Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 02/28/2025, Written by Kayla Anderson
After passing through the El Cap gate accessible from either the Blazing Zephyr or Northwest Magnum high-speed six-pack chair, looking down the mountain at that 55-degree drop is nerve-wracking. It’s like peering over the edge of a cliff. The scene off in the distance is gorgeous, with its panoramic views of Reno and Mount Rose Proper. However, a LA Times article from 2005 wrote that the Chutes’ snowy ridge, “…looks more like a takeoff for skydiving than for skiing.”
Nine gates access 16 advanced and expert/black diamond and double black diamond Chutes, each featuring anywhere from a 40-55 degree pitch and 1,000 vertical feet to the base of the triple-seat Chuter chair. The Chuter is on the Slide side and takes you out of the Chutes, dropping you at the base of the Blazing Zephyr.
More than 90 percent of measurable standards of Lake Tahoe’s environmental health are stable or improving, according to a draft report the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) presented to the agency’s Governing Board today. The peer-reviewed 2023 Draft Threshold Evaluation identifies several areas, including aquatic invasive species, regional wildfires, and seasonal lake clarity trends that need more attention, better monitoring, or more research. The four-year report compiles scientific data on 140 indicators of environmental quality in the Tahoe Basin and measures the progress of science-based policies and restoration programs under the bi-state Tahoe Regional Plan.
“It’s incredible to see the hard work of public agencies and property owners making steady progress and making historic achievements in restoring Lake Tahoe and enhancing our communities,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “Science-based policies and regional partnerships are essential to restoration on this scale. Many challenges are ahead, but the Regional Plan remains the blueprint for continued progress in the Tahoe Basin.”
The agency adopted measurable threshold standards in the 1980s that today encompass ten environmental categories, from water quality to wildlife, transportation, and scenic quality. The independent Tahoe Science Advisory Council conducted a peer review of the evaluation and provided input that will help future evaluations.
In addition to TRPA’s growth management system and limits on development, findings in the report show significant progress is coming from the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, or EIP, which is considered one of the most successful conservation programs in the nation.
A key example during the reporting period is the historic achievement of a wetland restoration target set more than 40 years ago. Today, EIP partners and private property owners have restored more than 1,100 acres of previously disturbed marshes, meadows, and wetlands that are critical to lake clarity and biodiversity. As partners began approaching the target, TRPA strengthened its goals with a new threshold standard that looks beyond acreage and focuses on improving the overall condition and quality of restoration projects.
Several overarching issues emerged during the 2020-2023 reporting period, according to the report:
Wildfires in and outside the basin are impacting single-day and short-term air quality standards.
Questions for scientists remain around restoring the lake’s famed clarity; winter clarity measurements continue to improve while clarity in summer declines.
The New Zealand mudsnail discovery in 2023 and newly adopted targets for aquatic invasive plants require continued work.
Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and VMT per capita have decreased, while shifting recreation patterns strained popular roadway corridors.
The 2023 Threshold Evaluation is the eighth four-year evaluation conducted since TRPA adopted measurable targets in the 1980s. The Tahoe Science Advisory Council coordinates a peer review process to ensure that appropriate methods and the best available science are applied in the threshold evaluation.
“The Council is committed to maintaining a strong bridge between science and management, and the Threshold Evaluation peer review effort is a great example of how independent science advice can continue to support TRPA’s important work,” Tahoe Science Advisory Council Program Officer Bob Larsen said.
TRPA will be collecting public and partner input on the draft evaluation over the next few months. The agency will present a final report to the TRPA Governing Board in June that will include recommended actions in response to the findings, changing conditions, public and stakeholder input, and advancements in science. The threshold evaluation summary, detailed findings, and feedback survey are available at thresholds.laketahoeinfo.org/ThresholdEvaluation/Index/2023.
Images:
Spring East Shore Drone Caption: A national scenic byway stretches along the East Shore of Lake Tahoe, Nev. Transportation and parking improvements are planned for the roadway corridor that can see thousands of visitors a day. Image Credit: Drone Promotions
Tahoe Conservancy Upper Truckee Marsh Caption: That California Tahoe Conservancy restored the Upper Truckee River Marsh in 2023. Restoration partners have restored more than 1,100 acres of critical marsh, meadow, and wetland habitat, surpassing a landmark goal adopted in 1982. Image Credit: California Tahoe Conservancy
Pier Drought South Lake Tahoe
Caption: A pier on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore sits high and dry during a drought year. Extreme weather events, hotter temperatures and prolonged droughts are impacting Tahoe’s forests and water quality.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment.
SNOWFEST is HERE…With Incline Village/Crystal Bay Events
February 26, 2025 | Kayla Anderson
By: Kayla Anderson
The longest standing snow festival on the West Coast is coming back to North Lake Tahoe this weekend, kicking off a multitude of activities happening now through March 9th. More than 50 events are on the docket, with local businesses throughout North Lake Tahoe giving back to local nonprofits, education, public programs, and scholarship funds. All the SNOWFEST events are listed on https://www.tahoesnowfest.org/, but here is what’s happening specifically in Incline Village and Crystal Bay along with some can’t miss SNOWFEST events (like the parade and fireworks show).
Feb. 28-March 3: Try an Under the Rose at Drink Coffee Do Stuff
907 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village
DCDS is selling special vanilla rose lattes this weekend only as part of SNOWFEST. Get fueled up before going up to the mountain and know when you’re supporting DCDS then you are also supporting Clean Up The Lake’s efforts as well.
March 1, 5pm-8pm: Fireworks at the Tahoe City Golf Course
251 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
Catch this SNOWFEST can’t miss event…live music and the only fireworks show on the North Shore at the Tahoe City Golf Course! The NOMADS will play at 5:30pm followed by the fireworks at dark. They’ll be lit off in the middle of the snow and viewable in all of Tahoe City. Food and drinks will be served by Café Zenon.
March 2, 4pm-8pm: Sunnyside Luau
1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
Wear your best Hawaiian shirt and bring your Aloha spirit to Sunnyside Lodge on the West Shore. Sunnyside will be offering a special menu featuring island favorites and tropical drinks. You can even make your own lei! Proceeds from this event help the Sierra Community House, which serves Incline Village residents.
March 7, 9:30am-3:30pm: Winter Festival Diamond Peak Village Jib Jam
1210 Ski Way, Incline Village
Head over to Diamond Peak’s Village Terrain Park for a Jib Jam like no other where you can display your skills sliding rails or cheer on riders throwing down their best tricks to win awesome prizes. The music and action will be happening all day long followed by an après party at UNR. Whether you want to shred, spectate, or just soak up the snowy scene, this is one winter event you won’t want to miss.
March 7, 4pm-7pm: Après Rail Jam Party at UNR
After the action, head over to UNR’s Lake Tahoe campus to keep the energy high with DJ Plattenum, cozy winter treats with the Mountain Lotus food truck, ski movies on the Patterson Hall patio, a Jib Jam awards ceremony, and an alphorn show.
March 7, 7pm-10pm: Bowls & Beats/SNOWFEST Edition at Bowl Incline
920 Southwood Blvd, Incline Village
Hit the dayglo pins in the dark with DJ Dom Murelli providing the beats. The cost to play is $45 per hour when you reserve online, shoes are free.
March 8, 11am-4pm: Strike Derby at Bowl Incline
920 Southwood Blvd, Incline Village
Head back to Bowl Incline the next day to take part in the SNOWFEST Strike Derby. See how many strikes you can throw in four minutes with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (in men’s, women’s, and kids categories). It costs $10 to enter with proceeds going to Tahoe’s Connection for Families. The heated patio will be open for fireside cocktails.
March 8, 11:30am-12:30pm: SNOWFEST Parade
The main street of Kings Beach comes alive on March 8th with all kinds of community organizations dressing up in wintry costumes and walking alongside fun and interesting floats. This “small town, big time” parade starts at Secline Street on the west end of town and meanders up Highway 28/Tahoe Boulevard to Raccoon Street. The MC and judges will be next to the King Building near Bear Street. Other events that day in Kings Beach include a Tail Wagger Dress Up Your Dog Contest and pancake breakfast at the North Tahoe Event Center before the event and a parade afterparty at Tahoe Backyard. https://northtahoebusiness.org/kings-beach-snowfest-parade/
March 8, 9am-2pm: Nevada Nordic FreeHeel Fest
Travel North Tahoe Nevada in a collaboration with Tahoe Multisport and Nevada Nordic will be putting on the first-ever FreeHeel Fest with cross country ski demos provided by Saloman, Atomic, NDOR, and more in the Mt. Rose Meadows off Highway 431. Slide around the trails within the Nevada Nordic XC trail system with your heels free with local cross-country ski experts on hand. There will also be snowshoe demos and live music in the meadows. If you really get after it and ski the longest trail in the meadows all the way to Sand Harbor, a free hot sauna provided by Tahoe Multisport will be waiting for you at the lake.
Celebrate SNOWFEST with Glasses Wine Bar on March 6th, 7th & 8th
March 6th & 7th, 3pm – 6:30pm: Glasses Wine Bar Annual Girl Scout Cookie and Wine Pairing
You can taste 5 Girl Scout cookies paired with a great wine. The format is slightly different this year: Reservations are required. Tastings will be in groups no larger than 4 scheduled every 30 minutes from 3-6:30 pm. $25pp/$21 Wine Club.
March 8th, from 7pm: Live Music at Glasses Wine Bar with Ellis Jones Band
The Ellis/Jones Band will be playing at Glasses Wine Bar. An Incline local, Andrew has a huge repertoire of songs from today and yesterday. It’s gonna be a great night! Saturday, starting at 7:00 p.m. (Reservations accepted) MORE INFO>
Christmas Tree Village Goes Off for SNOWFEST on March 7th-8th
Celebrate the final weekend of SNOWFEST in the Christmas Tree Village with deals, drinks, food, family fun, and more at the shops on the main drag. Here are the specials going on:
March 7, 6pm-9pm: Crosby’s Kitchen SNOWFEST Party
Spend the weekend at Crosby’s with live music, food & drink specials, and more. W.D. Saw will be playing live music in the lounge on Friday night and there will be appetizer specials along with Pigeon Head beers and Long Drinks for $6. Coppola Family Wine and cocktails (including hideout vodka cosmos, pomegranate, and cucumber martinis) will be $10 a glass.
March 8, 1pm-4pm: Crosby’s SNOWFEST Puppapalooza
Crosby’s will keep the party going on Saturday, March 8th in Christmas Tree Village with live music by Robbie Gade & Friends, wine/beer/vodka tastings, and a puppapalooza on the back patio! Bring your four-legged companion to join the Best Dog Costume Contest; Pet Network will have dogs available to adopt as well.
March 8, 10:30am-6pm: Sticker Sale at Karma Tahoe
The Karma Tahoe consignment store will be doing a special SNOWFEST sale on clothing and accessories—25 percent off blue stickered items and 50 percent off red stickered ones.
March 8, 1pm-6pm: The Loteria at Thania’s Juice Bar
Incline’s favorite healthy juice bar will be getting into the SNOWFEST spirit by offering a special menu, having loteria games, and prizes. She’ll also be launching a new juice!
March 8, 1pm-6pm: Pup Cups at Village Pet Foundation
The Village Pet Foundation thrift store will have a photo booth set up for people to take fun SNOWFEST pictures with pets, along with drinks, appetizers, and special edible (and healthy) pup cups.
March 8, 4:20pm-6pm: The Highest Hot Cocoa at Higher Elevation
Have a hot cocoa and play fun mystery box games at Higer Elevation for the chance to win prizes from the smoke and gift shop. Don’t worry, the hot cocoa has just the original, non-mind-altering ingredients in it making it suitable for people of all ages.
March 8, all day: Cakes, Coffee, and Cinnamon Rolls at Happy Tiers
Enjoy a cinnamon roll and coffee special for $5 and owner Andrea Jurss will have a cake decorating station set up.
March 8, all day: Food and Drink Specials at MoFo’s
Enjoy free food samples and drink specials at this longtime family-owned pizza and pasta restaurant. They also have an excellent salad bar.
March 8, 1pm-6pm: Music and Workshops at Tahoe Gifting Co.
Join Tahoe Gifting Co. for a day of shopping, live music, drinks and more! The Old Trestle female master distiller will be there pouring gin, whisky, bourbon, and single malt tastings, and Sierra Soapbox Co. will have a Make Your Own Room Spray station. Choose your own scent profile and label (and Sierra Soapbox Co. can help you come up with your own signature snarky saying) for $20 a bottle. For three hours between 1pm-6pm, @coachthedj will be spinning tunes. Chelsey from Tahoe Gifting Co. will also be specially embroidering bandanas with the Sierra wildflowers on them.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is accepting applications for a new scholarship program that empowers Lake Tahoe community members to engage in the planning process as part of the Tahoe Living initiative to update affordable and workforce housing policies, the agency announced today.
Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin is a multi-year project to modernize land use policies and the regional growth management system to make housing more accessible while maintaining and improving environmental protections. A core focus of the program is to establish long-term, two-way engagement between communities and agencies, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups, according to TRPA.
“We want to ensure that many voices help shape solutions to affordable housing that improve safety and continue to protect Lake Tahoe,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “These scholarships and new training opportunities can help community members most affected by housing challenges gain the knowledge and skills needed to engage in decision-making.”
Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin scholarships will award up to $25,000 to help individual community members participate in training courses that provide background knowledge on subjects like planning, environmental regulations, growth management, public safety, and zoning. Most awards will be up to up to $1,600, with one $3,000 scholarship to assist an individual in attending a conference. The scholarships are a companion to TRPA’s Community Academy webinar series and allow for education, discussion, and hands-on learning experiences, according to the agency.
Participants will also be asked to provide feedback on how the agency can improve the training program. The Community Academy webinar series is open to the public and recordings can be viewed at www.tahoeliving.org.
Anyone who is a full-time resident of the Tahoe Basin, a seasonal resident, or works in the Basin is welcome to apply. Scholarship recipients should represent a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and communities. Applications and more information on eligibility are available at www.tahoeliving.org/engagement-approach.
Funding for the scholarships is provided through a grant from the State of California grant. TRPA has also provided mini-grant assistance to community-based organizations.
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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment.
IES hosted a very successful H’art & Harmony event right before the break. It was a celebration of the art and music programs at IES. Students held music performances, showcased their recent art projects, and made Valentine’s crafts.
Incline Middle School
The third quarter has brought a couple of new offerings to the Incline Middle Exploratory. Avalanche Safety and Drone Piloting are getting kids outside and teaching them tech skills.
Incline High School
Exciting news that most of you may have already heard… both the boys ski team and the varsity basketball team are Nevada State Champions!
The Incline High boys varsity basketball defeated the Needles Mustangs 55-50 to become the 2025 AA Nevada State Champions. Playing in Las Vegas at UNLV, the boys beat a Needles team that defeated them in last years state title game. Led by 8 phenomenal seniors, the boys finished as regional champs and state champs with a record of 23 wins and 6 losses. Senior Tommy Williams was named State Player of the Year while Junior Halen Hanson and Senior Colin Combs were named 1st Team All State. Seniors Jaden Abbate and Colton Barraza were named Honorable Mention All State along with Junior Lucas MacDonald. Head Coach Tim Kelly was named Nevada Coach of the Year.
In The News – Tahoe Fund opens application for new teen giving program
February 25, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 02/23/2025, Submitted
New 10-week program culminates in teens giving away $10,000
Tahoe is soon to have a new generation of philanthropic leaders thanks to the formation of the Teens for Tahoe Giving Circle. High school students with a passion for Lake Tahoe are encouraged to apply for this new program, which is part of the Tahoe Fund’s Teens for Tahoe initiative and begins this Spring.
Modeled after the highly successful program offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, this 10-week course is open to high school students in grades 9-12 who want to deepen their connection to Lake Tahoe through philanthropy. Participants will learn about nonprofit organizations, effective giving strategies, and financial analysis.
“We’re thrilled to offer this program for our next generation of supporters,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “This is a great way to learn about philanthropy, earn community service hours, and help give $10,000 away to a great Tahoe project.”
In The News – Highlander boys prevail as state basketball champions
February 25, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 02/25/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh
The Incline boys basketball team is celebrating their season end as state champions after beating Needles High School on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas during the NIAA 2A state tournament.
“We had been waiting and preparing for this game for 365 days,” coach Tim Kelly said. Incline had played Needles in the state title game last year and fell short. They’ve been counting down the days since, waiting for their opportunity to redeem and prove themselves the better team.
“After we lost last year in Reno, we said in the locker room that Tommy’s missed free throw would be the beginning of the movie, not the end of the movie,” Kelly said.
Sustain Tahoe is proud to announce the expansion of its Bear Aware Campaign with a new round of the popular bear magnets to promote awareness and responsible coexistence with Tahoe’s black bears. The initial success of the bear magnets (that easily stick and peel off any metal surface, like cars and bear boxes) has inspired a renewed push to print and distribute at least 13,000 more before summer, ensuring that the message of bear conservation reaches even more locals and visitors.
Tahoe is bear country. Long before people settled in the region, black bears roamed freely—and they still do today. However, their survival now depends on human awareness and action. Sustain Tahoe’s Bear Aware magnetic stickers serve as a visual reminder that there are, in fact, bears. So drive carefully, secure food properly, and respect bear habitats while hiking and picnicking. The campaign aims to reduce bear-human conflicts and protect these iconic creatures.
To fund this next phase, Sustain Tahoe is seeking 50 businesses or individuals to raise $10,000 a year to keep this campaign active. Higher quantities mean lower production costs, allowing more magnets to be spread across more vehicles, bear boxes, bikes, and gear throughout the Tahoe watershed and beyond.
How Businesses and Individuals Can Help: For a $200 annual donation, supporters will receive:
· Their business logo and information featured on the Bear Aware web page
· Inclusion in press releases about the campaign
· A customized appreciation plaque to display in their business
· Increased brand visibility, as each sticker includes a QR code linking to the Bear Aware campaign, extending the reach of this important message
Donations are tax-deductible, participating businesses gain valuable exposure by contributing to the protection of Tahoe’s cherished black bears., making this initiative a win-win for both the environment and local businesses.
Working together we can attempt to help Tahoe become a safe and thriving habitat for our beloved black bears while fostering a community committed to environmental stewardship.
About Sustain Tahoe
Sustain Tahoe is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering responsible tourism and environmental awareness in the Lake Tahoe region. Through initiatives like the Bear Aware Campaign, Sustain Tahoe aims to educate and inspire both residents and visitors to engage in sustainable practices that protect Tahoe’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Sierra Senior Services (SSS) was formed in 2001 out of a service club project in Truckee to bring Meals on Wheels (MOW) to our region. The program has grown steadily over the years to include Truckee, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, the West Shore, Olympic Valley, and Incline Village and Crystal Bay. SSS operates a commercial kitchen and congregate dining site in Truckee which will produce over 45,000 fresh, nutritionally balanced meals this year.
The MOW program expanded to Incline Village and Crystal Bay in June 2013 with 3 initial participants. It has continued to grow and hit a new peak on February 18, 2025 of 22 active participants (probably over 200 people helped over the years). We will be splitting Incline Village into 2 dedicated routes starting Tuesday, March 11, 2025. SSS has received a vehicle donation for the expansion, but needs to increase its volunteer driver base for Incline Village and Crystal Bay from 8 to 15 as quickly as possible.
The role of an Incline Village/ Crystal Bay volunteer driver looks like this:
1) Arrive at the Village Church parking lot at 11:15 AM
2) Enter the combination on the lockbox on the tree to access the MOW car key
3) Enter your information and beginning mileage on the car’s mileage log clipboard
4) Drive to Kings Beach meeting point to exchange empty ice chest, hot bags, and route binder for current day’s food and route binder.
5) Use paper route binder or the electronic phone AP routing software to deliver the specified meals to 8-15 participant’s homes (food is generally received by participants at their front doors with exchange of greetings and determination that everything seems good).
6) Deliveries and paperwork are usually completed by 1:15 PM and you can enjoy the free lunch provided to volunteers.
Most volunteer drivers find the experience very rewarding and often couples work as a team. Volunteers usually drive the same day each week or fill in open days as needed. The SSS staff is responsible for filling the shifts Tuesday through Friday (with frozen meals available for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday delivered on Friday) so volunteers are free to pick the days they drive.
More information about Sierra Senior Services and a volunteer application can be found at : sierraseniors.orgor by contacting Lorena at 530-550-7600 to arrange an informational ride along. Volunteer drivers must be fingerprinted for senior safety and will be trained by SSS.
This program has helped many of your friends, neighbors, and members over the years. Please help us find additional volunteer drivers so we can continue to offer the same quality program and have capacity to serve our growing senior population.
In The News – TRPA’s Environmental Threshold Evaluation shows improvements in standards, new long-term goals
February 24, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 02/24/2025, Written by Eli Ramos
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) environmental threshold evaluation report, which monitors the regional plan’s environmental factors across 140 indicators, shows that in 2019 to 2023, 75% of the indicators trended positively. The results of the peer-reviewed report can now be accessed online through a dashboard and reveal the positive effects of the Environmental Improvement Program (EIP).
The TRPA prepares a threshold evaluation report every four years—this most recent one represents the 8th comprehensive threshold evaluation since 1980. The data is collected for a three-year period, then all the data are compiled into a report, peer-reviewed by the Tahoe Science Advisory Council. For the period from 2019 to 2023, 92% of the indicators were stable or improving, while 79% of the thresholds were “in attainment” or within the accepted level.
