Cooperating across state lines to protect Tahoe

Backyard conservation can have far-reaching effects, as homeowners in two states of the Lake Tahoe Basin learn from cooperating conservation districts

(Article courtesy of the National Association of Conservation Districts’ report, Our Land, Our Water.)

Cooperation across state lines between two conservation districts is helping residents in the Lake Tahoe basin protect one of America’s best-known water bodies.

Lodged in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe was developed rapidly and not always wisely in the mid-20th century. With multiple jurisdictions in the basin, including two states, cooperation is the key to making conservation gains.

The Tahoe Resource Conservation District in California and the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District in Nevada have the daunting task of helping about 40,000 residential property owners in the basin comply with mandated best management practices (BMP). Their work is part of a broader strategy to reduce sediment and nutrient impacts on water quality in Lake Tahoe and improve overall forest resource management.

Public comment needed on winter boat ramp hours for Sand Harbor and Cave Rock

INCLINE VILLAGE / STATELINE, Nev. — Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is requesting public comment for open boat ramp operating hours and days of the week, at both the Sand Harbor and Cave Rock launch facilities.

Effective November 1, 2008, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is requiring that aquatic invasive species boat inspectors be present when boat ramps at Lake Tahoe are open. Quagga and Zebra mussels are a significant threat to Tahoe’s ecosystem and quality of recreation. Boat inspections will help protect the lake from this problem.

The park is holding a call-in and email period Monday and Tuesday, October 13 and 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please call 775-684-2793 or email tahoe@parks.nv.gov and answer the following questions regarding comments for operating the Sand Harbor and Cave Rock boat launches between October 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009:

1. Do you operate a motorized boat at Lake Tahoe?
2. What days of the week do you use your boat at Lake Tahoe?
3. What hours of the day do you use your boat at Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park appreciates the public’s involvement in helping set boat ramp operating hours and your understanding with the need to protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invasive species.

Boat ramp to close at Sand Harbor

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Sand Harbor’s boat ramp will be closed September 15 due to low water conditions.

The parking lot will remain open for carry-in boat access only. All other boaters should use the Cave Rock boat ramp facility.

This closure will prevent personal watercraft from being damaged during a launch and protect the end of the launch lanes from damage.

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks appreciates the public’s understanding in this matter and the safety measures the park is taking to protect property.

Applicants sought for Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Board

CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (NTRPA) is seeking people who are interested in serving on both the NTRPA and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency governing boards.

The position to be filled is the “member-at-large” seat on the board. Selection of the member-at-large will be made by the six other members of the Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, as specified by the Tahoe Compact. NTRPA consists of the Nevada members of TRPA.

The term is one-year, beginning January 1, 2009. There is an incumbent presently holding the seat. Board members are expected to attend monthly board meetings that typically are for one to two days during the fourth week of the month. Nevada residency is required.