very busy,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “As people seek out places to access the lake and recreate on the beach or in the water on kayaks or paddle boards, TahoePublicBeaches.org is a tremendous resource to help people decide where they want to spend their day.”

TahoePublicBeaches.org offers information on each beach, including what facilities are available, which beaches are dog friendly, where to BBQ, rent paddleboards or boats, and where to find shade. It also has information about the Lake Tahoe Water Trail and how people can do their part to help take care of Lake Tahoe. By encouraging beachgoers to get around without a car, visit the beach at non-peak times, and protect the environment from litter and pet waste, the website highlights destination stewardship practices emphasized throughout the region.

A collaborative effort, the site was developed by the Tahoe Fund and co-funded by the California Tahoe Conservancy through the Lake Tahoe License Plate Program. Eight public agencies assisted with the project to create one central place for beachgoers to find public beach information. The partners include: California Tahoe Conservancy, California State Parks, City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City Public Utility District, North Tahoe Public Utility District, Nevada Division of State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and Tahoe Transportation District.

Low Lake levels this summer mean the beaches will be larger, but many boat ramps around Tahoe will be closed. Currently, the only public boat ramps that are open are at the Lake Forest boat ramp in Tahoe City, Calif. and the Cave Rock boat ramp in Cave Rock, Nev. Non-motorized users are still able to launch paddle boards and kayaks at the closed boat ramps.

Beach goers are encouraged to bookmark the mobile-friendly website and use it to plan their next trip to one of Tahoe’s public beaches. Learn more at TahoePublicBeaches.org.

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About the Tahoe Fund

The Tahoe Fund is a nonprofit founded in 2010 to support environmental improvement projects that restore lake clarity, enhance sustainable recreation, promote healthier forests, improve transportation and inspire greater stewardship of the region. Through the generous support of its donors, the Tahoe Fund has leveraged more than $10 million in private funds to secure more than $60 million in public funds for more than 80 environmental projects. The projects include new sections of the Lake Tahoe Bikeway, restoration of watersheds, removal of aquatic invasive species, forest health projects, new hiking trails, and stewardship programs. Learn more at www.tahoefund.org.

About the Lake Tahoe License Plate

Lake Tahoe License Plates benefit conservation and recreation projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Learn more at tahoeplates.org.

TAHOE FUND FISCAL YEAR 21-22 RECAP

June 14, 2022 by Caroline Waldman

Reflecting on the Tahoe Fund’s most recent fiscal year that closed at the end of March, we are deeply rooted in a single feeling: gratitude.

Even amidst the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and wildfires, our community rallied alongside us, reinforcing our philosophy that together, we can improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.

The unwavering support of our donors and steadfast partners throughout the Basin allowed us to fund 42 projects last year–more than ever before. We distributed more than $1 million in grants, and helped secure over $4 million in public funding.

We continue to believe that partnerships are the key to success. Last year, in addition to the 50 partners we worked with on the Take Care Tahoe program, we partnered with over 30 agencies and organizations whose dedication and collaborative spirit allowed us to accomplish so much more collectively than any of us could have on our own.

We helped get great projects done, like the first ever scuba clean up of all 72 miles of Lake Tahoe, an effort led by Clean Up The Lake with major support from Tahoe Blue Vodka, Vail Resorts and over 135 Tahoe Fund donors. With our support, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the US Forest Service embarked on the largest Aquatic Invasive Species project to-date in the Tahoe Basin at the Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes. We also provided the funds for the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association to begin restoring and rebuilding trails destroyed by the Caldor Fire.

Working with our partners, we are expanding inclusivity and access while building the next generation of stewards who will care for our environment for years to come. For example, we are proudly supporting youth leadership programs through Adventure Risk Challenge and the US Forest Service, field trips to the universally accessible East Shore Trail for campers with disabilities at Camp Wamp, and trailside information and stories in multiple languages throughout the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Together, we are making our forests smarter, our Lake clearer, our recreation more sustainable, our transportation more efficient, and our community more prepared to take care of Tahoe.

None of this would be possible without the support, generosity and collaboration of our donors, community and partners. Thank you for continuing to show us the power of philanthropy. This work happened because of you.

Read the full recap below.

Tahoe Fund FY 21-22 Recap

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED FOR NEW LAKE TAHOE DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP PLAN

May 4, 2022 by Caroline Waldman

Lake Tahoe residents, community members and stakeholders interested in the responsible management of tourism and recreation are invited to take part in workshops this month to create a destination stewardship plan that will balance the needs of Lake Tahoe’s environment, businesses, visitors, and local communities. This new shared strategy will inspire all to take care of Tahoe.

A collaboration of 13 public and private sector organizations invite residents and stakeholders in the greater Tahoe region, including Truckee, Calif., to weigh in during a series of visioning workshops scheduled for May 2022.

Residents and stakeholders are invited to participate in the visioning workshops on May 16, 17, and 18 in locations around the Tahoe Basin, plus an option for Zoom.

Experts in the field of destination stewardship, including the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), and the Travel Foundation, are helping guide the process to create a shared vision and decision-making framework for sustainable management of tourism and recreation throughout the Lake Tahoe region. Additionally, the team includes South Lake Tahoe-based research firm SMG Consulting and Civitas Advisors specializing in sustainable funding solutions.

“The way people access and rely on public lands is changing. In everything from hiking to skiing we are welcoming new and more diverse users, sometimes in growing numbers.” said Erick Walker, Forest Supervisor, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. “Now is the time for us to come together to learn how we can better coordinate and improve the whole picture.”

A core team is leading the project from federal, state, county, tribal, and local governmental organizations, as well as businesses, nonprofits, and all four destination organizations that market and manage Lake Tahoe area tourism.

“This unprecedented collaboration with land managers, visitors authorities and the local community is exactly what we need right now,” said Tahoe Fund CEO and core team representative Amy Berry. “Together, we will work to develop a plan that will improve the quality of the Tahoe experience for everybody while also taking care of our extraordinary environment.”

To ensure the plan supports a shared vision for future tourism and recreation, it will draw inspiration from extensive local engagement, including two rounds of public workshops, one-on-one interviews, and focus group meetings with stakeholders including the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

The first round of workshops invites participants to identify opportunities for increasing the direct benefits of tourism and recreation, while addressing the challenges, and creating the plan’s vision and mission statements as well as key goals.

Following are the dates, locations, and times of five in-person events:

May 16 – North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, CA – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Truckee citizens are invited to Kings Beach, Incline Village, and Virtual Zoom workshops
May 17 – Parasol Community Foundation, Incline Village, NV – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 18 – Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe, CA – 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m.
May 18 – Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Office, South Shore/Stateline – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Virtual Zoom Workshop – date to-be-determined

A fifth virtual workshop will be scheduled following the May workshops. All are invited to register for a workshop, learn more about the planning process, and sign up to receive news about the project, results from workshops, and additional opportunities for feedback at StewardshipTahoe.org.

Ten Things to Do in Tahoe When Your Favorite Beach is M.I.A.

May 22, 2017 by Jacob Johnson

The only thing that runs deeper than Tahoe is our desire to preserve it all, so you can enjoy it all. After a record-breaking winter, there is now more water in Tahoe to enjoy than we have had in years. This is great news for boaters, who watched as piers sat dry for the past few seasons. This also means that the beaches you’ve grown to enjoy are now gone. Yes, gone. The spot where you regularly placed your towel is now in five feet of water.

To help you navigate a Tahoe without beaches, we have put together a list of ten other things to do.

Try a Paddle Sport – If you have wanted to try paddle-boarding or kayaking, this is the year to do it. There really is no better way to experience the shoreline of Tahoe than on the water. You can rent from many businesses around the Lake, who can also help you find a good launching spot. Check out laketahoewatertrail.org for more info to get started.
Rent a Boat – A great way to experience Tahoe is floating out in the middle of the Lake. You can launch a boat from one of the many boat ramps or rent boats by the day or hour from marinas on the North, West and South Shores. These folks are are knowledgeable about where to venture once you cast off from the dock. If you do bring your boat to tahoe, don’t forget to arrive clean, drained and dry at the watercraft inspection stations.
Go For a Hike – Tahoe is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in the world. The famous Rim Trail has 12 segments that let you explore a variety of terrain and views from high above the Lake. Not ready for such a big adventure? Check out shorter trails at the local state parks on both sides of the state lines. Bliss State Park on the gorgeous West Shore offers the Rubicon Trail or Lighthouse Trail. Van Sickle Bi-State Park is right out the casino corridor in South Lake and offers a quick hike up to beautiful views. Burton State Park, outside of Tahoe City, offers miles of great trails with access to beautiful wildflowers.
Ride a Bike – Tahoe now has more than 30 miles of paved bike paths all around Tahoe. The Truckee River Bike path offers family friendly fun from Tahoe City down to Squaw. You can stop at River Ranch for ice cream or a cold beverage. The newly restored bike path on the South Shore is another family friendly trail that runs for miles and includes beaches and ice cream shops along the way.
Try Mountain Biking – Thanks to an army of amazing trail building volunteers, Tahoe has never had more accessible mountain biking trails to suit all levels and ages. Beginners and kids love the Corral Trail in South Lake Tahoe, while more advanced riders will want to check the Flume Trail ride off their bucket list. Burton State Park also offers miles of single-track in a more moderate setting. Stop in a bike shop to get the scoop on where the locals are riding for the best conditions.
Hit the links – If you are a scratch golfer, or just looking for an excuse to spend time out on the green grass, there is a golf course in Tahoe for you. Edgewood Tahoe is host to the annual celebrity tournament each July. Old Brockway is nine holes of fun on an Audobon rated course that was once home to Bing Crosby’s celebrity event. Tahoe City Golf Course is another family-friendly option on the North Shore. Course listing and details.
Disc Golf – Looking for something a little more adventurous than chasing a tiny white ball around the lawn? Try disc golf. It is like golf, but it includes specially crafted “frisbees” that fly through the air with speed and distance and you sink them in a big basket instead of a tiny hole. Free public Disc Golf courses are in Incline Village, Tahoe Vista and Bijou Park in South Lake Tahoe.
Go Climb a Rock – Tahoe has some the best moderate rock climbing in the country. There are over 100 climbing and bouldering areas within 30 minutes of the Lake ranging from the 600-foot-tall Lover’s Leap to smaller boulders on the beaches. Search the internet for “Tahoe climbing guides” to get started.
Hit the Trail on a Horse. – A great way to experience the trails and see some of Tahoe’s backcountry is by horse. A unique and family-friendly experience, horse back riding in Tahoe harkens back to the old days of the Comstock era. Many sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail are horse friendly. You can sign-up for horse riding at Zephyr Cove stables, Camp Richardson Corral or Alpine Meadows stable.
Ride a Gondola – Gondolas are not just for ski season anymore. You can have an “epic” day atop Heavenly riding the mountain coaster, flying through the air on zip lines, or testing your meddle on ropes courses. Squaw Valley offers tram rides up to High Camp where you can take in the views, swim in the pool, or enjoy a hike around the wildflowers.

Of course you will still want to make your way to the Lake to swim into that clear blue water. Please remember to stay in designated areas, and be mindful of sensitive vegetation along the beaches. A reminder, private property in California begins at the high water mark, and at the low water mark in Nevada.

The Tahoe Fund is dedicated to restoring and improving the Tahoe environment to ensure a balance between the human and natural environments. Through the generosity of our donors, we have helped complete more than 25 environmental projects that are improving lake clarity, expanding outdoor recreation, and inspiring stewardship of Tahoe. To learn more, please visit tahoefund.org.