Last summer marked the completion of the Tahoe Keys Lagoons Aquatic Weed Control Methods Test (CMT) — a three-year, science-based testing program aimed at tackling Lake Tahoe’s largest and most persistent infestation of aquatic invasive weeds. For decades, invasive weeds in the Tahoe Keys lagoons have been spreading into the greater lake, risking water quality, recreational access, and the native ecosystem.
The test was complex: it trialed every available tool — including ultraviolet light technology and the one-time application of EPA-certified herbicides — to fight aquatic invasive weeds. Now, as agency experts and independent scientists analyze the 500,000 data points collected during the test to determine effective and sustainable treatment, containment of invasive weed fragments is the top priority.
While long-term solutions are developed, fragments from fast-growing weeds like Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed continue to break off and float toward the lake. Their ability to regrow from small fragments makes them a critical threat. Small infestations detected around Lake Tahoe have been quickly stamped out by divers when they are caught early.
In response, the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) and League to Save Lake Tahoe, working with the Tahoe Keys Marina and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), developed a robust, multi-layered containment plan to manage the spread of weeds in four critical areas: the homeowners’ lagoons, Tahoe Keys Marina, and the two boating channels that connect the lagoons to the lake.
Current weed fragment containment strategies include bubble curtains, fragment catch devices, dedicated boats and staff to skim fragments, Boat Back-Up Stations, and public education to increase awareness and vigilance.
Bubble curtains stretch across the channels, creating a continuous wall of tiny bubbles that trap weed fragments inside the lagoons. While bubble curtains have been around for decades, using them for aquatic weed containment was pioneered by the League to Save Lake Tahoe and TKPOA in 2018. The bubble curtain is the only physical barrier to prevent fragments from crossing through the boating channel, while still allowing boats to pass. The League is investing in bubble curtain improvements and ongoing efficacy studies for this technology.
At the Boat Back-Up Stations, boaters are required to stop in marked areas inside the bubble curtains and reverse their propellers to dislodge any tangled weed fragments. TKPOA skimming crews are on-site five days a week to monitor activity and collect debris.
Containment efforts extend beyond the channels, too. At the 15th Street Lagoon, new screening systems help prevent fragments from entering the sensitive marsh area. Homeowners are playing a part as well, with many installing bottom barriers near their docks and vessels to reduce fragment release. Additional strategies, such as ultraviolet light treatment, scuba diver-assisted removal, autonomous skimming robots, and filtration systems will reduce the overall mass of weeds — both curlyleaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil — helping to make containment more effective.
Non-motorized boaters can do their part to contain weeds and other invasive species by following Clean, Drain, Dry protocols for all water equipment including kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, fishing gear, and accessories, before they move from one area to another. A CD3 machine — short for Clean, Drain, Dry, and Dispose — is stationed at, and provided by, the Tahoe Keys Marina. It’s a free, solar-powered machine on wheels with on-board tools like compressed air, a vacuum, and brushes, making it easy to do your part to protect Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf, and Echo lakes.
These combined efforts are a critical buffer this summer. While they won’t solve the problem of invasive weeds on their own, they can keep it from getting worse while agencies work toward long-term solutions.
Protecting Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters depends on collaboration. While scientists and experts analyze findings from the Tahoe Keys Lagoons Aquatic Weed Control Methods Test, containment efforts are critical to make sure we don’t lose progress. Continued partnership and focus on containment will help protect the waters of the Tahoe region from the spread of harmful aquatic weeds.
Looking for a loyal, snuggly, and spirited companion? Let us introduce you to Belle, a brave beauty with a heart full of love. Belle is the definition of a sweetheart with a gentle soul and a heart that’s ready to love big. Belle is the kind of dog who wants to be right where you are, whether you’re out for a short walk, enjoying a romp in the backyard, or settling in for a quiet evening on the couch.
She’s playful and affectionate without being overly rambunctious, and while she’s not the biggest fan of toys, Belle absolutely loves the outdoors. Exploring the world with her is a joy, and she gets along beautifully with other dogs, making her a wonderful addition to many types of homes. Wherever Belle goes, she brings calm, happy energy—and lots of tail wags.
Belle is this week’s Pet of the Week.Provided / HSTT
A Special Note About Belle’s Ears: Belle has faced some tough times with resilience and grace. She underwent Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) in both ears to treat painful, chronic infections that no longer responded to medication. The surgery removed her ear canals, dramatically improving her comfort and quality of life.
While TECA can reduce hearing—similar to wearing earplugs—it rarely causes full deafness, especially since dogs like Belle often have limited hearing already. What matters most: Belle is now pain-free, thriving, and loving life.
She may not hear everything, but she sure knows how to feel the love and give it right back. If you’re ready to welcome a brave, affectionate, and joyful companion into your life, Belle is waiting to meet you. Belle is spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. If you are interested in meeting this gentle soul or learning more about her, please reach out to one of HSTT’s Adoption Specialists at, 530-587-5948 or adoptions@hstt.org. To view more adoptable pets or to learn more about the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, please visit www.hstt.org.
The radical notion of selling off public lands is back. And this time it seems that only the Congress can stop the giveaway of America’s heritage to private interests—if its representatives listen to widespread public sentiment.
Last week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee updated its budget bill to include making over 250 million acres of public lands in 11 western states eligible for disposal, including recreation areas, wilderness study areas, inventoried roadless areas, critical wildlife habitat and big game migration corridors, according to analysis by The Wilderness Society.
At the same time, Trump’s Interior Department is aggressively pursuing ways to industrialize, privatize and monetize the public lands. But these places, rich with ecological values, are held in trust for us to conserve and deliver intact to future generations.
Despite the administration’s rhetoric about wanting to reduce the deficit, its goal is to dispose of these lands—to remove them permanently from the public domain. This serves an ideology that reflexively favors private ownership over public enjoyment, whether by diminishing long-term protections on public lands, promoting their immediate development or selling them outright.
What are the effects of this wrongheaded policy?
First, once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.Any land pulled out of the public domain for development will never be returned. As a result, wild places will no longer offer open space for people to hike, hunt or fish, wildlife to thrive, waterways to flow unimpeded and much more.
Second, it’s a slippery slope. We lose environmental protections not by a one-time tsunami of destruction, but by nibbles. If we lose a piece of land today for an appealing idea (for example, deficit reduction, space for housing), then tomorrow we will hear an equally appealing idea to develop the neighboring piece. Then the next day, even more land will be needed for another reason. And so on. The process of destruction by nibbling will never end until there is nothing left to devour.
Third, there’s one upside: It’s an excellent opportunity for conservationists to expand public support for nature.The current attack on public land is enabling conservationists of different stripes to come together and build alliances. Think of hunters and fishers, farmers and ranchers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, campers and birders who all cherish open lands—whatever their politics.
Fourth, we need to make the case for urgency. If public land advocates don’t stand strong now to protect nature, who will?Right now, we need to defend the water, the trees, and the wildlife on the public lands for generations to come. We need to tell our representatives in Congress that their duty is to never sell out the public estate.
Fifth, standing up for nature brings out the best of humanity. The framing of the “debate” in Congress and the public is always human-centric, the same approach that has caused so much environmental destruction throughout the world. Ignored is what would be lost, from water storage and wetlands to places for wildlife to live out their lives. We must tell the story of what nature brings us just by being left alone.
Compared to most developed countries, America is extraordinarily rich in public lands that everyone can enjoy, no matter their income or their background. Thanks to those who came before us who knew their value, Congress set aside these unique places as designated wilderness, national parks and monuments, and other special types of land, not to mention national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands that serve multiple purposes. That means all of us can roam land that has no fences or “No Trespassing” signs.
Humility and restraint, not privatization and exploitation, are the words that unite us as we fight to preserve our public lands. This is the public’s land, and let’s keep it that way forever.
T. A. Barron is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is a board member of the World Wildlife Fund and the Wilderness Society, and the author of more than 30 books.
Editor’s note: Some of the language around public land sell-off has since been removed from the budget bill.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village General Improvement District is gearing up for an environmentally conscious fireworks display this July 4. Chris Plastrias of Incline Fireworks gave an overview of the permitting process, in accordance with local agencies, including the Washoe County Fire Department, and outlined new initiatives to make a safer and lower-impact display.
“We are fully compliant and approved through all of the various agencies and that was a heavy lift,” said Plastrias. He added that they are placing additional emphasis this year on minimizing environmental impact and enhancing clean-up efforts by employing Echo Solutions and Clean Up the Lake to assist with an eco-friendly display.
“We are sending all these samples to independent agencies that will come up with reports,” he said. Those reports will be made available to the public when they are complete. The safety and environmental monitoring process, he said, would cost over $40,000 this year. Organizers will also be monitoring water clarity before and after the holiday. The fire department has additionally updated its safety guidelines, which Incline Fireworks is adhering to. Plastrias requested additional funding for the new monitoring efforts.
GM gives financial update
In the district’s June 11 meeting, General Manager Robert Harrison additionally delivered a status report, beginning with the status of IVGID’s financial reporting. Harrison noted that significant progress had been made in the district’s ongoing efforts to comply with Nevada Department of Taxation financial reporting requirements, and that their priority was still to remove the current fiscal watch status implemented this year.
“With the audit nearly completed, bank reconciliations are nearly up to date, and with the budget now adopted, we have made significant progress in addressing the financial challenges identified in our system,” said Harrison. He added that the support from Baker Tilly, an outside firm the district contracted with to complete a significant backlog in financial reporting, was “crucial in bringing the audit to completion.”
“Our next steps involve meeting the necessary requirements to lift the fiscal watch designation, including providing regular monthly financial reports to the board,” he said.
He also offered a beverage services update, outlining changes to services provided at Burnt Cedar and Incline Beach. “Due to last-minute changes from the Board of Health, Incline Spirits is now only permitted to operate under a single fourteen-day special event permit.”
The organization is now only able to provide services at Incline Beach, and has reduced its concessionaire payment to $28,000. The district is additionally working on modifying the interior facility of Burnt Cedar in order to be able to make mixed drinks and have cocktail servers and a bartender. In the meantime, the beach will offer canned drinks.
Draft audit statements released
Following Harrison’s, Director of Finance Jessica O’Connell gave an overview of the draft audited financial statements, along with the auditing process and the audited financial statements. Trustee Mick Homan touted the work that was done to produce the drafts.
“I want to make sure people understand the work that the folks on the team did,” he said. “What they inherited was a very difficult situation to say the least.” He added that the financial team was able to close the books for both 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.
Trustees additionally interviewed candidates for the district’s legal services and made a motion to prepare a contract for legal counsel services with Taggart & Taggart, effective July 1, 2025. The motion was approved 4/1 with Trustee Ray Tulloch abstaining.
Trustees additionally voted to reinstate employee beach access, which was previously revoked. The motion was passed 4/1 with Tulloch voting no.
The final week of June marks a busy week for IVGID, with meetings of both the audit committee and a regular meeting scheduled for June 26. The district is discussing its final financial statements, adjustments to the budget, a new auditing firm and updated fire precautions.
TDPUD Safety Message: Prepare for Wildfire Season Power Outages
TRUCKEE
With wildfire season underway, Truckee Donner Public Utility District urges customers to prepare for the possibility of prolonged power outages. NV Energy — TDPUD’s primary energy transmission supplier — and TDPUD both take actions during wildfire season to help mitigate wildfire risk to the community, but these safety programs can result in electric power outages for up to several days without much notice.
In a Public Safety Outage Management event, NV Energy will de-energize transmission lines that deliver power to Truckee (and likely the entire Truckee/North Tahoe region) during extreme weather conditions and elevated fire risk levels. As in prior years, TDPUD plans to alert the public with a 48- to 24-hour notice.
In an emergency de-energization event, NV Energy will shut off power when an active wildfire gets too close to its equipment, to protect first responders on the ground fighting fires, and to avoid contributing to catastrophic wildfire conditions by lowering the risk of a secondary ignition. NV Energy may provide little notice of the safety outage. TDPUD will work to notify the public as soon as possible.
These outages will likely impact TDPUD’s entire customer base for periods ranging from a few hours to a few days.
~ Truckee Donner Public Utility District press release
Rep. Kiley Calls on CIF to Comply with Department of Education’s Title IX Conditions
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The U.S. Department of Education has found that the California Interscholastic Federation’s (CIF) policy of allowing biological males to participate in sports with girls is in “clear violation” of Title IX.
This comes after Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-3) wrote a letter to CIF calling for an immediate reversal of the policy allowing biological males in girls’ sports.
Rep. Kiley is sending a follow-up letter to the CIF calling for the state to immediately comply with the department’s conditions to avoid a loss of federal funding. Those conditions are:
Prevent male athletes from participating with females.
Restore awards, records, and titles to female athletes that were misappropriated by male athletes.
Issue a formal apology to those female athletes.
The U.S. Department of Education is giving the agencies the option to accept a resolution that would prevent male athletes from participating with females and restore awards, records, and titles to female athletes that were misappropriated by male athletes.
How Mastication Machines Help Protect Tahoe from Wildfire
LAKE TAHOE
Forest fuel reduction projects happening throughout the Tahoe Basin this year are using a tool known as mastication around communities to connect fuel treatment projects and bolster defensible space within the wildland urban interface. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is highlighting several of these projects to educate residents and visitors about work they might be seeing in and around Lake Tahoe communities this year, and the crucial role mastication plays in helping firefighters protect people and the lake.
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, TFFT partners are using every tool available to reduce risk and protect communities. Mastication is one such tool, and it plays a key role in making forests more resilient. Mastication is a mechanical treatment that helps reduce wildfire intensity by grinding up small trees, brush, and woody debris into mulch. Specialized equipment, known as masticators, move through the forest and chip excess vegetation into chips that are spread around the treatment area as the equipment moves. Masticators clear out ladder fuels — those small trees and brush that allow fire to climb into the forest canopy — and help create defensible space.
Mastication can stand alone as a treatment or complement other fuels reduction methods like thinning or prescribed fire. It is especially valuable in areas where burning isn’t practical, such as directly next to homes, recreation sites, or along busy roadways.
The TFFT is prioritizing mastication projects across the Tahoe Basin this summer.
To explore fuels reduction projects happening across the Basin, visit tahoelivingwithfire.com.
~ Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team press release
Tahoe City Gears Up for 4th of July Celebration on the Lake
TAHOE CITY
Get ready for a classic summer celebration as Tahoe City’s 4th of July festivities return in full swing on Friday, July 4, at Commons Beach. Hosted by the Tahoe City Downtown Association (TCDA), this beloved annual event invites locals and visitors to enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun, live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Tahoe. The 77th fireworks show is presented by Sierra Sage Roofing & Sheet Metal. Tahoe City’s fireworks are completely funded by donations.
Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with kids’ activities, food, live music, and entertainment throughout Tahoe City, including a number of Fireworks Viewing parties. At 9:30 p.m., the celebration will culminate with a breathtaking fireworks display launched over the lake.
~ Tahoe City Downtown Association press release
Institute Celebrates 15 Years of Conservation Excellence, Announces Sponsorship Opportunities
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is proud to be celebrating its 15th anniversary celebration and the launch of 15 special sponsorship opportunities for individuals, businesses, and organizations committed to environmental education and conservation in the Tahoe region.
Since its founding in 2010, TINS has evolved into a true force in connecting people with Tahoe’s natural world through science, education, and a multitude of community programs, guided walks, and events. With a breadth of program areas and an emphasis on excellence, quality, and providing the most up-to-date information possible, TINS also focuses on community and accessibility of their programs. Toward that goal, TINS seeks to remove barriers to experiencing nature whenever possible by partnering with other organizations to expand their audience reach, and by always keeping program fees low and securing grant funding to make many offerings completely free to participants.
In celebration of 15 years dedicated to environmental education, scientific research, and community engagement in the Tahoe region, TINS is offering 15 opportunities to support various impactful programs. A range of sponsorship levels and partial sponsorship contributions provide many chances to directly fund vital programs and research.
TINS will mark its 15th anniversary with a special event in November 2025, with details to be announced. This milestone event will bring together supporters, partners, and community members to reflect on 15 successful years of important conservation work and environmental education in the Tahoe region.
~ TINS press release
Tahoe Fund Launches Matching Campaign for Tahoe XC Trailhead Relocation
TAHOE CITY
Tahoe XC has long been a popular recreational hub in the Basin, welcoming over 200,000 visitors on its groomed and multi-use trails year-round. As part of the Tahoe Cross Country Lodge Project, the trailhead is being relocated to improve trail access for everyone, and to minimize neighborhood parking and traffic impacts. To support this effort, the Tahoe Fund is launching a matching campaign with the goal of raising $100,000.
The trailhead relocation will create ADA and beginner-friendly trail access not currently available at the existing trailhead due to its topography. It will also provide walkability and transit options for students thanks to its shared parking with North Tahoe High School, and generate year-round community programming opportunities.
The Lodge Project will create a functional, sustainable home for Tahoe XC’s growing youth programs and serve as a gathering space for everyone. The new location is a more accessible trailhead to both Tahoe XC’s groomed winter trails and Burton Creek State Park public lands. Once constructed, the new lodge will replace the 50-year-old building that exists today with a new building that will use geothermal heat pumps and solar panels to become a net zero energy commercial building.
Extended and Expanded Transportation Initiatives for Tahoe’s Transit Summer Hours
LAKE TAHOE
More transit options will soon be available in North Lake Tahoe following a new summer service approved by the Placer County Board of Supervisors.
Starting July 1, a new park-and-ride service from the Northstar Castle Peak parking lot to Kings Beach will run daily through Aug. 31.
Buses will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each week from Saturday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays. One vehicle will run continuously during operating hours, providing reliable transportation for passengers in the area and helping reduce single-occupancy vehicles on the roadways.
The board also approved $152,612 to extend the North Tahoe Express shuttle service until June 30, 2026. Placer County is one of four funding partners for the North Tahoe Express, an airport shuttle that connects the Truckee and North Lake Tahoe regions to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
These extensions come with the arrival of TART’s summer service hours, which began June 27. Learn more at tahoetruckeetransit.com.
~ Placer County press release
Local Youth Robotics Team Places at State, Members Go On to Place in World Championships
TRUCKEE
Perpetual Motion is a Truckee-based youth robotics team that recently completed its third year competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit that hosts team-based robotics programs and competitions.
This past February, Perpetual Motion advanced to Nevada state championships, an official FIRST Tech Challenge, where it placed third in the state and received the second highest overall award, the Think Award. This award recognizes teams who masterfully document their process and product.
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AMONG THE ELITE: Perpetual Motion team member Isabelle Wogsland was a finalist for FIRST Tech Challenge’s Dean’s List. Courtesy photo
ROBOTICS IN ACTION: Perpetual Motion team members Isablle Wogsland (far left), Lance Wogsland, and Zach compete in a robotics league meet. Courtesy photo
From there, team member Isabelle Wogsland was nominated for Dean’s List Semifinalist, and was promoted to finalist, along with only two others from the state — earning her an invitation to the World Championship Competition in Houston, Texas, in April. Only 228 other students in the world received this honor in 2025.
Meanwhile, fellow team member Lance Wogsland was recruited by the second place team in the state to join them in Houston for the World Championship. This team was on the alliance that won fourth place in the world.
A new era of hospitality arrives in the Sierra this summer as Martis Valley Lodge, part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, opens its doors July 1 following a sweeping multi-million conversion. Formerly the Hampton Inn & Suites Truckee, the 109-room property has been meticulously reimagined as a refined mountain retreat, offering guests a fresh blend of upscale amenities, inviting social spaces, and authentic Truckee character.
QUEEN STUDIO ROOM in Martis Valley Lodge, open July 2025. Courtesy photo
Strategically positioned between Downtown Truckee, Northstar California Resort, and the Truckee Tahoe Airport, Martis Valley Lodge now stands as a unique destination for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary. The lodge fills a unique niche in the region’s hospitality landscape between limited-service hotels and luxury resorts, bringing in an unparalleled lifestyle hotel experience. Guests will discover thoughtfully designed accommodations, transformed gathering areas, and a signature restaurant and bar concept, Trailhead Social, spotlighting the region’s vibrant flavors and locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant and bar serves as Truckee’s newest après destination, featuring elevated comfort food, regional ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere where guests and locals can gather to unwind after outdoor adventures. Guests can also enjoy outdoor spaces by gathering around fire pits or lounging by the pool.
~ JMA Ventures press release
The Mtn Scout Truckee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Breaks Ground
TRUCKEE
Gray’s Crossing Hospitality, in partnership with Huff Construction and H-CPM construction project management, announced the groundbreaking of The Mtn Scout Truckee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located in Northern California’s Lake Tahoe Basin within the Sierra Nevada mountains, the 129-room boutique hotel provides unparalleled access to world-class ski resorts, hiking and biking trails, and water activities. It is positioned to become the destination’s social hub and gateway to year-round outdoor adventures.
Construction began on June 24. Under the management of PM Hotel Group, the hotel is slated to open in early 2028 as part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 hotel brands.
Plans for The Mtn Scout Truckee include a lobby-level restaurant and bar, outdoor gathering space with fire pits, courtyard hot tubs, an event hall with a garden and patios, a fitness center, and valet gear storage for guests exploring the countless ways to play in the Tahoe Basin.
Designed by architect Andrew Goodwin Designs (AGD) with interiors and branding by Sixteenfifty Creative Intelligence, the hotel’s visuals draw upon its distinct mountain environment.
In addition to The Mtn Scout Truckee, the neighborhood includes 24 premier modern mountain residences and dedicated affordable housing units. All residents have access to resort-style amenities, a championship golf course, dining options, community trails, and green space, with future developments planned.
Thank you, South Lake Tahoe. Your support, energy, and heart made this winter unforgettable for the young people in our SOS Outreach programs. Through your commitment, we created a season full of connection, confidence, and new opportunities.
Together, we’ve been creating opportunity and access for kids since 1993 —and this season, you all helped continue that momentum. In 2024/25, 317 youth engaged in SOS programs, guided by 58 dedicated volunteers across more than 7,925 hours of outdoor learning and mentorship this winter.
What starts as a day on the mountain becomes so much more: a space to be seen, to be supported, and to grow. With your help, we gave youth the tools to navigate challenges, believe in themselves, and feel like they truly belong.
To everyone who gave time, resources, or encouragement, thank you. You’ve helped make the outdoors a place of opportunity for every child.
We’re more than just a nonprofit. We’re a movement. A force of positive change. A community that uplifts those around us. And we’re sure glad to have you here.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) is expanding its water efficiency efforts this summer with the launch of two new incentive programs designed to help both residential and commercial customers use water more efficiently.
These programs provide instant savings at the time of purchase with no rebate application needed. Beginning July 1, 2025, customers can purchase at a discount:
MOEN Automatic Home Water Shut-Off Devices – These smart systems detect leaks and automatically shuts off water to prevent damage and reduce water waste. Ideal for homeowners looking to protect their property while conserving water.
CNSRV Defrosting System for Commercial Kitchens – Food service businesses can now purchase CNSRV defrosting systems with built-in savings to safely defrost frozen food without wasting water.
“These new programs remove barriers for customers by offering upfront savings instead of requiring rebate applications,” said Lauren Benefield, Water Conservation Specialist at South Tahoe Public Utility District Name. “Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, we want to make it easy to save water and money.”
To make room for new incentives, rebates for high-efficiency toilets and clothes washers will be discontinued after June 30, 2025. Customers wishing to take advantage of those programs must submit completed applications by the deadline.
The District continues to offer rebates for leak repairs, turf removal, and smart irrigation controllers. For more information on water efficiency rebates and how to apply, visit stpud.us or contact Customer Service at 530-544-6474.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The League to Save Lake Tahoe — the donor-funded, science-based organization of environmental experts and Tahoe-lovers behind the movement to Keep Tahoe Blue — will commemorate the opening of its new headquarters with a community celebration on Friday, July 11.
The Keep Tahoe Blue Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center, located at 2877 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe, will serve as the new home for the organization’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, science, and community action. It will also act as an invitation for anyone to take part in the mission to protect and restore Lake Tahoe for all.
The redeveloped building will be a hub for collaboration and community engagement, focused on lake preservation.Provided / Keep Tahoe Blue
“By opening this new center, we are honoring our commitment to the Tahoe community and the 68-year history of our organization, while building a blueprint for a better future,” said Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO of the League to Save Lake Tahoe. “We are proud of all our accomplishments as an organization, but we know that Tahoe faces growing challenges from climate change, novel invasive species, wildfire, and political uncertainties. This education center is both the catalyst and the foundation of our new Five-Year Strategic Plan, in which we vow to meet those challenges head-on by thinking and acting Bigger than Tahoe. From this community hub, we can collectively work to find lasting solutions to protect the Lake’s beautiful blue waters for future generations.”
Reflecting the League’s legacy of pragmatic environmental successes, the state-of-the-art center will be a LEED-certified building with numerous sustainability features, including insulation made from recycled denim, a living roof that captures carbon and reduces the heat island effect, and materials made from recycled products, including salvaged wood from the 2021 Caldor Fire, and furniture that was upcycled from decommissioned office buildings.
In creating the new center, the League sought to redevelop an existing but outdated structure in the heart of South Lake Tahoe to the highest environmental standards, with a location near numerous amenities, including public transportation access points. A purpose-built gathering place for environmental engagement, the center will feature interactive exhibits that empower all visitors to help Keep Tahoe Blue. It will be open to the public and include a conference space, a store with sustainability-focused merchandise, a native plant educational garden, and an amphitheater that will host a speaker series, citizen science trainings and other public events.
“This building will be for the entire community to enjoy,” said Kristiana Almeida, the League’s Chief Operating Officer who also served as project manager. “We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of donors who made this new center possible. We would not be here without their support. And, of course, we want to recognize the Spurlock and Evers families, whose continuing contributions to the League, including their volunteer service on our board, their philanthropic gifts, and unwavering vision for how we can collectively protect the Lake, have propelled the movement to Keep Tahoe Blue into the future.”
The grand opening celebration of the new center will take place from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday, July 11. The event will feature staff-led tours of interactive exhibits, a series of short talks, information booths, food and beer trucks, live music, and other attractions.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Bread & Broth (B&B) has been providing free meals since the inception of the program in October of 1989. Initially, the meals were very simple. Over the last 35 years, thanks to generous donors and grants, the meals prepared by B&B’s creative and talented cooks have become restaurant quality meals that are hot, nutritious, and full-course dinners. Today, Bread & Broth’s Meal Program includes the Monday Meal which is served weekly at St. Theresa’s Grace Hall from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Second Meal served every Friday from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church.
In addition to the meals served on Mondays, the dinner guests receive food ‘giveaway’ bags filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products (milk, eggs, and butter), meat, breads and pastries, and an assortment of staple items for meals later in the week. Along with simple entree meals at Second Serving, the dinner guests are served delicious hot soups prepared and donated by local restaurants and casinos.
Left to right: Scott Witt, Jennifer Guenther, James MartinProvided / Bread & Broth
In 2011, Bread & Broth began the Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) program which helped finance the Monday Meals but also gave the Adopt A Day sponsors the opportunity to volunteer at their AAD Monday Meal by sending 3-5 AAD team members to assist the B&B volunteers with the meal’s setup, serving, and takedown/cleanup.
Since 2018, Liberty has been sponsoring 4-6 Adopt A Days annually, donating the now $350 sponsorship fee and always sending an outstanding crew to assist at their designed Monday Meal. It is Liberty’s policy to encourage their employees’ involvement in community service programs/projects and B&B is very fortunate to be one of non-profits that Liberty supports.
Hosting their third AAD of 2025 on Monday June 16th, Jennifer Guenther (B&B’s AAD program liaison), James Martin, and Scott Witt represented Liberty. “Great to see community members coming in and being serve a great meal by volunteers in the community,” shared Scott Witt. It was Scott’s first-time volunteering at a B&B Monday Meal and he also shared that “I’ll be back again to help serve the community members in need of a hot meal and food to take home.”
Kudos to Liberty for supporting their community by encouraging volunteerism by helping local non-profit organizations.
Hiking is one of many ways to explore the great outdoors. It’s also one of few ways to be directly connected and submerged in nature the entire time one is adventuring. Lake Tahoe sits in a bowl of mountains making the options for trails endless. There are some that require hiking experience, a whole day, and gear even. But there are also some that require no work at all, would be easy for someone of any age and health, and still offer the breathtaking views of the lake. Kid-friendly hikes fall somewhere in the middle of those two extremes.
The perfect trail for young hikers includes shorter distances, flatter terrain or slow inclines, a well-maintained path, places along the route for breaks if necessary and, most importantly, unique or exciting features along the way to keep them engaged in the experience. It helps if the trail leads to a pretty view or has a final destination to keep the motivation high all the way through.
As mentioned before, there are endless trails in the Lake Tahoe area alone but there are a couple that are specifically perfect for hiking with kids.
MONKEY ROCK
This is arguably the most popular trail in Tahoe for kids and the reason is in the name. Yes, there really is a rock that, unbelievably, looks just like a monkey.
Monkey RockAwesome author
This hike is in Incline Village, is 2.6 miles total with a 479 ft elevation gain, and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. It’s a generally easy trail but there are some steep parts. This is a popular trail so there is a good chance there will be other people. The trailhead is for two different trails, Monkey Rock and the East Shore Trail which will be covered further down, so make sure to pay attention to signs and head in the right direction. There is a parking lot where an entrance fee is required via a self-pay station. In the same parking lot is also Tunnel Creek Cafe and Flume Trail Bikes.
VIKINGSHOLM TRAIL
Instead of hiking up to your destination, this hike takes you down the mountain from Highway 89 to the beaches of Emerald Bay where the family can tour a castle originally built in 1929. Vikingsholm is famous for its Scandinavian architecture and view of Fannette Island, both of which were previously owned by Lora Josephine Knight, a wealthy Chicago widow. The castle is open for guided tours during the summer after purchasing a ticket for each member in the group. There is free access to the beach for a picnic and the trail also connects to other trails including Lower Eagle Falls, the Rubicon Trail, and Eagle Lake. This trail is 1.7 miles total, has a 377 foot elevation change, and on average takes about an hour but that depends on how long lunch/exploring/tour/etc takes.
Vikingsholm CastlePhoto courtesy of Jory John |
There is a small parking lot with limited parking and there is a fee via a self-pay station. There is a viewpoint at the very beginning of the trail where hikers can sit and take in all of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. Remember though that this hike is backwards, it is all uphill and slightly steep the whole way back up to the parking lot.
EAGLE FALLS
Turns out, we should go chasing waterfalls and there are several different trails to experience this area. Eagle Falls is split up into Upper Eagle Falls, Lower Eagle Falls, and Vista Point. They’re all good options for kids and start right within the same area including where parking is available. This is a busy spot and it is right off the highway so be aware and alert.
• Vikingsholm to Lower Eagle Falls (best and easiest way to knock out two trails in one trip, doesn’t add too much time to the experience and offers an amazing view of Lower Eagle Falls) 2.5 miles • Eagle Falls Picnic Loop 1 mile • Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop .5 miles
BLACKWOOD CREEK TRAIL LOOP
This 3.1 mile trail takes about an hour to complete and only gains 173 feet in elevation. It starts and ends in the same place in SunnysideTahoe City but it is a loop rather than a thereand-back making for a new experience the whole way through. The trail is an easy stroll through the forest with some clearings in the trees every so often and a creek running through. The most exciting part about this for the kids is the game of hide-and-seek they’ll be playing with the gnomes. That’s right, rumor has it there is a whole gnome village placed along this trail so keep a lookout! The trailhead begins at the end of Grand Ave off W Lake Blvd.
ANGORA LAKES
Rather than hike away from the lake for a pretty view, how about hiking right to a lake for a beach picnic and afternoon swim? This hike is 1.4 miles, a 252-foot elevation gain and only takes about 40 minutes of hiking total. It can be a popular area so as always, start early, but even with a small crowd this trail is known for being peaceful and quiet. This is considered an easy route. There is a parking fee for the Angora Lake Hike Parking lot.
LAKE OF THE SKY TRAIL & TALLAC HISTORIC SITE
Another historic site to explore is the Tallac Historic Site made up of cabins originally built over 100 years ago. These cabins were once a resort/retreat getaway for three very wealthy San Francisco families. Completing the looped trail will only take around half an hour and requires 1.9 miles of hiking with the small elevation change of just 32 feet. The hike will start toward Taylor Creek, take the family on a nice beach stroll down Kiva Beach and eventually pass Tallac Historic Site.
RUBICON POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL
The focal point of this hike is the lighthouse that was originally built in 1916 to aid in ships and boats navigating the lake, Emerald Bay specifically, and operated by using an acetylene gas light with a 5-second flasher. To see the lighthouse, hikers will go on a 2.5 mile hike, with a 488 foot elevation gain, and spend about an hour and 15 minutes on the trail. This trail is a loop. There is a small parking lot so be sure to arrive early and there is a fee required.
If hiking is new to the family or there is interest but baby steps feel comfortable, consider nature walks. There are a bunch around the lake and they all offer close to the experience a hike would include such as getting fresh air, spending time in the mountains, pretty views, and bonding time with the kids.
SOME POPULAR ONES ARE: • Tahoe East Shore Trail • Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach • The Dolder Nature Trail • West Shore and Dolder Nature Trail Loop • Cove East Trail • Truckee Marsh Trail
Other recommended kid-friendly trails: • Van Sickle Bistate Park (several trails in this area) • Taylor Creek Loop (2.7 miles) • Eagle Rock Trail (0.7 miles) • Echo Lake Ski Trail (2.8 miles) • Fallen Leaf Lake Trail (3.5 miles) • Castle Rock Loop Trail (2.9 miles) • Eagle Lake Trail (1.8 miles) • Cascade Falls Trail (1.3 miles)
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 edition of Tahoe Magazine.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Now in its second year, Trash to Treasure returned with a creative new twist: turning Incline Village’s bear boxes into vibrant canvases that celebrate art, environmental stewardship, and community spirit. Spearheaded by Incline Middle School teacher Ginny Holmes, local artist Alison Lee and in collaboration with the Incline Education Fund (IEF), the project aims to create public art that makes an impact.
This year, the initiative expanded to design a mural arts project, where students combined environmental research with creative expression to design murals on bear boxes throughout Incline Village. Collaborating closely with the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), students included interpretive signage to accompany each mural to educate the public about local ecological issues and promote responsible recreation around Lake Tahoe. As part of the process, students presented their concepts to a panel of IVGID staff, gaining real-world experience in communication, design approval, and civic engagement.
Incline Middle School’s Exploratory Program is a dynamic, hands-on initiative designed to help students uncover and develop potential career paths and personal interests. Blending classroom learning with real-world application, the program spans disciplines such as art, science, technology, and civic engagement. What truly sets the Exploratory apart is its strong foundation of community collaboration—students work directly with local artists, environmental organizations, civic agencies, and business professionals. These partnerships provide mentorship, resources, and authentic project experiences that inspire students to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and engage meaningfully with their community.
The Trash to Treasure project exemplifies this mission in action. From concept to execution, students manage every aspect of the initiative—working in teams to research environmental topics, design artwork, coordinate materials, and present their ideas to community stakeholders. In the process, they develop critical skills in project management, public speaking, creative problem-solving, and visual storytelling, all while building confidence and discovering their potential as future leaders and changemakers.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the newly adorned bear boxes throughout Incline Village—turning everyday walks into an interactive, educational art tour. The project is generously supported by the Tahoe Fund, IVGID, and the Incline Education Fund.
By turning practical infrastructure into a platform for youth expression and environmental education, the Trash to Treasure project demonstrates how art and activism can intersect in powerful, lasting ways. Even a bear box, it turns out, can become a canvas for change.
Incline Middle School students decorated bear boxes. Provided / IEF
Incline Middle School students decorated bear boxes. Provided / IEF
Incline Middle School students decorated bear boxes. Provided / IEF
Incline Middle School students decorated bear boxes. Provided / IEF
STATELINE, Nev — Edgewood Tahoe Resort unveiled Lake Tahoe’s newest fine dining concept, The Edge Restaurant & Lounge, opening July 1, 2025.
Formerly known as Edgewood Restaurant, the new concept provides guests unparalleled, five-star dining, all amidst panoramic views of the Sierra Nevadas. The Edge will underscore Edgewood Tahoe Resort’s existing world-class hospitality, offering a new facet to guest experiences.
“The Edge blends elegant mountain cuisine with modern flare,” said Corinna Osborne, Chief Operating Officer at Edgewood Tahoe Resort. “We’ve created a dining experience that captures the warmth of the region while embracing contemporary sophistication. The Edge reflects our dedication to providing exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty.”
Designers moved the bar so its front and center when guests walk into the clubhouse. A large, breathtaking chandelier hovers over the bar.
General Manager Siobhan Fajayan noted the renovation comes on the heels of a facelift that the golf shop and the Brooks received.
“We wanted you to walk in the main entrance, look to the right and see the golf course and the beautiful mountains… but it was also important that we had visuals on both sides,” said Fajayan.
The walls are covered in a carved Aspen wall, Fajayan said the art pieces are meant to be discussion pieces for the staff to have with guests.
The design and atmosphere of The Edge incorporates organic materials inspired by the rustic region. Guests can expect a menu that balances seasonal flavors with modern culinary techniques, such as tableside presentations, multi-course tasting menus, and artisanal craft cocktails. In addition, The Edge will house an expansive wine collection featuring over 1,000 labels worldwide, including rare estate vintages and boutique Californian wineries – all hand-selected by expert sommeliers.
“The Edge was contrived from luxury and landscape, both of which are found here at Edgewood,” said Mario Bevilacqua von Gunderrode, General Manager at Edgewood Tahoe Resort. “Executive Chef Jon Snyder will create a well-rounded culinary portfolio for the resort that will be a destination in itself.”
During a preview event, the Edge sampled several of its signature menu items, including its Salmon Crudo, Beef Carpaccio and its elk-carving station, as well as its signature drink, the Blue Tahoe.
Chef Jon said he and Chef de Cuisine Cody Ginther were thoughtful about creating a seasonal, locally sourced menu that reflected the environment of Lake Tahoe.
“We wanted to pay our homage to Edgewood Restaurant, to keep some of the popular dishes but just reimagining them,” said Chef Jon.
This elevated dining concept is the latest addition to Edgewood Tahoe Resort’s legacy of exceptional hospitality. In partnership with Plant Construction Company, L.P. and Collaborative Design Studio, the remodel will reflect the level of luxury offered at the Lodge and Villa Suites, creating an integrated guest experience. The project will also include the interior of the existing entry, restaurant, bar, north and south ballrooms, kitchen, and lower-level restrooms, among other shared spaces.
“I really think it’s a special place, we’re looking forward to everybody coming to try it,” said Chef Jon.
The restaurant will open July 1 but will be closed to the public July 9-13 for the American Century Championship.
For more information, please visit Edgewood Tahoe Resort’s website.
Mike Peron / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Scallop Carpaccio Mike Peron / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Deconstructed Tiramisu Mike Peron / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Chocolate Lavendar Budino Mike Peron / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Carol Elizabeth Taylor, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Nipomo, California, at the age of 83. Born to Myron and Helen Davis on April 16, 1942, in San Jose, California, she lived a life marked by strength, warmth, and enduring faith.
Encouraged by her adoring parents and her dear younger sister, Jean, Carol developed her fierce spirit, independence, and strong will in childhood. She had particularly fond memories of family backpacking trips in the Sierra mountains, summers spent along the ocean at the family cabin in Capitola, and everyday Willow Glen neighborhood adventures.
Ever the strong student, Carol graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1960 and went on to major in Mathematics at San Jose State University as a proud sister of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She later earned her teaching credential from the University of Utah.
In 1968, Carol moved to South Lake Tahoe for the winter to try her hand at skiing. However, in common Tahoe fashion, she never left. Instead, on the shores of her beloved Lake in the Sky, she found a home and an entire community that she would cherish for over 55 years.
In 1971, she married her dear husband, Mike Taylor, in a small wedding at the Fallen Leaf Lake chapel. Together they built a life filled with love and laughter, while raising two children, Matthew and Maren. Carol was a devoted and proud mother, always supporting her children with steadfast love and a twinkle in her eye.
Carol worked for the California Employment Development Department for 30+ years, but her passions extended well beyond her profession. An avid lover of the outdoors, she found great joy in camping, hiking the Sierra trails, playing tennis, skiing the Tahoe slopes, and spending treasured time with family. She and Mike built their forever home in the Tahoe Keys in 1990. In 2000, they bought a condo in Palm Desert, where they spent winters in their later years.
In February 1995, Carol’s life was forever changed by a ski accident that left her with limited mobility for the rest of her life. True to her indomitable spirit, she met this challenge with grace, courage, and unshakable faith. She became an inspiration to all who knew her—living proof that the human spirit can triumph even in the face of adversity.
Carol leaned deeply into her faith, becoming an active member of Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church. She also dedicated herself to service through her involvement with Soroptimist International, where she held many roles over the years, always with compassion and determination.
A lifelong learner and thinker, Carol was an avid reader, a loyal book club member, and a lover of crosswords and sudoku puzzles. While she enjoyed introspective activities, Carol also loved hosting and socializing with friends and community. Her ringing, distinctive laugh was unmistakable—joyful, contagious, and utterly unforgettable.
Of all her roles, “Grandma” may have been her favorite. She adored her grandchildren, Cody and Claire, and took immense pride in their lives, accomplishments, and unique spirits.
Carol is survived by her sister Jean (Dehn Haas), son Matthew, daughter Maren (Eric Linkugel), grandchildren Cody (14) and Claire (12), and a wide circle of friends and loved ones whose lives she touched with her kindness, resilience, and joy.
Carol’s legacy is one of unwavering strength, positive outlook on life, and quiet heroism. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life and reception for both Mike and Carol will be held on July 26, 2025 from 11am-1pm at Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church in South Lake Tahoe (2733 Lake Tahoe Blvd, So. Lake Tahoe / Ph: 530-544-3757). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Soroptimist International, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, or a spinal cord injury research organization (e.g. Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, or American Spinal Injury Association).
Remembering Reinhard and Margarethe Richter:
C. Gunnar Gottschalk, PhD-(SNC Ski Team Member and Class of 2011)
With Contributions from Lila Lapanja, Vojko Lapanja and other SNC Ski Team Alumni
The story of remembering Reinhard and Margarethe Richter began long before I was born and even before my parents were married. It started on snow-covered weekends in southern Vermont when my mother, a North Carolina transplant, joined the New Haven Ski Club (NHSC). Founded in the 1940s, the NHSC was more than a hub for weekend trips and night racing under the lights. It was a community. A slightly rowdy (I can’t imagine how great the parties were in the 80s), fiercely passionate, and lifelong family of skiers born, as they say, “on the ice.” And it was there that my mother met Reinhard and Margarethe. After meeting my father, Carl, in New Haven and introducing him to skiing, they became lifelong friends of the Richters, enjoying time together in Vermont, Connecticut, and Lake Tahoe.
Reinhard’s life was, simply put, incredible. Born in pre-war East Germany, he was one of the few surviving members of his family after the devastation of World War II and the ensuing Russian occupation. As a pre-teen, he was left an orphan after witnessing his family’s execution. He survived by salvaging the metal from unspent artillery shells with an axe and curing meat from bullet-riddled cattle. Even when recounting those difficult years, Reinhard told his story with humility and flashes of humor. As a young child and later an adult, these stories of his life and perseverance gave me and anyone who was listening a real perspective on any “problems” we might have been facing.
Despite impossible odds in his early life, Reinhard excelled. His brilliance in the hard sciences—chemistry, physics, and mathematics—led him to one of Germany’s top academies and eventually to America, where he studied at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a PhD in organic chemistry. Before his move to the US, Reinhard met Margarethe, a nurse with her own quiet and warm strength, and eventually, they settled in North Haven, Connecticut, where Reinhard took a position at Dow Chemical.
At Dow, his work was transformative in the field of Organic Chemistry. He rose to the Director level and was awarded numerous USPTO patents for inventions that we all take for granted today. However, his true passion—his lifelong love—was skiing, and more specifically, ski racing.
While working at Dow, Reinhard and Margarethe dedicated their weekends and free time to train themselves into world-class Master’s racers. I have memories—now sacred—of weekends in Vermont where our families trained, raced, and celebrated the mountains together. They were born-again athletes, chasing a dream they were unable to pursue in their youth.
In 1993, after Reinhard retired, he and Margarethe took a ski sabbatical of sorts, visiting iconic ski towns across the U.S. in search of the perfect place to retire. When they reached Incline Village, NV, it didn’t immediately dazzle them. On a foggy, rainy day, they toured a new development called Tyrolian Village. It wasn’t until the skies cleared the next morning and they returned to the top of Glarus Court that they saw the view, and that sealed it. This would be their home forever.
And they made it just that— a home, not only for themselves but for everyone lucky enough to be in their orbit. They immersed themselves in the local ski community, racing with the U.S. Masters at Diamond Peak, chasing summer snow in Saas-Fee, and supporting the Sierra Nevada College Ski Team and Diamond Peak’s youth racers. Reinhard and Margarethe didn’t just support these programs financially—they showed up. They mentored, cooked meals, cheered at races, organized timing and technical delegation duties at SNC ski races, and opened their doors and hearts to young skiers from across the world, many of whom were navigating their first experience in the U.S.
When Margarethe passed a few years ago from a battle with cancer, it left a void in the house they had built together, but Reinhard carried forward with grace and grit. Fiercely independent, he continued to hike alone in the Black Rock Desert (and other even more remote areas), still refused help with snow shoveling, and, yes—finally accepted a cell phone, mainly for our peace of mind. Even in his later years, he remained active and intellectually curious, always championing others, especially young ski racing stars like Lila Lapanja (daughter of Vojko and Margie), a current FIS World Cup athlete and member of the Slovenian National Alpine Ski Team. Indeed, many benefited from his generosity, but most of all, from his belief in their dreams.
To remember Reinhard and Margarethe is to remember strength forged in hardship, joy found in nature, and the transformative power of community. Their story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep love—for each other, for the mountains, and for the people they welcomed along the way.
Their legacy will not be measured in the number of awarded patents or the medals they won as Master Ski Racers. It lives in the athletes they supported, the friendships they cultivated, and the trails they carved—both literally and figuratively—through the snow and our lives.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced Monday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to rescind a rule that has prohibited new roads and timber harvest on 30% of National Forest System lands, including portions in the Truckee-Tahoe basin.
“The intent of the 2001 Roadless Rule is to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System in the context of multiple-use management,” the USDA Forest Service’s website states. Not only does the rule prohibit new roads and timber harvest on these areas, it keeps them open for a range of recreational activities, including climbing, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and backcountry skiing.
These inventoried roadless areas constitute close to a quarter (23%) of Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit lands and a combined 80,000-plus acres on Tahoe National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit forest, according to maps on the Forest Service’s website.
Acres near Luther Pass are within the protected areas, which is where species such as the Sierra Nevada red fox (federally endangered) and the American marten (USDA Forest Service sensitive species) inhabit. The protected areas also expand to locations near the Echo Lakes, skirt Desolation Wilderness, cover portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail, and encompass Freel Peak, the tallest peak in the Tahoe area.
Portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail run through inventoried roadless areas. Hannah Pence / Tahoe Daily Tribune
The rule rollback will remove the 25 year prohibitions on road construction, reconstruction, and timber harvest, which Secretary Rollins believes will allow for fire prevention and responsible timber production on lands where close to half the acreage is on high or very high wildfire risk areas.
“Once again, President Trump is removing absurd obstacles to common sense management of our natural resources by rescinding the overly restrictive roadless rule,” said Secretary Rollins. “This move opens a new era of consistency and sustainability for our nation’s forests. It is abundantly clear that properly managing our forests preserves them from devastating fires and allows future generations of Americans to enjoy and reap the benefits of this great land.”
The USDA also states rescinding this rule will allow this land to be managed at the local forest level with more flexibility to take action to reduce wildfire risk and help protect surrounding communities and infrastructure.
While the USDA sees the call as a move that sustains the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests, wilderness conservation and recreation conversation groups see it as a threat to valued backcountry recreation areas, as well as vital wildlife and fish habitat that offers clean water and other important ecosystem services across the country.
These groups also foresee impacts to recreation, a major part of the economy in the west.
The Roadless Rule was established at the end of President Clinton’s term in January 2001.
“Any attempt to revoke it is an attack on the air and water we breath and drink, abundant recreational opportunities which millions of people enjoy each year, havens for wildlife and critical buffers for communities threatened by increasingly severe wildfire seasons,” Josh Hicks said, conservation campaigns director at The Wilderness Society.
Before rescinding the rule, the action will require preparation of environmental analysis, compliance with the Endangered Species Act, tribal consultation and coordination with affected states.
The USDA states it will provide more information as the rescission process gets underway.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – To reduce wildfire risk, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to begin mastication treatments on approximately 20 acres of National Forest System lands adjacent to South Tahoe High School. Work may begin this week and will continue for the next three weeks, conditions, staffing and weather permitting.
When work is taking place, access to some areas may be disrupted temporarily. South Tahoe High School students and members of the public are reminded to be aware of the mastication activity and keep a safe distance from the equipment.
These operations will target concentrations of downed dead vegetation (fuels) and dense shrubs such as manzanita, whitethorn and bitterbrush that can feed unwanted wildfires. Some small trees that can act as ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb up from the ground into to tree crowns) may also be masticated.
Mastication, also known as forest mulching, is a mechanical process that involves using heavy equipment to grind, shred, or chop non-commercial-sized trees and shrubs into small chunks or pieces. The pieces are then spread out and left to decompose naturally.
These treatments are intended to complement and support the City of South Lake Tahoe and Lake Valley Fire Protection District’s South Lake Tahoe High School Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project. Funded by the Forest Service, this collaborative partnership is a good example of an “all hands, all lands” approach to hazardous fuels reduction efforts that involves working together to efficiently treat public and private lands.
Tahoe Basin forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and wildfire. Hazardous fuels reduction treatments help reduce the risk of wildfire and complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property. Treatments also contribute to improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and watershed and forest resilience.
Mastication is an essential fuels reduction treatment and forest management tool used by the Forest Service and other land managers to protect communities. It works by converting ladder fuels to surface fuels to help slow the rate of fire spread during wildfires which assists firefighters with suppression efforts.
Short-term effects of mastication treatments may include changes to the appearance of the forest. Treated areas may look disturbed immediately after treatment, when freshly chipped or masticated vegetation, are more visually obvious. These areas recover quickly as new vegetation growth occurs within a few years.
Launching on July 10 and running through September 18, the “Tunes on Tap” series will take place on Thursday evenings at the Alibi Amphitheater at the Incline Public House, giving all Alibi Ale Works patrons a pre-weekend celebration filled with live music, craft brews, and the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.
“There’s nothing like hearing Tahoe artists with the lake in the background and a local Tahoe beverage in hand,” said Andy Chapman, president & CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV). “We’re proud to partner with Alibi Ale Works again to offer both visitors and locals a memorable way to enjoy our mountain culture.”
Featuring an eclectic lineup of talented musicians, attendees can expect a diverse range of musical styles to suit every taste, all taking place in Alibi’s beautiful outdoor Alibi Amphitheater. The complete lineup for the Tunes on Tap Sunset Concert Series is as follows:
July 10: Peter Joseph Burtt
July 17: Sneaky Creatures
July 24: Broken Compass Bluegrass
July 31: Metal Echo with aerial dance performers
August 7: The Wreckords
August 21: Bicicletas Por La Paz
August 28: Everyday Outlaw
September 4: JeNes N The Juice
September 11: Tahoe Tribe with Pink Floyd’s sax player & Beastie Boys percussionist
September 18: Dirty Cello
All performances will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Alibi Ale Works, located at 931 Tahoe Blvd. in Incline Village, NV. TNTNV and Alibi Ale Works recommend patrons bring their own blanket or chair, as well as a warm layer. Minors are allowed to attend, but dogs are not allowed. Concertgoers cannot bring any outside food or beverages except for water.
“We created the Tunes on Tap series to showcase the rich music scene we have here in Tahoe and to give folks a fun, relaxed space to connect over great beer and live performances,” said Kevin Drake, CEO of Alibi Ale Works. “After such a strong response last year, we’re thrilled to bring it back even bigger in 2025.”
Whether you’re a music lover, a craft beer connoisseur, or just in search of a lively night under the stars, the “Tunes on Tap” Sunset Concert Series offers something for everyone to enjoy.
To try and decide each week where and what to eat around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.
With a name like Beast Burger, you have to be just a little bit intrigued, right? I realize that to enjoy this burger you’re going to have to go on a small road trip, but sometimes it’s worth it. And besides, with Independence Day barreling down on us, getting out of the basin might sound like a great idea.
In case you haven’t heard, the Cutthroat is back open, and this burger has quickly become one of their best sellers on the menu. In my opinion, what makes this burger top notch is the patty itself: a combination of elk, bison, boar, and beef. It’s charred pockets of goodness only add to the depth of the flavor which never feels or tastes gamey if any of those non-traditional burger proteins are giving you hesitation.
It’s served with all the fixings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion) on the side and joining the patty on the onion bun is locally sourced bacon from Park Ranch in Minden, melted white cheddar cheese and their house-made cowboy sauce. The cowboy sauce is their version of a barbecue sauce – not too sweet, not too smokey, but really hugs the richness of the burger just right, creating an amazing umami flavor.
I could eat this burger in my sleep, it’s that delicious. And speaking of sleep, don’t sleep on their fries (either regular or sweet potato). They walk the walk of having the right amount of crispiness outside in balance with the fluffiness inside along with a dusting of flavorful seasoning to go along with the textures.
When one of the owners says it’s their favorite on the menu, that’s probably a decent indication that you’re in good hands. Having tried it myself, I’d say those hands are about as good as you can get.
The Cutthroat Tavern is located at 14830 CA-89 in Markleeville. For menu and more information, visit them online at cutthroattavern.com or reach them by phone at 530-694-1862.
5:30-9:30 p.m., AleWorX at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe. Come out for a night of classic rock and more with Off Piste. For more information, visit laketahoealeworx.com or call 775-580-6163.
Magician Brian Scott
The South Lake Tahoe Library will host Magician Brian Scott on Friday, June 27th. The free outdoor show starts at 2 pm at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd in South Lake Tahoe. Brian Scott is a magician that combines magic, comedy, and pure fun. Bring the whole family for this outdoor performance! Sponsored by South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club.
Drag Bingo
7-9 p.m., Tipsy Putt, 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd Suite # 101, South Lake Tahoe. Join the BINGO fun with The Twampsons! Each $25 ticket includes one Bingo card for each game, one raffle ticket, and of course admission to the performances by The Twampsons! Proceeds benefit local nonprofit, Vista Rise Collective, in their mission to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Ticket purchase/pre-registration not required. $25 For more information, visit vistarise.org or call 530-544-2118.
80S Live
8-9:30 p.m., Bally’s, 55 US-50, Stateline. Relive the Raddest Decade with 80s LIVE at Bally’s Lake Tahoe! Join us Friday and Saturday nights starting June 20 as 80s LIVE takes over Bally’s Showroom with a high-energy tribute to the iconic hits of Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, and more. Produced by Allen Valentine, this electrifying residency features powerhouse vocals, dazzling choreography, and throwback style that brings the ultimate 80s vibe to life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good party, this is your chance to experience the sights and sounds of the decade that defined a generation. Don’t forget your leg warmers—costumes encouraged, good times guaranteed! Ticket purchase required. $20 For more information, visit www.ballys.com/lake-tahoe.
Saturday, June 28
Flyin’ Irons Horsehoe Tournament
3 p.m., Emerald Bay Bar & Grill, 888 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay Bar & Grill is proud to present the 1st annual Tommy Evans Charity Memorial Flyin’ Irons Horseshoe Tournament! Enter and compete for a great cause! All proceeds benefit Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. Pre-registration required. $30 For more information, visit emeraldbaybar.com or call 530-541-7017.
Big Band to Broadway (Incline Village)
7-8:30 p.m., Cornerstone Community Church, 300 Country Club Drive, Incline Village. Tahoe Symphony Orchestra offers an unforgettable evening of jazz and showtunes that celebrates the golden age of American music! Don’t miss Big Band to Broadway at the Cornerstone Community Church in Incline Village, NV. Enjoy the swinging sounds of the Big Band era to the dazzling lights of Broadway favorites including hits from legendary composers like George Gershwin and classic musicals like Chicago and Phantom of the Opera. Ticket purchase required. For more information, visit toccatatahoe.org or call 775-524-2175.
UFC 317 Viewing
7-10 p.m., Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Lake Tahoe, 50 Hwy 50, Stateline. Free Viewing at Center bar for UFC 317! For more information, visit www.goldennugget.com/lake-tahoe or call 775-588-1010.
Wild Tahoe at Taylor Creek
Wild Tahoe is back for its 15th year! Join on Saturday, June 28, as we combine the Lake Tahoe Bird Festival and Native Species Festival into one exciting day. Traditionally held over two days, this event will now celebrate birds, plants, and other local animals all in a single day. From 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wild Tahoe will be a day full of fun and learning.
The Lake Tahoe Bird Festival includes hourly guided bird walks along the Rainbow Trail, visits with live birds of prey, information and presentations on migratory birds, bird crafts and games, a live falconer, and more!
Do you remember the magic of timeless hits and unforgettable grooves? Earth, Wind & Fire are bringing their legendary sound to the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic (formerly Harveys) on Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:00 pm! Don’t miss this chance to dance September-style all night long!
Sunday, June 29
Jeff Connor
noon to 4 p.m., AleWorX at the Y, 2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe. This South Lake Tahoe favorite has an infectious energy and is part of the well-known Connor Party band. Be prepared to sing along; it’s nearly impossible to resist. For more information, visit laketahoealeworx.com or call 775-580-6163.
Alex Lucero Band – Free Lawn Concert
4:30-6:30 p.m., Valhalla Tahoe, 1 Valhalla Road, South Lake Tahoe. Join us on the Grand Lawn for a high-energy summer evening with the Alex Lucero Band, a genre-bending Soul/Americana act out of Santa Cruz that’s been turning heads across the globe. With standout performances from Whale Rock Music Festival to Jam in the Van, and recent tours across Europe and the East Coast, this band brings serious talent and a whole lot of heart.Frontman Alex Lucero and his powerhouse band deliver a blend of heavy soul grooves and boot-stomping Americana originals that will have you dancing, swaying, and soaking in the good vibes. Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or are a longtime fan, their rich sound and infectious energy promise an unforgettable lakeside show. For more information, visit valhallatahoe.com or call 530-541-4975.
Big Band to Broadway (South Lake Tahoe)
6:30-8 p.m., Tahoe Paradise Park, 1011 E San Bernardino Avenue, South Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Symphony Orchestra offers an unforgettable evening of jazz and showtunes that celebrates the golden age of American music! Don’t miss Big Band to Broadway at the Cornerstone Community Church in Incline Village, NV. Enjoy the swinging sounds of the Big Band era to the dazzling lights of Broadway favorites including hits from legendary composers like George Gershwin and classic musicals like Chicago and Phantom of the Opera. Ticket purchase required. For more information, visit toccatatahoe.org or call 775-524-2175.
Monday, June 30
Boating Event: Monday Funday (On the Lake)
10:45 a.m., Meet at, 2540 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe. Why dread Monday when you could be gliding across the crystal-clear waters of gorgeous Lake Tahoe with your favorite people? Join us for a four-hour guided boat adventure that’s part chill cruise, part epic photo op, and 100% fun. Pre-registration required.
Wednesday July 2
Pops & Patriotic Songs (Incline Village)
7 p.m., St. Francis Church, 701 Mt. Rose Highway, Incline Village. Join the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for a holiday evening of patriotic music and community celebration. Enjoy powerful performances of American classics, including: “Armed Forces Medley”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and “Stars and Stripes Forever” by Sousa. Ticket purchase required. For more information, visit www.tahoe-philharmonic.com or call 765-862-2282.
Thursday, July 3
NLTFPD Flag Raising & Pancake Breakfast
8-10 a.m., North Lake Tahoe Fire Prevention District, 866 Oriole Way, Incline VIllage. Kick off the Local Heroes Celebration with NLTFD and your community for breakfast before the parade at the main firehouse. The parade begins immediately after breakfast! For more information, visit ivcba.org or call 775-833-5252.
Kid’s Bike Parade & Local Heroes Parade
10 a.m., Incline Village, NV, 885 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village. Join Us for a Hometown Parade in Incline Village! Presented by IVCBA and the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline, this beloved local event invites both residents and visitors to take part, whether by joining the parade or cheering from the sidelines.The best viewing spots are along Southwood Boulevard across from Incline Bowl, and on Incline Way near Incline Middle School, the Parasol Building, the Rec Center, and the Village Green.This year’s theme is Local Heroes—celebrating veterans, military personnel, firefighters, peace officers, teachers, healthcare workers, and other community champions. And don’t forget the everyday superheroes—parents are welcome, too! For more information, visit ivcba.org or call 775-833-5252.
Local Heroes Community Fair & WCSO Meet & Greet
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Village Green, 960 Lakeshore Blvd, Incline Village. Join us for carnival games, information booths, and freebies from various nonprofits, businesses, and service clubs. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office vehicles will be on display for their annual Meet and Greet. Incline High School sports teams and Interact Club will run carnival games. For more information, visit ivcba.org or call 775-833-5252.
Susie Scoops Annual Ice Cream Eating Contest
1-1:30 p.m., IVCBA, 885 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village. Ice cream will be available for purchase during the Community Fair & BBQ. The contest begins at 1 p.m., with prizes including a trophy, a Susie Scoops t-shirt, and gift cards to Susie Scoops and Village Toys. For more information, visit ivcba.org or call 775-833-5252.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barrell Room, a brainchild of Sidellis Brewery owners Chris Sidell and Steve Canali and Ayden Williamson, Event Manager at MacDuff’s Pub, will be opening this summer, offering a new event space in South Lake Tahoe.
“We jointly opened this place to offer a local, affordable venue for people to have birthdays, weddings, celebrations, family reunions,” said Williamson.
The space, located at 3338 Sandy Way, will offer catering and hard alcohol from MacDuff’s and beer from Sidellis.
Laney Griffo / Tahoe Daily Tribune
The space seats 50 people and has a patio to allow people to mingle outdoors.
While Williamson said she decorated the space to remain fairly neutral, she had to get some Scottish flair, with plaid seats and vintage beer decorations on the wall.
An additional partnership opportunity appeared with Lionheart Body & Spirit Massage opening up next door.
“Once MacDuff’s took over the space, it gave me an amazing opportunity to open my own practice,” said Waterhouse. She is sharing the space with her business partner, Dava Hilton.
The parlor shares an entrance with the Barrell Room and Williamson is looking for opportunities to partner with owner Daniele Waterhouse for Bridal and Baby Showers.
Both businesses are hosting a joint-Grand Opening Party on Saturday, June 28 from 4-8 p.m. There will be complimentary bites, cocktails, live music and more.
To book at an event at the Barrell Room, email Williamson at ayden@macduffs.com.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. — From June 30 to July 5,The RennerVation Foundation, founded by actor and philanthropist Jeremy Renner, will welcome 111 foster and at-risk youths to the wilderness of South Shore, Lake Tahoe, for an unforgettable week of action-packed summer camp.
Camp RennerVation offers a nature-immersive experience at no cost to foster families, thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners. For children navigating the foster care system or difficult family dynamics, this is more than summer camp; it’s a rare chance to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
“As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to give kids a place where they can just be kids,” says Kym Renner, RennerVation Foundation’s President and CEO. “They build friendships, reconnect with siblings, find lifelong mentors, and gain skills and confidence that extend far beyond the week.”
Program Highlights:
Hot Air Balloon Tethered Rides courtesy of The Great Reno Balloon Race, featuring Sushi the Flying Goldfish
Environmental Sustainability Workshop with Keep Tahoe Blue
Bocce Ball & Life Talk with Special Olympics Nevada and Olympic athlete Nick Fiegel
Food & Gardening Class with celebrity Chef CloyceMartin (Below Deck), including lessons on growing food and an introduction and exploration of a chicken coop
Cheer Performance and Intro Class with The Nevada Wolf Pack Spirit Program from the University of Nevadaalongwithmascots Alphie, Wolfie Jr., and Luna
Shopping Day! Each camper picks out a new pair of shoes, a book, and bucket hat
Shoes from the Katie Grace Foundation
Books from Spread the Word Nevada
Bucket hats donated by Eileen & Jack Flahharty of the Detroit Tigers
Drum Circle led by Dave Rogers of Drum Love
Wake Surfing Lessons with High Fives Organization
Clay Art Activity led by art teacher Milli Meng
Sound Baths (two nights) led by Nichole M. Schembre from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) Northern Nevada
Visual Art Project led by Will Burrows, local artist and PTO President
Musical Theater Class with Kara Jones (actress from Mayor of Kingstown)
Aerial Arts Performance and Workshop with Yonder Ariels
On July 3, campers will experience a festive Carnival Day, featuring classic games like skeeball, football and basketball toss, dunk tank, and an Angry Birds-themed slingshot game. Entertainment will include performers from The Biggest Little Circus and a magician duo from White Rabbit Theater. Kiva Juice will be supplying smoothies, and Super Simple Photography will provide a photo booth, so kids can take home printed memories of their camp adventure. Plus, Camp RennerVation’s title sponsor, Lifeway Kefir, will be helping campers stay energized with delicious, probiotic-packed options the entire week.
On July 4, campers will enjoy a fireworks spectacular under the Lake Tahoe sky—a celebration of freedom, resilience, and new beginnings. The week wraps up with a joyful Beach Day and Talent Show, where kids can showcase their creativity and connect with their peers one final time.
Camp RennerVation creates space for children to grow emotionally and socially—whether they’re reconnecting with siblings separated by the foster system, receiving guidance from mentors, or simply learning how to smile again.
Rep. Kevin Kiley Calls for Meaningful Local Input of Public Land Sales
WASHINGTON, D.C.
In response to the public land sales language in the Senate budget reconciliation bill, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has issued the following joint statement along with several other leaders in California’s Third District.
“It is crucial that any decisions made regarding the acquisition or disposition of public lands be made only after significant local input. Our district is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, and is a source of clean water, jobs, tax revenue, and recreation. Local buy-in is the key to preserving these spaces and guaranteeing that our policies benefit the people we represent. I will not support legislation that excludes local leaders from having a meaningful seat at the table for these important decisions,” said Rep. Kiley.
“In partnership with local governments, Congress recently reauthorized the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA), which conserves land and sends the unambiguous message that Tahoe is not for sale. Decades before that, Congress ratified the bistate compact that governs land use planning at Lake Tahoe. Altogether, the Senate proposed language would reverse 50 years of standing land policy at Tahoe. Thank you, Rep. Kiley, for fighting for our public lands,” said Julie Regan, Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).
“Local and regional governments cannot be relegated to an advisory role in decisions related to the sale of our federal lands. The goal of affordable housing is one we all share, but the Senate language will not make measurable progress toward that goal, and instead would put local governments on defense, responding to nominations made by outside groups that may or may not align with local planning. I support Rep. Kiley in his effort to make sure local input is part of the discussion of public land sales,” said Cindy Gustafson, Placer County Board of Supervisors.
“Tahoe is not for sale! We strongly urge the Senate to remove this language in the reconciliation bill and instead work with local governments and local Indian tribes on sensible land policy that can achieve our shared goals to advance housing while protecting our natural resources,” said Brooke Laine, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors.
~ Rep. Kevin Kiley press release
Lake Tahoe Clarity Report — Trend Stable, Not Improving
LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe’s long-term clarity record is not trending worse, nor is it improving, according to the 2024 annual clarity report from the University of California, Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC).
The report, released June 16, documents steep declines in clarity through the 1990s before leveling off in recent years. In 2024, annual average clarity for Lake Tahoe was 62.3 feet. That is down from last year’s average of 68.2 feet, but it is not statistically worse, the report notes. The number is a measure of the depth at which a white disk remains visible underwater.
Winter clarity has been stable or improving in recent years, though was relatively poor (68.9 feet) in 2024 following an exceptional 91.9-foot average the winter prior. The past 10 summers have marked some of the worst averages on record, with 2024 summer averages measuring just 53.4 feet below the surface.
Detailed investigations conducted about 20 years ago pointed to sediment as the primary particles driving Tahoe’s clarity. A variety of management actions to reduce sediment runoff into the lake followed. Today, Lake Tahoe faces new challenges. It is warmer, more affected by wildfire and smoke than it was in recent decades, and its ecology is being impacted by aquatic invasive species.
NOT GETTING BETTER: The 2024 annual clarity report from the University of California, Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center shows Lake Tahoe’s long-term clarity is not trending worse, but it’s not improving either. “We should embrace the improvements we have seen since the 1990s,” said Stephanie Hampton, director of TERC and a UC Davis professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. “It’s not, at this point, noticeably worse. But it’s not getting better, and we need to find out why.” Pictured is Brandon Berry diving beneath Lake Tahoe. Photo by Brant Allen
The report said future research should use new data, tools and technologies to reexamine the nature of clarity-reducing particles. This will help reveal the extent to which biology — such as algae — and physical processes influence water clarity at Lake Tahoe.
Clarity is measured as the depth to which a 10-inch white disk, called a Secchi disk, remains visible when lowered into the water. In 2024, UC Davis scientists took 27 readings at Lake Tahoe’s long-term index station and 12 readings from the mid-lake index station. View the historical clarity readings from 1968 to 2024.
UC Davis has been measuring clarity and other health indicators at Lake Tahoe since 1968. Clarity is just one measure of the health of the watershed, but TERC’s measurements of clarity loss in the 1950s and 1960s became central to efforts to protect the watershed from pollution and unplanned development.
~ UC Davis TERC press release
New Signs Help Remind Everyone to Keep Tahoe Beaches Clean
PLACER COUNTY
Officials from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and Placer County want to remind tourists and residents throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin to follow the county’s beach ordinances this summer.
From Tahoe City to Kings Beach, the following rules apply to locals and tourists alike:
No dogs allowed on the beach or in the water
No glass containers
No littering
No smoking, fires, or BBQs
Alcohol is prohibited at most county beaches
And a reminder to stay safe; many beaches do not have a lifeguard on duty
The county is working collaboratively with local utility districts, state parks, and the federal forest service to ensure beachgoers enjoy safe access and clean beaches throughout the North Lake Tahoe region. Rules may vary at Skylandia Park and Beach near Tahoe City and visitors are encouraged to follow the posted signage during their stay.
In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls, dial the Placer County Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch at (530) 886-5375.
Tax Relief Available for Property Owners Affected by Disasters
NEVADA COUNTY
Tax relief is available to property owners living in Nevada County who have experienced severe weather-related property damage such as wildfires and snowstorms in recent years, according to Nevada County Assessor Rolf Kleinhans.
The California Revenue and Taxation Code allows qualifying property owners impacted by misfortune or calamity to receive a temporary reduction in assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes. Millions of dollars in tax relief have been granted in recent years for storm-related property damage, said Kleinhans.
To qualify, property damage must exceed $10,000 in market value and applicants must file claims with the assessor’s office within one year of the calamity. If the damage meets the $10,000 threshold, the assessor will temporarily reduce the property value while the damaged property is restored.
Humane Society’s Field Trip Program Aims to Boost Dog Adoptions
TRUCKEE
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s Shelter Dog Field Trips program is an innovative initiative that allows trained volunteers to take dogs out of the shelter for short adventures designed to improve the animals’ well-being and adoption prospects.
FIELD TRIP OF A LIFETIME: The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s new Field Trip Program allows volunteers to take dogs out of the shelter for short adventures. Courtesy photo
The program enables volunteers to take dogs on hikes, coffee runs, trips to rivers or lakes, or for relaxing time at volunteers’ homes. These outings provide mental stimulation and socialization for the dogs while offering valuable exposure to potential adopters.
The program helps reduce shelter stress by giving dogs a break from their kennels and routine walking paths. It also allows HSTT staff to gather more behavioral information about dogs available for adoption.
Program Requirements:
Interested volunteers must attend an orientation and dog training session through HSTT. Once trained, participants must complete a minimum of three shelter visits to learn routines and demonstrate understanding of safety protocols and dog handling.
Volunteers must be 18 or older, though families can participate if a trained adult has been cleared by the organization. Participants are encouraged to photograph their outings and share experiences with HSTT to help promote the dogs.
Mountain Lotus Celebrates Grand Opening of New Outdoor Yoga Deck, Renovated Creekside Dining Area
TRUCKEE
Mountain Lotus Yoga is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new outdoor yoga deck and beautifully renovated creekside dining area.
To commemorate this exciting new chapter, Mountain Lotus Yoga owner Scott Fitzsmorris, General Manager Pia Nunez-Helvey, and other staff celebrated with an official ribbon cutting and red envelope ceremony attended by officials from the Town of Truckee and Truckee Chamber of Commerce staff and board members.
RED RIBBON: Mountain Lotus Yoga staff celebrated its new outdoor yoga deck and renovated creekside dining area with an official ribbon cutting and red envelope ceremony attended by officials from the Town of Truckee and Truckee Chamber of Commerce staff and board members. Courtesy photo
This Saturday, June 21, the community is invited to Mountain Lotus Yoga for “Solstice on the Patio,” a free celebration downtown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 10124 E. St. in Truckee.
Mountain Lotus Yoga’s new outdoor deck offers a serene space for yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness. The newly enhanced creekside patio area complements this peaceful setting with delicious fresh, vegan-friendly cuisine with an Asian slant, sourced from Tahoe Food Hub. Mountain Lotus Cafe is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Solstice on the Patio event will be a celebration of connection, wellness, and community. Guests can look forward to:
Free outdoor yoga and sound healing sessions
Delicious bites featuring fresh, local, seasonal fare
It’s summer festival season, but not all of them are about music or yoga or pop-up cities in the Black Rock Desert. There newest addition is called TrailCon, and it celebrates all things running outside on unpaved roads.
“We did an afternoon session last year that we called ‘A Taste of TrailCon’ to see if the concept had legs,” said Brendan Madigan, co-founder of TrailCon and owner of the outdoor-focused Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City. “We found out very quickly that the interest was massive.”
TRAILCON provides a gathering place for human-to-human collaboration, networking, and innovation for the trail running world. Courtesy photo
The trial run’s success led to a full two-day event in 2025 taking place June 24 and 25 at Palisades Tahoe. The festival aims to fill a void in the trail-running world by providing a time-and-place focal point for the entire community of stakeholders, athletes, devotees, and fans; complete with interactive panels, brand activations, movement sessions, networking events, and, yes, trail runs. It will showcase the latest and greatest in gear and garb as well as leading voices and visionaries to spur industry-wide excitement, insight, and innovation.
The festival’s timing is strategic — bookended at Palisades Tahoe by the Broken Arrow Skyrace (June 19 to 22) and the Western States Endurance Run (June 28 and 29), two of the most iconic sub- and-ultra-marathon trail runs in the world — to maximize visibility and participation. “There is a 10-day window every June where Olympic Valley becomes the center of the trail running universe,” Madigan said.
The region may be witnessing an origin story in the making of North America’s premier trail-running festival, as TrailCon hopes to provide to the trail-running world what the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey has done for the cycling world — an open-to-the-public, one-stop industry mecca for the sport. Sea Otter has grown year over year into a four-day festival that draws over 1,000 brands and up to 74,000 athletes and attendees annually. With time, Madigan believes TrailCon can follow suit for foot strikers.
PACKED HOUSE: Trail-running stakeholders, athletes, devotees, and fans fill Palisades Tahoe’s Olympic Village Event Center in 2024. Courtesy photo
“There was no real gathering place for trail running,” Madigan said. “We think people want it and the industry needs it. There are bridges to be built from human-to-human collaboration.”
Trail running is a tangibly growing sector of the outdoor sports world, with races and run-clubs gaining in popularity and economic power. According to a May 2025 businessresearchinsights.com article, the market for trail-running shoes alone was approximately $4.11 billion in 2024 and projects to reach roughly $8.14 billion by 2033.
Madigan, a lifelong runner whose résumé also includes founding the Broken Arrow Skyrace, along with TrailCon co-founders Dylan Bowman, CEO of Freetrail, and Douglas Emslie, 30-plus-year trail running icon, have created a gravity that’s attracted the sport’s top athletes, minds, and brands; including all three with On, the festival’s primary sponsor.
Started on a shoestring by Olivier Bernhard in the Swiss Alps in 2010 — his first prototype for a new trail running shoe was created in part by gluing together cut-up pieces of garden hose — On is a gear-and-clothing brand that has grown to be worn by over 7 million athletes in 50 countries. The company’s mission is to ignite the human spirit through movement. At TrailCon, it will globally debut its new carbon-plated Cloud Ultra Pro, a unique trail running shoe that has been in development for over 5 years.
“It’s a real validation to have On as a partner for our first real year of the event,” Madigan said, noting that the official name of the festival is TrailCon Presented by On. “You can come and demo the shoe with On athletes, including some of the Kenyans racing at Broken Arrow.”
TrailCon’s vendor village will feature more than 60 brands with product demos and immersive activations (experiences), and a TrailCon Hall of Fame will be established to honor legends of the sport. Trail runs will be held each morning on ‘the escarpment’ (Mainline Pocket on the skier’s trail map), an area made famous in the running world by Western States. Athletes and fans may hike or run up for free, or opt for a tram ride to High Camp for a birds-eye view, where there will be a beat-dropping DJ and fresh-brewed coffee.
The festival will showcase over 20 interactive panels, with titles spanning from The Rise of Athlete Representation, to The Intersection of Trail Running & the Creator Economy, to The Future of Trail Races. On Wednesday, Catalonian-born Killian Jornet, widely recognized as the greatest trail runner in the world, will record a live podcast on the Western State’s stage at 2 p.m. As with all events at TrailCon, the recording is open to the public. Happy hours will also be held.
“There is something for everybody at the festival,” Madigan said, “even for non-runners. Tahoe is full of athletes, and at the end of the day all our sports have a common thread — the mountains, protecting sacred places, challenging ourselves physically. Really, there is something to be learned for everybody who wants to attend, from nutrition tips to public land issues.”
The festival is free to attend, be it one panel or the entire two-day’s worth of events. The only requisite is to pre-register at trailconference.com.
In some ways, trail running in the Western World began with Pheidippides in 490 B.C., who, according to lore, ran the roughly 26.2 miles home from the battle of Marathon to inform Athens of its underdog victory against the invading Persian army. Though Pheidippides reportedly died from exhaustion directly after giving the news, trail running has lived on — and the center of its universe may be even further cemented in Olympic Valley with the rise of TrailCon.
Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) celebrated the completion of the North Shore Trail Reconstruction Project. Community members, partners, and local officials gathered to recognize the shared investment in a safer, more accessible trail system that connects neighborhoods, businesses, and the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.
Originally constructed in 1973, the North Shore Trail is one of the oldest and most beloved segments of the region’s multi-use trail network and has served as a vital recreation and transportation corridor for more than five decades.
In recent years, the trail’s age and heavy use, with approximately 64,000 annual users, underscored the need for significant improvements. The North Shore Trail Reconstruction Project represented a $3.2 million investment to fully rebuild 2.2 miles of trail.
Enhancements included 42,000 square feet of new pavement, 125 new safety features such as signage, delineator poles, and painted crossings, and realignment of key segments to improve slope and accessibility.
For more information about TCPUD’s trail network and improvement projects, visit tcpud.org/trails.
~ Tahoe City Public Utility District press release
2025-29 Housing Action Plan Approved for 1,300 Achievable Housing Units
PLACER COUNTY
The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action on June 10 to approve the 2025-29 Housing Action Plan on a 4-0 vote (Board Chair Bonnie Gore was absent).
The plan calls for accelerated housing production in Placer County’s unincorporated area over the next 4 years with a mix of permanent affordable housing, local worker deed-restricted housing, and moderate-income housing.
The Housing Action Plan is designed to align with the 2021-29 Housing Element and state housing mandates. It also works in partnership with the county’s planning division and the long-range work plan, which allows staff to prioritize state-mandated and high-priority projects. Staff initially introduced a draft of the action plan to the board in March and the plan builds on the county’s first housing work program in 2017.
On June 10, staff outlined their plan to accelerate housing production, preserve affordability, and ensure a mix of housing types across income levels and communities.
The action plan is centered on four goals:
Increase the supply of achievable housing, which the county considers to be all deed restricted housing, including lower and moderate incomes, local worker designations, and naturally affordable housing types.
Preserve housing stability.
Strengthen partnerships, collaboration, and community engagement.
Build county capacity to secure sustainable funding.
Each goal includes unique strategies and tactics to help the county facilitate the development of 1,300 achievable units by mid 2029.
Evacuation and Emergency Preparedness Town Hall, Open House
KINGS BEACH
Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson is inviting the community to a town hall and open house event June 17 to hear from local agencies regarding evacuations and emergency preparedness in North Lake Tahoe.
The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the North Tahoe Event Center (8318 N. Lake Blvd.) in Kings Beach and will be live-streamed on Zoom for those not able to attend in person.
Gustafson will be joined by representatives from Cal Fire/Placer County Fire Department, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and Placer County’s Office of Emergency Services. Local officials will share important updates regarding the Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan, new emergency protocols across the Lake Tahoe Basin, agency roles in emergencies, and the public’s role in preparedness and planning.
Following introductions from the panelists, a joint presentation will be provided by Cal Fire/Placer County Fire Department, the sheriff’s office, and the office of emergency Services. A Q&A session will be held after the presentations, including questions from the audience on Zoom. Once completed, attendees will be able to engage directly with county and partner booths inside the event center and speak with the presenters directly.
Learn more about the event and visit the calendar here.
~ Placer County press release
Explore Tahoe on Two Wheels: New Bike Destination Website Launches
LAKE TAHOE
A Tahoe bicycle destination website launched during Tahoe Bike Month. It is a redesign of the popular Bike Tahoe website made possible with grants from the City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, and the Tahoe Community Foundation.
The website is an outcome from many inquiries over the years from bicyclists throughout the country and internationally, wanting to know where to go and what to do in Tahoe.
The new design assists local and visiting bicyclists, or would-be cyclists, of all skill levels looking to enjoy Tahoe via mountain biking, road and gravel cycling, or riding leisurely on a bike path.
BIKE TAHOE website compiles bike trails of Tahoe. Photo courtesy Bike Tahoe
Bicyclists can now plan their visit or their day with more ease using the addition of two regional destination hubs: South Tahoe Destination Hub and the North Tahoe Destination Hub. Each hub hosts a comprehensive directory of resources a bicyclist is commonly interested in: bike shops and rentals, shuttle service, restaurants, brew pubs, beaches, campgrounds, and lively entertainment for when the day’s ride winds down.
Helping bicyclists plan their visits and activities is the new Bike Tahoe Event Calendar. Knowing there are events throughout the summer months can help bicyclists plan their trips with friends, look forward to meeting new ones, build new riding skills, or raise valuable dollars for important causes while enjoying their rides. Increasing event awareness also helps support the sustainability of event organizers, and they can post their events by going to the website’s event calendar submission page.
Multi-Agency Effort to Reduce Brake Fires Along Interstate 80
PLACER COUNTY
In a proactive step to reduce the risk of brake-related fires along Interstate 80, Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson has brought together key public safety and transportation partners to address this growing concern and protect foothill and mountain communities along the heavily traveled corridor.
A series of collaborative meetings have been held over the past 9 months with the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, the California Trucking Association, Cal Fire/Placer County Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Placer Sierra Firesafe Council. The effort aims to improve brake safety awareness and reduce the frequency of dangerous brake fires, which threaten communities nestled along I-80.
Several small mountain communities dot the landscape along I-80 between Colfax and Truckee including Emigrant Gap, Blue Canyon, Cisco Grove, Soda Spings, Dutch Flat, and Alta. A wildfire that threatened Dutch Flat in October 2024 brought the concern over brake-related fires to the forefront and spurred Gustafson’s office to initiate the muti-agency partnership.
According to reports from the California Highway Patrol out of Gold Run, there were 60 truck/vehicle fires in 2024 that were primarily located on westbound I-80 on the descending grade from Emigrant Gap to Colfax.
In parallel with the brake safety efforts, Gustafson has strongly advocated for additional fuel reduction along I-80, a major concern as California enters the height of wildfire season. Not only do brake-fires threaten local communities and the Sierra but they also cause significant economic loss when the corridor is shut down and truck deliveries are delayed.
~ Placer County press release
New Memoir Launch: RISK Explores Life of a Whitewater Champion
LAKE TAHOE
Former world whitewater champion and South Lake Tahoe resident Susan Norman releases her powerful memoir, RISK: A Life Saved by the River. This fast-paced, deeply personal narrative flows between the adrenaline of elite river racing and the unforeseen currents of becoming a first-time mom after menopause and raising an at-risk child.
Both heart-pounding and heart-opening, RISK explores the emotional terrain of parenting and healing past trauma through nature and adventure.
RISK explores multiple themes ranging from Norman’s unique experiences as a female pioneer in whitewater river exploration and competition, as well as the power of outdoor adventure to build resilience and manage the impacts of emotional childhood trauma, aging, and the challenges of unexpected motherhood.
~ Susan Norman press release
Celebrate Free Adventure Day June 14
NEVADA
The Nevada Division of State Parks invites all residents and visitors to celebrate Free Adventure Day on Saturday, June 14. In honor of Nevada’s great outdoors, entrance fees will be waived at all state parks across the Silver State.
Free Adventure Day coincides with the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Free Fishing Day, when anyone can fish in Nevada’s waters without a fishing license. This unique collaboration gives park visitors a perfect opportunity to cast a line and enjoy Nevada’s fisheries while exploring the beauty of state parks.
In addition to free entrance, some parks are hosting special events and activities to celebrate, including Pioneer Heritage Day and Kids’ Fishing Derby.
Visitors are encouraged to check the state parks events calendar for a full list of events happening across the state.
As always, guests should recreate responsibly by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, dressing in layers, and following Leave No Trace principles. While entrance fees are waived on June 14, camping, reservation, and all other fees still apply.
Small Business Webinar on Tariffs and How Local Businesses Can Mitigate Their Impact
PLACER COUNTY
Placer County’s Economic Development Division is hosting a tariff webinar Tuesday, June 24, starting at 5 p.m. to help small businesses navigate the changing tariff landscape and find local solutions.
Attendees will hear from three experts covering tariffs on traded goods and services, offering strategies to help mitigate some of these impacts, and help finding local options for businesses.
A question-and-answer session for attendees will follow the hour-long panel discussion.
The webinar panel features Isabelle Icso, executive director of international policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Barbara Weg, supply chain consultant for California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC); and Kevin Mather, international program manager at Northern California World Trade Center.
Registration is available on Zoom, but space is limited. A portion of the session will be recorded and available for re-watch. Attendees or those interested may submit questions to brcinfo@placer.ca.gov prior to the start of the webinar.
On July 5, the Sierra Nevada Alliance, its team of youth Lake Tahoe Ambassadors, and the League to Save Lake Tahoe are hosting a special beach cleanup. This is a part of the league’s 12th annual “keep Tahoe red, white, and blue” yearly event with cleanups all around the lake. The event calls for members of the community to come join this important effort.
The cleanup will take place on July 5 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Skylandia Beach in Tahoe City. All cleanup supplies will be provided. Music, refreshments, and a raffle will also be provided!
Interested attendees can RSVP here to be emailed more details.
~ Sierra Nevada Alliance press release
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
Excellence in Education Announces New Executive Director
TRUCKEE
The Excellence in Education Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anna Yarbrough as its new executive director.
ANNA YARBROUGH appointed executive director of Excellence in Education Foundation. Photo courtesy Excellence in Education Foundation
With over 2 decades of experience in education — as a teacher, administrator, consultant, and PTO President — Yarbrough brings a deep commitment to student success and a strong connection to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). A parent of four children attending three different TTUSD schools, Yarbrough has also spent the last 5 years serving in leadership roles with the Glenshire Elementary PTO. Her personal and professional experiences give her a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing local schools.
As executive director, Yarbrough will lead efforts to strengthen community partnerships, expand donor support, and champion investments that make a lasting impact in local classrooms.
The organization also extends its heartfelt thanks to Amy Macosko for her dedicated service as interim executive director. Yarbrough will continue her involvement by rejoining the Excellence in Education Board of Directors.
To learn more about Excellence in Education, visit exined.org.
~ Excellence in Education Foundation press release
Washoe County Manager Eric Brown Announces Retirement
RENO
Washoe County Manager Eric Brown announced his plans to retire at the end of June to pursue other opportunities. During his county manager’s announcements, he outlined achievements that he feels place the county in a strong position for the future.
His achievements include:
Guiding the region through the Covid-19 pandemic, innovating the county workforce to minimize layoffs and maintain expected levels of service to residents.
Achieving the highest-ever employee satisfaction rating at Washoe County.
Assuming the lead on regional homelessness and completing construction of the Nevada Cares Campus. The final phase of construction is a 50-unit permanent supportive housing facility that will open this summer.
Expanding broadband internet to Gerlach residents.
Allocating $91 million in ARPA funds through the Community Reinvestment Program.
Implementing the regionalized Computer Aided Dispatch Platform for Consolidated EMS/Dispatch/Fire Operations
Washoe County hiring its first-ever Environmental Sustainability Manager who worked quickly to develop a Climate Action Plan.
During the board meeting on June 17, the board will consider an agenda item outlining the forthcoming steps in the county manager recruitment process.
If you were fortunate enough to live under a rock, perhaps you missed news of the two massive fires that struck the Los Angeles area in January. The Eaton Fire destroyed over 9,000 structures, burned 14,021 acres, and killed 18 people; the Palisades Fire was equally destructive. It wiped out 6,837 structures across 23,448 acres and left 12 people dead.
With all the news in our political and economic world, those not directly impacted can’t be blamed for moving on from the horrific loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods a few hundred miles away. But history tells us this is a mistake. Here in the Truckee/Tahoe area, we have always been exposed to the danger of catastrophic fire and conflagration.
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THE 2021 CALDOR FIRE in South Lake Tahoe burned more than 221,000 acres and 1,000 structures and forced the evacuation of 20,000 residents. One reason the city was saved was because part of the forest had been thinned and undergone prescribed burns. Photos courtesy CalFire
THE 2021 CALDOR FIRE in South Lake Tahoe burned more than 221,000 acres and 1,000 structures and forced the evacuation of 20,000 residents. One reason the city was saved was because part of the forest had been thinned and undergone prescribed burns. Photos courtesy CalFire
THE 2021 CALDOR FIRE in South Lake Tahoe burned more than 221,000 acres and 1,000 structures and forced the evacuation of 20,000 residents. One reason the city was saved was because part of the forest had been thinned and undergone prescribed burns. Photos courtesy CalFire
History of Fire Suppression
In the 1800s and for centuries before, fire was a normal event in the Sierra forests caused by natural occurrences such as lightning, as well as from Native American forest management practices. These fires were usually small and slow-burning and rarely caused human death or property destruction because there were only minor, usually nomadic populations and few permanent structures. This began to change as immigrants from Europe and elsewhere began to move west. With this expansion, it was common for fires to level entire towns because of construction methods of the time.
Our predominantly pine and fir forests provided lumber quickly and cheaply. Bricks and stonemasons were not common, thus most buildings were built of wood. Heating, cooking, and light were provided by open flame and were a frequent cause of fires. The lack of building codes and fire departments, and the proximity of wood buildings, meant fires moved quickly from building to building, often consuming city blocks or entire towns.
In July 1868, 50 buildings in what is now Commercial Row in Truckee burned in an accidental fire. This happened somewhat routinely until taxes were finally gathered for a steam-powered fire wagon purchased from nearby Virginia City and local volunteers worked to attack fires before they could grow in size. This and the use of the Central Pacific Railroad’s fire train Samson kept most fires contained to just a few city blocks or less until Truckee established the Truckee Fire Protection District in 1894.
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THE AFTERMATH of a fire in Truckee’s Commercial Row in 1871. Photos courtesy Truckee Donner Historical Society
TRUCKEE FIRE: Firefighters attempt to put out a structure fire on Front Street, now Donner Pass Road, in 1922.
In 1910, the Big Burn Fire or Big Blowup scorched over 3 million acres and killed 85 people in Idaho and Montana. Erratic, gusty, 70-mile-per hour winds drove the fire through small towns, and embers were carried over 50 miles from the head of the blaze. This fire led the U.S. Forest Service to become a firefighting agency, and in 1935 USFS leadership instituted the 10 a.m. policy, which dictated that any fire spotted must be controlled by 10 a.m. the following morning.
Tahoe was not exempt from large, damaging fires, though the year-round population was relatively small until after World War II. In 1937, a suspicious fire destroyed the Tahoe Mercantile, the U.S. Post Office, and the Women’s Club along with some remaining railroad buildings and the commercial wharf in the Commons Beach area of Tahoe City. The lone fire engine responded from the Truckee Ranger station and, fortunately, the lack of wind kept the fire from taking the entire town.
As motor-driven fire engines and organized fire departments and districts became more common, conflagrations became less so. Rapid reporting and volunteer fire response kept most structure fires to the building or area of origin, and wildland fires were kept out of towns.
In the early 1970s, however, wildland fires raged in Southern California, which resulted in many deaths, loss of homes, and serious property and forest loss. Fire agencies and the Forest Service joined forces and implemented a system of mutual aid so fire departments could more easily communicate and use common language, radios, and equipment to assist each other to combat these wind-driven fires. The California Incident Command System (ICS) became the standard throughout the west and was later adopted by the federal government as the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Consequences
Later into the 20th century, it became obvious that by banning fire from federal forests and adjoining lands, we had created a monster. The western forests of massive pines with wide spaces of low shrubs between them described by John Muir were gone, clearcut for the mines and towns of the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s through the 1900s.
The fast-growing and beetle-prone white firs, one of the species that grew back after the pines were cut, are now dying off. Bark beetle attacks have stressed trees, such as those weakened by drought. Excessive white fir die-off has impacted other species as well, and the large swaths of dead and dying fir and pine trees in the Basin are a critical problem. Sierra tree mortality spiked to an unprecedented level beginning in 2016 and has continued.
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THE 2007 ANGORA FIRE in El Dorado County was one of the first major fires to hit Tahoe this century. Photos courtesy Cal Fire
THE 2007 ANGORA FIRE in El Dorado County was one of the first major fires to hit Tahoe this century. Photos courtesy Cal Fire
The Present
A wind-driven fire that has moved from the ground into the canopy, or treetops, referred to by firefighters as a crown fire, can be impossible to stop until it runs out of fuel. Man-made fuel breaks or areas of barren rock are often the only way firefighters can get the upper hand. Many fires are only contained when the weather changes, the wind calms down, or rain or snow finally slows progress.
The Donner Ridge Fire in 1960 raged from what is now the Tahoe Donner community almost into Reno, burning over 45,000 acres and causing power outages in Reno that lasted weeks. Few homes were destroyed because there were almost none there. Today, there are thousands of homes and businesses in that fire’s footprint.
In June of 2007, conflagration returned to Lake Tahoe in the form of the Angora Fire in El Dorado County. An illegal campfire was whipped by winds of over 30 miles per hour, driving embers into communities and destroying 254 structures. Thankfully, no lives were lost.
In 2021, South Lake Tahoe and Meyers were hit hard by the Caldor Fire, which burned 221,835 acres and 1,005 structures. It would have become a catastrophic inferno with a potentially great loss of life but for the fact that it ran into a forest that had been a treatment area in which mechanical thinning and low intensity prescribed burns had reduced fuels. When a crown or tree canopy fire hits a treated area, it stumbles and slows, dropping to the ground where firefighters, dozers, and aircraft can attack it and contain it.
The Caldor Fire required the sudden evacuation of over 20,000 people from South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, and other towns and subdivisions in the Tahoe Basin. Though slow and filled with mishaps, the people made it out as firefighters held the blaze at the treatment areas. Earlier in the fire, the people of Grizzly Flats, just 62 miles from Meyers, had not been as fortunate. Though a treatment plan by the Forest Service for the immediate area had been in the works for over a decade, it was never completed, due in part to objections from the John Muir Project and budget issues. Over 400 of the 600 homes and businesses in town were destroyed.
Firefighters try to direct such fires away from populated areas, but when the fire becomes deadly, more effort is directed at saving lives. This was the case with the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, that left 85 dead, 153,336 acres burned, and 18,804 structures destroyed; Lahaina, Hawaii, in 2023 (2,170 acres burned and over 2,200 structures consumed with 102 dead); and Pacific Palisades and Altadena, among so many others, where entire blocks of homes were burning and the wind was blowing at 90 miles per hour.
TROUBLE IN PARADISE: The 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, was a horrific inferno that caught many residents off guard, leaving 85 dead. It was the deadliest wildfire in California history at the time.
Water & Warnings
Much was made by the media and others of the lack of water from hydrants during the fires in the LA area. It appears that the water agency had its largest water reservoir offline for repair during those incidents. There was limited capacity in tanks that were simply run dry by the firefight and by the thousands of broken water lines running open in homes damaged by fire.
In our area, as in most towns and cities, water systems are designed to provide safe drinking water and water for fire protection. The same clean, treated water that comes from your tap is the water piped to fire hydrants that fire engines use to combat a house or structure fire. The systems were never designed for the sudden, huge-volume demand of dozens or even hundreds of fire engines, fire sprinkler systems, and garden hoses attempting to hold back a fire driven by hurricane-force winds in a neighborhood of closely-built wooden homes.
In addition, much of Tahoe/Truckee’s water systems were developed over time from small, often spring-fed systems intended to supply a few vacation cabins with drinking water. Though some of these systems have been taken over by local municipal water companies, upgrades to larger underground pipes and large capacity tanks are still taking place, and there remain many private water companies that are not required to upgrade.
North Tahoe Fire Protection District Chief Steve Leighton, a veteran of over 30 years of firefighting in the Sierra, is confident in the local municipal water companies’ ability to provide water to fight structure fires for which the water systems were designed. “Though the fire district does not own the hydrants, we have a great working relationship with the public utility districts to ensure the 2,000-plus hydrants in our district are in service,” he said.
Our local fire agencies consistently train together to attack large, wind-driven fires. The engines they use are capable of drafting water for their on-board tanks from lakes or other water sources, and many local fire districts also have large capacity water tender trucks that respond to strategic locations to provide firefighting water shuttles if no fire hydrants are available.
A concern that may have cost Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley her job after the Palisades and Eaton fires was the lack of additional Red Flag Warning staffing. While an investigation is ongoing, it seems that up to 1,000 firefighters going off duty that might have been kept on the job were not, though wind gusts were predicted to be close to 100 miles per hour.
Chief Steve Leighton says his district, as well as CalFire and most of the neighboring districts, have a policy to increase staffing during Red Flag Warnings and other predicted weather emergencies. “My ongoing concerns are budgeting for sufficient firefighter staffing, and also enough prevention staff to inspect and reinspect for compliance with defensible space regulations,” he said. “Another concern is that there is little or no funding for residents that are unable to physically perform defensible space work and cannot afford to have that work done.”
Evacuations
State and county agencies will advise when it’s time to evacuate during a dangerous fire. Our responsibility is to heed that advice. There are two evacuation levels. An evacuation warning is issued when a fire is approaching and/or conditions are worsening. That is your cue to leave. This gives you and your family time to gather pets and a few valuables, documents, and your go bag so you can leave in a calm, orderly manner.
Agencies may later issue an evacuation order that might include law enforcement patrolling neighborhoods to compel people to head out. This is potentially chaotic, as it was in South Shore during the Caldor Fire. To see how fellow drivers might behave during an evacuation with a fire in sight and smoke filling the air, watch a video of the Tunnel Fire evacuation of the Oakland Hills in 1991. Chaos and panic led to collisions and blocked escape routes. Twenty-five people were killed, and almost 800 homes and businesses in Oakland were destroyed.
LA FIRES: This year’s Palisades Fire began burning in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County in early January and destroyed large areas of Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu before it was fully contained 24 days later. It was the most destructive fire to occur in the history of the city of Los Angeles.
Take Action
We once had healthy western forests where trees were widely spaced, and undergrowth was controlled so fires stayed low and slow. Can we get there again? The answer is yes, but it will be an investment. A tiny percentage of tax money would enable the Forest Service and the states to perform thinning projects in our national and state forests, clearing undergrowth and removing dead and dying trees. The number of forestry jobs created could revitalize communities and offer opportunities that were once a staple in western mill towns.
Now, when rapid, aggressive, and expensive action is needed to restore our forests, we have competing agencies and regulations fighting over what and how and who pays for forest management. Thinning projects take years to obtain permits for and are often stopped by lawsuits before they can start.
Forests that have been thinned to a more natural balance can then be maintained over decades using prescribed fire as recommended by scientists, foresters, and Native Americans.
The potential savings far outweigh the investment. We currently allow mega wildland fires to take lives, destroy towns, wreck businesses, and prevent home ownership by enabling insurance companies to refuse to insure homes. CalFire says it’s not if, but when, a large wildland fire will strike anywhere in the state. The various agencies and environmental groups will then have only blackened stumps and smoking foundations to argue over.
The decision is ours. You can make your choice heard by telling your elected leaders how to spend our tax dollars to make our communities safer from wildfires.
Fire agencies recommend that you:
1. Do your defensible space work and home hardening. Many homes are destroyed because of embers, which can travel great distances.
2. Understand what a Red Flag Warning is and how to find out if one is issued for today or tomorrow. It indicates a high risk of wildfire due to a combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. This warning from the National Weather Service is designed to tell you and fire agencies when conditions are favorable for a fire to get out of control. Our area usually has at least 6 to 10 Red Flag days per year, mostly, but not always, between May and December. The majority of conflagrations has occurred on Red Flag days.
3. Sign up for Placer Alert (Placer County), CodeRED (Nevada County, Town of Truckee), RAVE (El Dorado County, Washoe County), or whatever early warning system your county uses to notify you of an emergency using your smart phone. If you are a second homeowner, it’s best to install the app for each county in which you own a home.
3. Get the Watch Duty app to enable notifications of wildland fires in your area.
4. Be prepared to evacuate so it’s not a panicked, chaotic run-around when, not if, you have to go. Leave at issuance of the warning, don’t wait for the order.
4. Phone and write your federal representatives and demand that they spend some of our tax dollars to return western forests to a more natural state.
The Town of Truckee has received its first-ever report card.
A trio of reports recently wrapped up — a community opinion survey, the much discussed Baker Tilly townwide organizational assessment, and a review on development services — each focused on analyzing the town’s function from internal and/or external perspectives.
The results are both humbling and encouraging, painting a complex picture of the 32-year-old jurisdiction. Viewpoints vary: Residents want to preserve the natural beauty and small-town feel of Truckee, town staff is burnt out, and processual issues and mistrust are creating division across stakeholder groups, to name a few.
A promising result of this process is a growing consensus on concerns where there have long been arguments. Many have remarked on a sense of validation over the results, including the urgent need for further transparency and consistency, and the heavy amount of work spread across not-enough staff.
“[For] maybe the first time since I’ve been town manager, [I] feel like we’re sitting at like a round table and all together versus who is at the head,” said Truckee town manager Jen Callaway.
“Jen hired three different completely independent sources to use three completely different methodologies to come to findings, and those findings were largely in sync. I think because of that, we have now put to bed the situation,” echoed David Diamond, who worked as a consultant to create one of those reports, Truckee Development Process Findings and Recommendations. “If you still think this is not the situation we have, come forward and argue why all three sources, methodologies, were inaccurate or led to findings that were not legitimate.
“If we accept that three completely unique, independent sources have come to similar results, we’re at square zero. Now let’s focus on improvements here so we can stop arguing where we stand.”
The plan to address the collective 113 recommendations for improvement will take 10 or more years, Callaway estimates (multiple people have urged a faster timeline). But critical solutions are already underway, such as a permit-tracking software solution for the planning department.
“That’s a big lift,” Callaway said at the May 13 council meeting, at which the report results were presented. “That’s not an easy implementation. By the time we go out to identify the right solution, map out our processes, and implement them, that in and of itself is probably a year-long process. I think we need to acknowledge this [Baker Tilly] report’s going to be very valuable. It’s not going to sit on a shelf, and nothing happens from it, but it’s going to take time for the recommendations to move forward.”
Eleven other recommendations are also being actively addressed. Afternoon planning appointments are an example, with town planners now making themselves available to meet with the public Monday through Thursday from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
At the mid-May council meeting, council members were only asked to accept the results. A more specific action plan will be presented later this summer.
All said, there seems to be an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement over what’s to come, even with the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe. As reported earlier this year by Moonshine, CATT and the town have been at odds over the release of the Baker Tilly report results. CATT Executive Director Edward Vento said during public comment at the May 13 council meeting, addressing Community Development Director Denyelle Nishimori, who was present, “Denyelle, we believe in you.” Nishimori has been pointed to by many developers as the chokepoint for project success in the town.
Regarding the findings, Vento told the Ink he and CATT members feel validated: “You don’t want to say I told you so, but all the findings are what we’ve been saying for almost 20, 15 years; definitely since I’ve been here … But the important thing is, what do we do about it? How do we go about fixing it? And how can we engage constructively with the town to do this?”
Perfecting the process
As Callaway has said many times, the basis for the town organizational assessment performed by Baker Tilly was always to get a holistic sense of how the jurisdiction’s staff, services, and operations are functioning. Baker Tilly did indeed return with a comprehensive study, which highlighted severe understaffing (20 new full-time positions were recommended, though none in the planning department), over-communication, and appreciation for the town manager’s collaborative style and police and public works operations.
Others outside the town were vocal about their hopes for the assessment to address problems within the planning division, such as complicated steps, expensive fees, and predetermined bias for projects.
“We’re not looking for high-speed approvals where we’re cutting corners and we’re skipping things,” Vento said. “We still care about safety, and we still care about the community. What we’re looking for is just transparency, consistency, and customer service, good customer service. That’s what we’re looking for. And we haven’t had that.”
This discontent was a standout in the Baker Tilly analysis, with the consultant noting in the final report the “clear consensus” among both internal and external stakeholders that “the biggest organizational/operational challenge facing the town is its land development processes.” Also mentioned was the deep distrust and palpable anger among business community members of Truckee’s planning process, and “the perception of an adversarial relationship.”
Pete Gonda, Baker Tilly project manager, told council in May, “We feel the town would be best served by placing an emphasis on prospectively addressing negative perceptions around land development … At this point, perception is reality and rather than setting up a potential he said/she said situation about what number might be correct or might not be correct, the focus really should be prospectively on solution; how do we improve the situation?”
If we accept that three completely unique, independent sources have come to similar results, we’re at square zero. Now let’s focus on improvements here so we can stop arguing where we stand.”
~ David Diamond, AirDiamond Creative Consulting
Baker Tilly’s recommendations for addressing this area ranged from establishing performance standards for customer communication to holding a planning workshop focused on streamlining improvements to conducting comprehensive reviews of the development code and fee methodologies.
“There is some validation in terms of the amount of work and the constant feeling like we’re either putting out fire or we’re not able to be proactive,” Callaway said. “On the flip side of that, particularly in development services, that’s the one area there’s no staffing recommendations for. So that seems counterintuitive, right? I’ve got all this stuff to do, but we don’t get any staff to do it. I think that’s been frustrating.”
Diamond, through AirDiamond Consulting, was brought on in January 2025 for a more detail-oriented look: to draft high-level recommendations for improving the town’s planning process. This decision, to the tune of $49,200, ruffled CATT’s and others’ feathers in the name of transparency and redundancy — to the point that legal action was threatened, as reported in The Waiting Game: Delayed Town Report Fuels Contractor Concerns (read at moonshineink.com).
Hindsight has soothed the frayed emotions. Vento now calls the hiring of Diamond “a great move” by Callaway. “I thought she was smart in doing it. Wish she would’ve communicated a little better with us when she did it … It kind of caught us by surprise. But I think how she did it, great job to her. She deserves all the credit. That was really well done and really professional how she handled that. I know it costs extra money, but at end of the day, a plus for her, how she put all that together.”
Diamond held 80 in-depth interviews with developers, town staff, homeowners, and others to understand areas for improvement related to the planning, permitting, building, and code management processes.
“I’d met with staff, and I’d met with developers, and I’d met with commissioners and [council members], and I started thinking, I’m still looking for the bad guys. I’m still looking into this and there’s no bad guys here,” Diamond said. “And I’m thinking, okay, so this is pointing more and more toward process … This is where the failure is. It’s in the connectivity of these different stakeholder groups, their understanding of one another, their expectations of one another.”
This process issue revealed itself in multiple ways, including a lack of communication between parties — councilmembers not realizing they should stay involved with their appointed planning commissioners; the perception that applicants couldn’t speak with a planner until an application was submitted; to a lack of set priorities and heavy workload asks from elected officials.
One of the most significant process pain points brought up by Diamond was the determination of where discretion lives. Discretion allows certain parties to, within the confines of general legal principles, make their own judgment. As an example, town staff has “discretion over a number of design decisions,” Diamond wrote in his report, “based on personal interpretations of code and Objective Design Standards. While expected of their positions, this practice has been characterized by some developers as staff members pushing through only what they like. It has also led to what some developers see as inconsistency of decision between planners, and ‘behind closed doors’ decision-making that can significantly impact project costs.”
On the other hand, regarding approvals, the planning commission only determines whether an application checks the appropriate code and regulation boxes; the commissioners are interpreting policy, not defining it. They do not have discretion.
“The less discretion [planners] have, the better they feel because then they’re not put in these awkward situations,” Callaway said, reflecting. “But taking away some of that discretion also means the code probably becomes even more complicated and more prescriptive, which probably makes the process more predictable, and the code is clear, but it also makes it more onerous. So that doesn’t feel better, either. I don’t know that I have a balance in mind for that yet.”
Diamond recommended creating an independent design authority, similar but more expansive than the current Historic Preservation Advisory Commission, to review all town design decisions, thus increasing consistency of decisions.
What residents want
The first report presented the night of May 13 was the Community Opinion Survey, conducted by True North Research. Six hundred Truckee residents were randomly selected and contacted during the first week of April 2025, then asked a series of questions regarding their satisfaction, priorities, and concerns related to the Town of Truckee.
Residents, in general, have a high level of satisfaction of the town’s performance. Key factors those surveyed wanted to see the local government preserve are natural beauty, limited growth/development, and the small-town feeling (see figure 2 below).
SURVEY SAYS: A community opinion survey asked 600 Truckee residents their views on town operations. This chart represents responses for preservation. Courtesy graphic
“The overall theme … really flows down to residents being focused on maintaining rather than changing the character of Truckee,” Callaway pointed out at the council meeting. This is something long referenced by town staff regarding planning department complaints: We’re doing what the community wants us to do.
At the same time, there’s a recognized need for more workforce housing and economic variety from those same constituents (see figure 3 below).
SURVEY SAYS: A community opinion survey asked 600 Truckee residents their views on town operations. This chart represents responses for improvements. Courtesy graphic
“It’s important to recognize when you look at the results, what you figure out is you have people on both sides of this issue,” Timothy McLarney, president of True North, said to council. “You have some people who are very pro-housing, very pro-economic development; they want to see the development process streamlined. Then you have others who are at the other end of the scale. They are anti-development, they really want to limit growth and keep Truckee the way it is, and/or they have concerns about the type of development that is occurring …
“As a town, you’re stuck in the middle of these to some degree opposing views. Whichever way you slide, you’re making one group happier while making another group a little more disgruntled. It’s a challenging thing. You’re never going to keep everybody satisfied when it comes to issues of managing growth and development.”
Diamond doesn’t consider the situation as either/or. “We don’t want to atrophy, as I put in the report,” he said. “So, what we are doing, while we want it to be measured and we want it to be very carefully scrutinized … We want it to be efficient. This is not a binary situation where it’s like, because the townspeople are concerned about overgrowth, that we should not improve that process.”
He continued, saying that given an opportunity to oppose a new development, residents will; but look at the example of two grocery stores, Raley’s and Grocery Outlet, that were initially opposed and are now embraced by the community.
“You have to grow at least a little,” Diamond said, “because you have to account for when a business fails … Tahoe City has dealt with a lot of this. There is so much opposition to development that a business can leave a freestanding thing and nobody wants to move into it because it’s not ‘appropriate.’ Yet nobody wants to tear it down and build something because that feels like we’re going in the wrong direction. But then it’s like you start to lose the fabric of a vibrant community there.
“I think there’s a lot of development that Truckee would benefit from, that would not pull away from the character of Truckee, both in the commercial space and also in the residential space.”
Potential straws
A late-hour comment made by council member David Polivy at the May 13 council meeting portrays one of the possible hurdles with improvements to come: conflicting personalities.
Polivy spoke to what he sees as a deteriorating communication by CATT since Vento became its head 2 years ago. In previous reporting, Moonshine Ink included portions of a sharp-toned email Polivy wrote to Vento and CATT members earlier this year. In response to the council member’s comments from the dais, Vento began to walk out of the meeting, calling for any CATT attendees to join him. No one ended up leaving, though there was a clear tension among council members’ deliberation that followed.
“Personality issues really have the potential to derail this more than anything else,” Diamond said. “And one could argue that the reason we are where we are is because of personality issues.”
THE BAKER TILLY REPS at the May 13 Town of Truckee council meeting, Pete Gonda and Al Zelinka, provided a detailed recommendation of where the town’s most urgent staffing needs were. In order, the top three departments were: the police (six full-time additional positions recommended), town manager, and administrative services. Photo by Alex Hoeft/Moonshine Ink
Both Polivy and Vento shared that they’ve remained open to communication with each other. The two met on June 3 to begin bridging gaps, which “went well,” Vento said.
Council member Anna Klovstad said she appreciated Diamond’s “brutal honesty” over the town and CATT’s relationship. “It was calling us out and the contractors association out as contributing to the challenges that we’ve been facing lately,” she said. “He even said it during his presentation, ‘Town, you have some work to do. You have some processes to clean up and we all need to participate. Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, this isn’t your mess to clean up on their internal processes — that’s the town, but how you either support or distract from that is going to make a big impact.’”
Klovstad also met with CATT during the first week of June.
“Right now, it’s kind of like after a breakup when you’re getting reacquainted,” Vento said. “That’s what we’re in the middle of doing, rebuilding that trust and assessing where the strengths are and where they need help. The framework will be built later … The only thing that could kill this [is] if some people start digging in their heels, [or] the town council [doesn’t prioritize its need].”
On the action-oriented front, next steps are being planned out, with council approval of a work plan to come in August or September. Callaway is creating a small stakeholder team to prioritize recommendations in short periods of time. For example, in the next 6 months, the town will focus on a few select issues; then the group will reconvene to determine the next projects.
There will be at least two CATT representatives, but aside from that, stakeholder membership is not yet finalized.
Diamond is putting together a second scope of work for the town to map out the implementation of his recommendations, though that partnership is not yet fleshed out. This is one of the ways Callaway is looking to add support for planning staff, so they don’t burn out from addressing recommendations and processing applications.
“There was some magic in how it ended up all coming together because it worked out that [the reports] all supported each other in some common themes,” Callaway said. “But it’s also coinciding with [the town adopting an already completed Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget], which makes it more challenging to incorporate things. We do have a number of positions proposed in the next fiscal year budget, and then we’ll have to figure out for the remaining positions what our priorities are and how we can phase and fund those.”
Farm-to-table dining has been a popular concept for a while now, but Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley has developed a fun twist on the idea with what they have dubbed “Trout to Table.”
DINNER’S ON: Joyce is all smiles as she displays her catch. Photo by Tim Hauserman
The process is simple: You go to the resort, they set you up with a fishing pole and tackle, you stroll over to their stocked pond, and enjoy an awesome view while you fish for a couple hours. When you’re done the resort takes your catch, and about an hour later you’re sitting down to a succulent and hearty trout meal.
You don’t need a rod and reel or a fishing license, and you don’t even need to take on the less-than-savory task of cleaning your fish.
You just get to do the fun parts — go fish and then eat.
Last fall, my partner Joyce and I headed over to Everline to take in the full Trout-to-Table experience. Joyce was a bit reticent because she hadn’t fished since she was a young girl, but once we were set up with all we needed we headed over to the edge of the pond and started casting. We quickly felt like we were kids again, casting well out into the pond.
It didn’t take long before some nice-sized rainbows and cutthroats were chomping down on our lures. I caught two big beauties, and Joyce caught four. She quickly decided that this was pretty cool and that kicking my butt in the fish count was an extra bonus. It was quite serene out there at the grassy edge of the pond in the sunshine as we cast away our afternoon. The view stretched over the golf course and across the valley all the way up to the top peaks of Palisades Tahoe.
CASTING AWAY the afternoon at Everline Resort’s fishpond in the Olympic Valley meadow. Photo by Tim Hauserman
We were joined at pond’s edge by a young couple whose four-year-old daughter was beyond tickled to grab the net and capture her dad’s catch. Joyce and I thought the resort’s activity was the perfect way to introduce children to fishing — easy access to the water and with the number of fish in it, pretty unlikely you’d ever get skunked. An experienced fishing guide was even available to help out if needed, although for the most part he just sat back and let us have fun.
Each fisher can catch as many fish as they want as long as they only keep one, returning all the rest back to the water to be caught by the next group of folks to cast their line. (Or, as we were told that since bears sometimes come to the pond to dine, perhaps your releases may become bruin food.)
The tough part when you catch a fish is making your judgment call, asking yourself, “Is this going to be Walter the Big Fish, or should I throw it back and hope that the next one is the true Walter?”
Joyce and I fished for two hours and then our fresh catch was taken up to Sandy’s Pub for preparation and cooking while we lounged on the patio enjoying the view. In time, we headed to the restaurant for a truly delicious — and fresh — meal. The fish was sautéed ina subtle lemon and herb sauce, which was a good approach: Let the freshness of the fish not be overwhelmed by the sauce. It was accompanied by tasty rice and a side of broccolini. But for us, the highlight of the meal was the knowledge that we were eating what we had caught just an hour earlier.
The Scoop: Everline offers Trout to Table Thursday through Monday starting mid-June. everlineresort.com
Time: Fishing from 1-3 p.m. with dining starting at 4.
Price: $50 | Includes having your fish delicately prepared and served with rice and vegetable.
Always wanted to learn to fly-fish, but heard it’s challenging?
Well, at the same pond as Everline’s Trout to Table, Matt Heron Flyfishing can teach you all the tricks. Heron says that “For the beginner wanting the best of both worlds, it’s hard to beat the ‘Pond and River’ package.” It’s a nice, three-hour intro to fly-fishing on the private, stocked pond, followed by a chance to try your new skills on the Truckee River.
To Moonshine’s photographer, Wade Snider, it has seemed for quite some time that prices have been wild, and he has been living quite frugally in his van and holding off on spending. In light of tariffs having been imposed and lifted and reinstated and softened on repeat, he asked the community this month, Have the new tariffs affected you? If so, how?
Molly Murtaugh, Incline Village UX Designer
Only in my mind.
Tyler Copeland, Reno Owner, TEC Communications
I submitted proposals pre-tariff and now my cost has gone up. My contracts don’t cover the unforeseen price increase so now I’m losing profit. Products are on back-order as manufacturers are holding deliveries as the tariffs keep changing. Plus time wasted calling my suppliers and reps to see when products will be in stock.
Risa Matsumura, Truckee Tahoe City Kayak
Some of our inventory is back-ordered for 2-3 months minimum. The 12 paddle boards we were banking on for our rental fleet this season were all given to personal order people, leaving a lot of smaller sized companies without any paddle boards. And the shipping for any boat is almost the same price as the kayak itself!
Huxley, Truckee Good Boy
Taruffs? I have not heard of such things, although I have heard whispers of frustration over rising costs. Perhaps this coincides with lack of toys being bought for myself. Now that I have learned this word, taruffs, I will exhume what knowledge I can from the dirt and sniff out a stance that I, myself, can identify with.
Ryan Swanson, Sacramento/Tahoe Plant Salesman, Bird Specialist
Tariffs have made everyday essentials more expensive — especially imported produce we can’t grow here in the U.S. year-round. We rely on global trade, and these added costs hit everyone. It’s a reminder that isolationist policies don’t work in a global economy where cooperation keeps prices fair and shelves stocked..
The staff at Moonshine Ink never knows what kind of responses it will receive in its Do Tell! column, and in last month’s replies to “What is your most memorable wildlife experience?” one answer greatly piqued everyone’s interest. Jeff Stoike from Tahoe City recalled a strange encounter with a highly unsightly bug swimming in Lake Tahoe.
As described to me on the phone, Stoike said of his experience: “The bug looked like it could have been five inches long!” and then he detailed how it first attached itself to his daughter’s wakeboard, then to her jacket, and lastly to the wakeboard handle. At one point, the bug, which seemed like it should be crawling on land like a beetle, was actually swimming in the water! After Stoike caught it, he squashed it — because, you know, bugs can be creepy: “It was a responsive reaction,” he said. “What was most amazing was its blood; it was bright green!”
So, an alien insect has entered the waters of Tahoe? According to some sightings, that’s what it sounds like.
Water bugs, aka toe-biters, commonly two inches long but sometimes as big as four-and-a-half, crawl (and apparently swim) in slowly moving streams, creek bottoms, ponds, and lakes in search of food: other insects, tadpoles, sometimes even small fish. Will Richardson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), has observed these water bugs in Sagehen Creek, Taylor Creek, and the pond along Bliss Creek near Whale Beach (between Sand Harbor and Spooner). “They’re probably in a lot of areas around Tahoe. I see them mainly in shallow water,” he said.
THE UNDERBELLY of the unique and sometimes scary six-legged “true bug” known as “the toe-biter.” Will Richardson for scale. Photo by Will Richardson
While they are mostly considered aquatic, the toe-biter does need to surface to breathe, but strangely enough not through its mouth. Instead, the animal raises its backside slightly above water, then sucks in air through its “air straps,” which act like rear-end snorkels. The bug’s unique anatomy also provides a small space under its wings that holds air in the form of a bubble-like scuba tank. While underwater, the bubble slowly diffuses air into the body to help oxygenate.
“They fly too,” said Pete Oboyski, Executive Director of the Essig Museum of Entomology in Berkeley. “It’s how they disperse and probably how the toe-biter got to Tahoe. Our data shows they have been identified in Sierra County in the Sattley area.” Richardson added that their attraction to lights at night, street lights and lights near water, makes them easier to see and to identify.
The toe-biter happens to be the largest aquatic insect in the order Hemiptera, commonly called “true bugs.” What makes an insect a bug is simply a straw-like mouthpiece that pierces its prey in order to suck out bodily juices. “While all bugs are insects, not all insects are bugs,” Oboyski explained.
As shown by a KQED Deep Look Series episode entitled “Don’t Go Chasing Water Bugs,” one of the most interesting facts of this ‘true bug’ is the male’s role in its evolution. It begins with a lot of bouncing; the male rising up and down as if engaged in pushups as it tries to attract females. If a female is sufficiently lured by his erotic action, they mate and she lays her freshly fertilized eggs on his back — as if filling up a backpack, which he then totes around for a couple of weeks. During that time, the male oxygenates the eggs by frequently swimming up to the surface and then back down to the water’s floor, with the eggs on his back looking like rows of pearl-colored ticks or rounded rice kernels.
Once they are hatched, the nymphs detach from the father’s back and swim away to grow into adulthood.
Another source tells of the toe-biters’ role in “regulating the population of other aquatic insects and small vertebrates, making them important components of freshwater food webs” (roundglass sustain, Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny). This article goes on to add that in several cultures ofSoutheast Asia these bugs are a culinary delicacy, cooked in soups along with other aquatic insects.
What is not so savored is the bug’s bite (thus its name). Its hook-like claws deftly grasp prey while its rostrum — the long needle-like part in its mouth that makes it a “true bug” — injects venom to paralyze its prey as digestive enzymes break down the insides for consumption. Oboyski conceptualizes the rostrum this way: “[It] pierces its pray and then, as if with a short straw, sucks up the liquefied material of the prey’s body as if it were a smoothy.”
While a bite is lethal to the toe-biter’s prey, it’s not fatal to humans, which is good to know. But still, the thought of that bite! Richardson eased my trepidation, though, by clarifying, “It tends to bite if disturbed, so if you leave it alone it won’t bother you.”
Bites aside, there is a softer note to this seemingly chilling bug, which involves the renowned naturalist and illustrator John Muir Laws. While Laws was enrolled in the Conservation and Resource Studies program at the University of California, Berkeley, he collected insects to study in an Aquatic Entomology course. Unlike the other students, however, and because Laws was averse to killing living organisms and pinning them to a board for observation, the professor granted him permission to study them alive. When it came time to release his little toe-biter friend (in the Belostomatidae family) back into the wild, he called on his mother whom he had lost touch with. In the middle of winter in her warm winter jacket and warm winter boots and with her son by her side, they took a little road trip up to the Sierra to release the toe-biter into a mountain stream.“It was because of that trip and the uninterrupted time we had together,” Laws said, “that I found my mom again.” Whenever his mother would want a moment to reconnect with Laws, she’d say to him, “We need some Belostomatic time.”
But back to the bright green blood Stoike referred to? Oboyski explained it this way: “Insects do not have veins and blood like we do that contains hemoglobin (which carries oxygen and makes our blood red). Instead, they have hemolymph, which has a similar function to blood but a different composition. I am not sure where the bright green comes from, but the color of insect hemolymph varies from group to group.”
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