SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) invites community members to the next round of public meetings on the Marsh South Restoration Project on November 18 and 19, 2026.
At the two meetings, the Conservancy will engage the public about the proposed restoration project in the southern part of méšuk málɨm, formerly known as the Upper Truckee Marsh, in South Lake Tahoe. Proposed project elements include significant river and wetland restoration downstream of U.S. Highway 50, including the site of the former Motel 6. To facilitate the restoration, the Conservancy also proposes to modify the South Tahoe Bikeway and river access.
méšuk málɨm (listen for pronunciation) is the name the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California uses for the area around the confluence of the Upper Truckee River and Trout Creek, and which applies to the 600-acre marsh where the Upper Truckee River meets Lake Tahoe.
Public Meetings
- In-Person Public Meeting | 4:00–6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Meet in the LTCC Board Room (L104), located in the Roberta Mason Library building.
- Virtual Public Meeting | 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2026 Join via Zoom on November 19: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89905768939
Spanish interpretation will be available for both meetings.
Proposed Elements of the Marsh South Restoration Project
River and Floodplain Restoration: The Conservancy proposes to restore historical wetland habitat, which will include removing fill from past development, lowering the floodplain to reconnect it to the river, and removing encroaching conifers.
South Tahoe Bikeway Modifications: To facilitate the floodplain restoration, the Conservancy proposes to realign the South Tahoe Bikeway, an existing shared-use trail. Elevating the shared-use trail to a new bridge and boardwalk will protect the river and wetlands while providing a safer connection for people walking, biking, and rolling.
Recreation Features: The Conservancy proposes to protect streambanks from erosion by formalizing a river access point that meets the Americans with Disability Act standards. Other proposed improvements include picnic tables, wayfinding and interpretive signage, and changes to parking.
History of the Marsh South Recreation Project
The Conservancy acquired 31 acres at the southern end of méšuk málɨm in 2024, and removed a former motel and restaurant from the site in 2025. Last year, the Conservancy began public outreach to seek ideas for restoration and recreation improvements.
The Conservancy has also been working closely with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and Lake Tahoe Basin partners on planning the project. The marsh area called méšuk málɨm in Wá∙šiw (the Washoe language) holds particular importance to the waší∙šiw (Washoe people—the people from here).
The Marsh South Recreation Project also helps advance longstanding goals of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program and the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan.
In the upcoming meetings, the Conservancy will present the elements of the proposed project and continue to engage with and hear from community members.
