News Briefs

Tahoe Donner, The Nature Conservancy, and Willis Launch Wildfire Resilience Insurance

TRUCKEE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Willis, a business of WTW, announced a first-of-its-kind insurance policy that takes into account efforts to mitigate fire risk. Structured by Willis, the $2.5 million wildfire resilience insurance coverage has been developed for Tahoe Donner Association (Tahoe Donner), a private homeowners association in Truckee.

In collaboration with the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment (CLEE) at the University of California, Berkeley, the wildfire resilience insurance policy was developed and placed to demonstrate lower premium pricing and improved availability where ecological forest practices have taken place. Such techniques include tree thinning to improve the health and growth of the remaining trees and planned fires to clear out flammable vegetation, both proven to reduce wildfire risk and make forests healthier. Tahoe Donner was selected as a partner for this policy due to its cutting-edge Forest Health Management Program, which began in 1992 and evolved from trying to create a healthy forest to mitigating climate and wildfire impacts.

Insurance policies written in areas benefiting from forest treatment have previously not accounted for risk reduction from forest fire mitigation. This new policy, covering 1,345 acres of Tahoe Donner’s forested and recreation land, has a 39% lower premium and 89% lower deductible than would have been the case without nature-based forest management.

With insurers increasingly declining to write and renew insurance in California and other states as wildfire risks and claims costs continue to rise, this groundbreaking nature-based solution provides a new and urgently-needed approach to managing wildfire risk.

~ Tahoe Donner Association press release

TRPA Releases Connections 2050

LAKE TAHOE

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) released Connections 2050, the draft update to the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. The plan outlines a vision for a comprehensive transportation system that will preserve Tahoe’s environment, reduce congestion, and improve safety over the next 25 years.

With renowned outdoor recreation opportunities, abundant public lands, and growing populations in neighboring regions, Lake Tahoe’s transportation system will continue to see metropolitan-level travel demands on peak days, according to plan documents. Connections 2050 provides a blueprint for creating a more efficient and interconnected transportation system that will enhance access to public transit, trails, transportation technology, and connections to town centers.

Connections 2050 includes improvements that will address significant barriers faced by Tahoe’s diverse travelers and improve safety and access for all roadway users, according to TRPA. Regional partners recognize the critical need to address funding shortfalls to complete projects in the plan and are meeting new funding milestones for transit and operations and maintenance to make the 2050 vision a reality.

In addition to collaboration with local governments and transportation partners, TRPA engaged with more than 10,000 people over the last 4 years to develop the plan update.

Connections 2050: Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy can be viewed at trpa.gov/rtp2050 and public comments will be accepted through May 23.

~ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency press release

Placer County Moves Forward With 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan

PLACER COUNTY

The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action to approve the Countywide 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, outlining the funding status of 76 projects slated to be constructed by 2030.

The CIP includes projects in the departments of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources; Facilities Management; and Public Works and Information Technology.

Capital projects include items such as expanded broadband in rural areas, road improvements, bridge replacements, fuel reduction programs to address wildfire risk, construction of new buildings or renovations to existing facilities, upgrades to parks and trails, and more.

Projects in the 5-year plan are funded through various sources including federal and state programs and grants, impact fees charged to developers, and the county’s general fund. Some projects have fully identified funding, and some will require additional funding to be identified before they can move forward.

Approval of the plan is not an approval of individual projects, or a synopsis of project progress.

There are 28 projects fully funded and ready to begin construction by the 2025/26 fiscal year, including the countywide fuel reduction program, the American River debris removal project, lead remediation at the former Lincoln gun range, and a variety of park improvements, road repairs, and building remodels.

The plan can be viewed in full, including project-by-project analysis and funding sources, here.

~ Placer County press release

Trailhead Improvements Coming to Lower Sawtooth Recreation Area

TRUCKEE

Placer County is moving forward with trailhead improvements this spring at the Lower Sawtooth parking lot at the popular entrance to the U.S. Forest Service Road 06 in the Truckee area.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved the county’s director of public works to initiate a construction contract with Baldoni Construction Service for up to $283,400 to pave the existing dirt parking areas at the Lower Sawtooth Trailhead, add drainage and erosion control structures, install parking barriers and an informational kiosk, and add roadside signs to mitigate traffic concerns. The project is a collaborative effort between the county and the U.S. Forest Service – Tahoe National Forest.

The project uses $250,000 of transient occupancy tax funding through the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program in partnership with the North Tahoe Community Alliance. Additional matching funds of $60,000 from air and water quality mitigation funds were granted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

The Lower Sawtooth Trailhead Improvements Project is the first project to move forward following the creation of the North Tahoe Recreation Access Plan. 

The plan provides public agencies with a valuable tool for planning, maintaining, and developing existing and future year-round public recreational access areas for a wide range of groups in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions.

Construction is slated to begin May 7 and be wrapped up before the end of the month.

Throughout the project, the county is requesting visitors to be courteous and respectful while parking on public roads and within nearby neighborhoods to access the trails impacted by construction.  

To learn more, click here.

~ Placer County press release

Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Continues This Summer in Homewood

HOMEWOOD

Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) is continuing its long-term investment in drinking water reliability and fire suppression improvements with construction of phase three of the Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Project. Construction is scheduled to begin in late April and will continue through fall 2025.

Phase three of the project will focus on rebuilding the aging water system within the Highway 89 corridor in Homewood, including the installation of 5,750 feet of new water main and 10 new fire hydrants. 

Residents and travelers can also expect temporary traffic controls at times as crews move through small work zones. Most construction impacts are expected to last only 2 to 3 days at each specific location, and access to properties will be maintained.

Work will occur within the Highway 89 right of way from Fern Street to South Street and portions of Sacramento Avenue and Sans Souci Terrace south of Fawn Street. Traffic impacts may include:

• Between late April and Memorial Day: Single lane closures on Highway 89 from Sunday nights through Friday afternoons.
• From Memorial Day through October: Primarily shoulder work on Highway 89. Limited lane closures possible.
• Bike trail detours and localized road closures on San Souci Terrace and Sacramento Avenue. 

TCPUD acquired the aging Madden Creek water system from a private water company in 2018. Once complete, the modernized system will be capable of delivering reliable drinking water and critical fire flow for this West Shore community. 

For more information, please visit tcpud.org/maddencreek. 

~ Tahoe City Public Utility District press release

Supervisor Gustafson to Host Virtual Transportation Town Hall April 21

TAHOE CITY

Placer County District 5 Sup. Cindy Gustafson is inviting the community to a virtual town hall meeting April 21 to hear updates regarding large transportation initiatives coming soon to North Lake Tahoe. 

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will be live-streamed on Zoom.

Join from PC, Mac, iPad or Android: placer-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/99505642938

Join via audio by dialing: +1 (877) 853 5247 US Toll Free or (888) 788 0099 US Toll Free

Webinar ID: 995 0564 2938

Gustafson will be joined by representatives from Caltrans and Placer County’s Department of Public Works Engineering Division as both agencies plan to share important updates on local projects, including road construction, infrastructure improvements, and stormwater management.

A representative from the Fanny Bridge Revitalization Project construction team will be in attendance as well to answer questions about the upcoming summer project. 

Learn more about Placer County’s regional projects here: placer.ca.gov/1571/projects.

~ Placer County press release

Full Implementation of Sand Harbor’s Day-Use Reservations Begins

INCLINE VILLAGE

Following the success of last year’s pilot program, Nevada State Parks has begun fully implementing day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park. The reservation system is designed to improve the visitor experience, reduce congestion, and protect the park’s stunning natural environment.

Reservations are required daily during peak season, from April 15 to Oct. 15, for entry by vehicle from park opening at 8 through 10:30 a.m. Visitors arriving during this time must secure a reservation in advance.

After 10:30 a.m., any unclaimed reservation spots will be released to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to book early during this high-demand season.

Additional Reservation Information:

• Reservations must be made at reservenevada.com. They are non-transferable and may not be resold. The reservation holder must be present in the vehicle with a valid ID matching the name on the reservation.
• A $5.00 processing fee applies to all reservations, except same-day bookings.
• A $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state vehicles will be added at checkout.
• Reservations for the Ramada/Group Use Area include 25 designated parking spaces. Guests using this area do not need a separate day-use reservation but must still pay the vehicle entrance fee.
• Boat launch access remains first-come, first-served.

For more information or to book a reservation, visit parks.nv.gov.

~ Nevada Division of State Parks press release

Sign Up For Defensible Space Inspection & Chipping Services

INCLINE VILLAGE

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to spring into action and prepare for wildfire season. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) will soon begin offering defensible space inspections and curbside chipping services for residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Online registration starts on May 5 and services will begin the week of May 12.

Visit nltfpd.org/curbside-chipping for full details and to submit your request.

What to expect:

• Defensible Space Evaluations: After submitting your request, the team will reach out within 2 weeks to schedule your evaluation.
• Chipping Services: Requests are completed on a rolling basis as staffing allows. Please be aware that crews may be delayed if responding to wildfire incidents.
• To help NLTFPD continue offering these services at no cost, it asks that residents fill out the online request form thoroughly and accurately.

Creating defensible space is one of the most important actions to protect one’s home from wildfire. As part of this effort, NLTFPD can issue free tree removal permits for fire hazard trees.

For Waste Management curbside yard debris collection information, including dates and guidelines, click here.

Don’t forget to sign up for emergency alert notifications to stay informed during the wildfire season. Washoe County utilizes the Rave Alert system Smart911. Let’s work together to keep the community safe and fire ready.

~ North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District press release

New Museum Facility Will Help Preserve a Long and Storied History

AUBURN

The many tales of a storied and remarkable trans-Sierra trail will soon come alive with the opening of the Western States Trail Museum. Supported by the City of Auburn with a lease arrangement in the historic former city hall, the museum is hopeful to open its doors in 2025.

The rugged Western States Trail is one of only a few remaining trans-Sierra trail routes that is largely untouched by human progress. The route remains substantially as it has been for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years. It offers a unique opportunity to the public as the only fully accessible, preserved trail linking the east and west sides of the Sierra Nevada. 

The origin of the trail can be traced to the prehistoric era when Native Americans crossed the Sierra Nevada on trade routes to barter between the Nisenan, Washoe, and Paiute people, as well as to gather and hunt for food. In late 1844 a small group of horseback riders split from the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend overland wagon party near Truckee, California, and were among the first of American settlers to follow portions of what we know today as the Western States Trail. 

This incredible history of the Western States Trail, along with its relevant artifacts and memorabilia, stands ready to be shared with the public. The mission of the Western States Trail Museum is to educate the public about the trail’s heritage through creative interpretive exhibits, artifacts, oral histories, docent-led field trips, speaker and film series, podcasts, and community engagements with modern day endurance events.

For more information or to get involved, visit wstrailmuseum.org or email [email protected].

~ Western States Trail Museum press release

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

TRUCKEE

The annual National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is set for April 30, and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is inviting the community to come and meet the available pets for adoption. This year, HSTT is reminding everyone that the local shelter is a great place to find animals of every type, size, age and personality — all waiting for loving and permanent homes. HSTT’s staff and volunteers are eager to share the stories of these incredible pets that have found their way to the shelter. 

Can’t adopt? No problem. There are plenty of other ways to help homeless animals in need:  

• Volunteer at the shelter or at community events. 
• Foster a pet temporarily until they find their forever home. 
• Support Thrifty Tails Boutique, where 100% of the net proceeds benefit shelter animals. 

HSTT emphasizes that every contribution makes a significant difference in helping homeless pets find their way to loving families. 

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was created to bring awareness to the urgency and importance of pet adoption in shelters across the United States. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters and each year, hundreds of thousands never make it out. Learn more about the animals up for adoption or volunteer opportunities through HSTT, visit hstt.org. 

~ Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe press release

Truckee Job Fair April 30

TRUCKEE

The Truckee Chamber of Commerce, through its Truckee Jobs Collective program, is hosting a Truckee Job Fair on Wednesday, April 30, from 3 to 5:30  p.m. at the Steve Randall Truckee Community Rec Center in the north parking lot. The Truckee Chamber is excited to offer businesses and job seekers this opportunity to connect.

Stop by the Truckee Job Fair to meet local employers offering full-time, part-time, flexible, and/or seasonal job opportunities for all.

Participating employers include: Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee Donner-Recreation and Park District, Mountain Hardware and Sports, Martis Camp Club, Rubicon Pizza & Fireside Pizza, California State Parks, Tahoe Donner, Truckee Unified School District, and more. If you are a business and would like to participate, please email Melissa Williams at [email protected].

If job seekers would like to freshen up their resume, they can reach out to Alliance for Workforce Development (AFWD) by contacting Nancy Settle at [email protected] or (530) 550-3015, before the job fair. 

The Truckee Chamber of Commerce runs truckeejobscollective.com as the “go-to” place for job seekers and Truckee/Tahoe employers. Truckee Jobs Collective is proud to be offering creative solutions for employers and job seekers, including this outdoor job fair, weekly emails, and a 24/7 online jobs board. Visit truckeejobscollective.com to explore job opportunities, list open positions, and for more job fair information.

For questions or additional information, please contact Melissa Williams at [email protected] or (530) 414-7056.

~ Truckee Chamber of Commerce press release

Youth Commission Puts Call Out for New Student Members

PLACER COUNTY

The Placer County Youth Commission is now accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2025/26 term. 

PCYC is a group of motivated young people from across the community who identify and advocate for issues important to Placer County youth. They are an advisory board to the Placer County Board of Supervisors, consisting of at least two youth representatives from each of the five supervisor districts. PCYC strives to appoint youth that represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets.

PCYC advises decision makers on youth-related issues, serves as a community forum to discuss youth concerns and ideas, raises the profile of Placer County youth, encourages youth engagement, and prepares youth to be active citizens. The PCYC experience has helped many students attain opportunities, awards, and scholarships. 

Youth commissioners facilitate bi-monthly meetings, set priorities, conduct research, and create action plans. PCYC may sponsor special activities and host open forums or events, such as their annual 5k event. The commission also presents an annual report at the board of supervisors meeting in June. 

Applicants must be Placer County residents between the ages of 14 (or ninth grade) and 18 (or twelfth grade) years. Applications are due by April 30. Commissioner appointment is a competitive process consisting of both a written application and an interview.

To apply and learn more visit placeryouth.com.

~ Placer County press release

Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up

April Cole Recognized as “California Senate District 4 Truckee Woman of the Year”

TRUCKEE

Friends of the Truckee Library is excited to announce that its executive director, April Cole, has been recognized as “California Senate District 4 Truckee Woman of the Year” by the Office of Senator Marie Alvardo-Gil. The award was presented during the Nevada County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 8.

Cole’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing the development of a new, state-of-the-art library in Truckee. Under her guidance, the Friends of the Truckee Library secured a new site at the Truckee Regional Park, raised over $2 million for the project, and garnered the endorsement of more than 40 organizations. The new library promises to be a vital resource for the community, and Cole’s work has ensured that it will meet the needs of all residents.

In addition to her role at the library, Cole has been a tireless advocate for youth services, serving as chair of the Rotary Club of Truckee’s Youth Services committee from 2010 to 2020 and again from 2024 to 2025. She was also elected as the Alder Creek Middle School Site Council Parent Representative, a position she holds through 2025.

This prestigious recognition underscores Cole’s exceptional leadership and the positive impact she has had on the people of Truckee and Nevada County.

To learn more about April Cole’s work with the Friends of the Truckee Library, please visit truckeelibraryfriends.org.

~ Friends of the Truckee Library press release

Business Briefs

Palisades Tahoe is Open for Spring Skiing 7 Days a Week Through Memorial Day

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Palisades Tahoe will be open 7 days a week through Memorial Day (weather and conditions permitting). The last day to ski Alpine is April 27, but the fun is still ramping up with signature events like Spring Tracks featuring KT Tunstall and Snow Golf on April 19, the Golden Egg Hunt on April 20, Earth Day on April 26, and the original pond-skim: The Cushing Crossing on May 4. 

The Spring Skiing Capital would like to welcome all to come and enjoy the springtime energy with a range of spring deals:

• First Responder Ticket for $75: To honor first responders, Palisades Tahoe wants to say thank you with a $75 lift ticket, valid 7 days a week through the end of the season.
• Spring Ticket Trio: Ski any 3 days for just $152 per day. One person can use all the tickets themself or share them with others!
• $75 Ticket Special for Other Resort Employees and Passholders: Just because other resorts have closed doesn’t mean the ski season needs to end for everyone else! Valid 7 days a week, other resort employees and passholders may purchase a $75 lift ticket at ticket windows so they can keep enjoying the spring skiing action. An ID and either a 24/25 season pass or a recent pay stub with an employee season pass is all that’s needed to unlock discounted spring turns.
• Cheapest Price for the 2025/26 Ikon Pass until April 17: The 2025/26 Ikon Pass unlocks immediate access at select mountains, including Palisades Tahoe! 

~ Palisades Tahoe press release