Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/03/2023, Submitted

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Infrastructure improvements to the Mt. Rose and Tahoe Meadows Trailheads to begin late summer of 2023. These two popular trailheads on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District are located off Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada State Route 431) between Reno and Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

“We are extremely excited to begin implementation of this long-awaited project,” said Carson District Ranger Matt Zumstein. “This would not have been possible without the funding from the Great America Outdoors Act that the Forest received to reduce deferred maintenance backlogs and enhance aging recreational infrastructure. At both trailheads, this funding will be used to repair and improve infrastructure for trail users.”

The $1.3 million contract for the Mt Rose and Tahoe Meadows Trailheads Maintenance Project was awarded to Ironwood Commercial Builders from Concord, California. The contractor plans to begin working on both trailhead within the next couple of weeks through October 2023 (as weather allows).

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/02/2023, Submitted

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif.– At first glance, Lake Tahoe is pristine. But look closer. Aquatic invasive plants and trash threaten the unique water quality and clarity for which Tahoe is known. Floating debris like plastic litter can leach chemicals into the aquatic environment, while each individual fragment of an invasive weed represents a new potential infestation and further harm to the Lake’s fragile ecology. To Keep Tahoe Blue, the League to Save Lake Tahoe teamed up with ECO-CLEAN Solutions and the Tahoe Keys Marina to introduce an aquatic robot that glides across the surface, removing water-borne debris and aquatic weeds. Meet the PixieDrone.

“Together, we’re embarking on a mission to safeguard the pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe, combining cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship,” said JT Chevallier, co-founder and chief strategy officer of ECO-CLEAN Solutions.

The PixieDrone is an electric, autonomous and programmable, motorized skimmer. As it moves through the water, the robot captures debris inside its open “mouth,” just like manta rays and humpback whales capture prey. Thanks to on-board Lidar technology (light detection and ranging), the PixieDrone avoids obstacles and adjusts its course in real time, allowing it to navigate between docks, pilings and boat slips as it cleans along a pre-mapped route. 

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Like you, I’ve always thought the world of Hospice folks, though my high regard was boosted higher yet when I received an email from a cousin of mine whose birthday it was yesterday. I had sent her customary well wishes and was eagerly opening her reply when her words sent my heart leaping into my throat…

“I’m sorry to tell you this, Cousin, but I’m with Hospice and going to be leaving today to cross over and join my loving Bobby and your dear mother Barbara.  My cancer has spread to my liver and skull.  I’m so awfully tired. Hospice is here, bless them, and I’m taking some comfort in thinking of all the fun we had as kids together. I hope this finds you well, as I send bushels of love.”

My legs almost buckled under me, but I stood the gravity and finality of her words. Why did she not tell me when she entered Hospice care, back when she had six months or six weeks or six days to live? All I can guess is she must have rested assured I would contact her on her birthday, so she would let me know then, not suspecting her birthday would be her last day. Oh my…

Losing a family member is always hard, but harder yet when they are younger than you. We ought to be allowed to get promoted to glory in chronological order, but then I am not the superintendent.

My thoughts drifted back to our childhood days when she would beat me down the slopes, and wait patiently for me to arrive, never bragging about how good a skier she was. In showing-off to her I once swam two lengths of the pool underwater. When I surfaced she gave me a standing ovation, dived in, and swam three lengths underwater. When I threw a front somersault off the diving board, she followed me with a one and a half, and landed it without a splash. That was just the grand & glorious, magnificent but modest, person she was.

She would send me an edible number on my birthday, made out of sticky Rice Krispies cakes that were delicious. What could I possibly say to her on her last day on this Earth? There are no words, but when there are no words, we must find words…

“My heart is in my throat, Cousin. Be brave -you always are. In one big air-hug I’m sending my love to you. I’m so looking forward to your greeting me on the other side, and welcoming me with a solid shot to my shoulder like you always do. You can teach me how to fly. I don’t know if I can beat you in a race around a billowy white thunderhead, but I’m going to try.”

I had to stop writing just there, as my eyes were clouding up, and I could no longer find nor see the words…

Audio: https://anchor.fm/mcavoy-layne

CALIFORNIA — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced today that the 27th annual Lake Tahoe Summit will feature Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as the keynote speaker. This year’s summit will be held on August 9, 2023 and will highlight Tahoe’s Environmental Improvement Program, a successful bipartisan, bi-state collaboration among local, state, federal, and private entities. It will also examine the challenges that lie ahead in the face of climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather whiplash, as well as the growing demands on regional infrastructure.    With 20 years as the House Democratic Leader and Speaker, Pelosi has been dedicated to driving the nation towards a greener and more sustainable future. Among her most recent and remarkable achievements is the landmark Inflation Reduction Act, the most sweeping climate action Congress has ever taken. This groundbreaking legislation allocated an astounding $369 billion to combat the climate crisis, making transformative environmental investments aimed at slashing carbon pollution, reducing energy costs through energy-efficient solutions, strengthening energy security, decarbonizing the economy, and prioritizing environmental justice.   As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Padilla secured provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 to authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works and ecosystem restoration activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the planning, design, and construction of urban stormwater treatment facilities, watershed science, and environmental restoration. Most recently, Padilla was joined by his colleagues in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to extend the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act through 2034.  WHEN: Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST WHO: California and Nevada Senators, Governors, and Congressmembers representing Lake Tahoe. 27th Annual Tahoe Keynote Address by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. PUBLIC REGISTRATION: General registration HERE. WHERE:Kings Beach State Recreation Area  The Lake Tahoe Summit is free and open to the public. Due to limited on-site parking, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or the complimentary shuttle service to get to and from the summit. There will also be a bicycle valet service courtesy of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.

NORTH LAKE TAHOE FIRE PROTECTION

Summer is in full swing, and at the North Lake Tahoe Fire District, we’re here to help you lower the risk of wildfires affecting your property. Take advantage of our three amazing programs to enhance your fire safety with ease!

1.Claim Your Free Chipping Services:

Click the link below to schedule your free chipping service: https://reserve.chipperday.com/northlaketahoe

Hurry! Chipping requests are addressed on a first-come, first-served basis. Although our crews are actively responding to wildfires, we promise to get to your chipping pile as soon as possible. Let’s work together to maintain these essential free services!

2. Secure Your Free Defensible Space Inspection:

Schedule your defensible space evaluation by clicking this link:https://www.defensiblespacereport.org/northlaketahoe

Safeguard your home from potential wildfires by getting a defensible space evaluation. As an added benefit, our fire district can issue free tree removal permits for fire hazard trees, if their removal aligns with complete defensible space treatments. Act now and protect what matters most!

3. Look out for Free Curbside Yard Debris Collection Dates and Details:

Don’t miss the chance for curbside yard debris collection! Visit https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/events/yard-waste-collection for all the information you need.

Let’s work together to create a safer community. Act today to secure these incredible free services and make your home a safer place this summer. Don’t wait – safeguard your property from wildfires now!

Tia Rancourt
Public Education/Information Officer

Originally published in the Sierra Sun 07/28/2023, Staff Reporting

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Clean Up the Lake, renowned for their successful 72-mile cleanup project around the shores of Lake Tahoe, has announced the inauguration of its Environmental Dive Center at Lake Tahoe.

The Environmental Dive Center will be a hybrid between a conservation dive school and an environmental science center, and will be located in Incline Village. The initiative marks a significant leap in the fight against all litter and aquatic invasive species in and around Lake Tahoe.

“Clean Up The Lake is striving to create a more sustainable future not only through cleanup efforts, but also through advocacy & preventative action and most importantly, a transformative educational program based at the environmental dive center” said Clean Up the Lake founder & CEO Colin West. “The center will be the first of its kind.” 

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The Bear Magnets are back – an initiative created by Sustain Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe Bear League savebears.org that aims to continue to elevate bear awareness and foster coexistence in our communities. As a business already aware of the bear issues, your partnership is invaluable in achieving our common goal.

Why the Bear Magnet Program Matters:

Bear Magnets: These special stickers, supported by a magnetic backing, serve as powerful symbols of our shared dedication to bear conservation. By displaying them at your establishments, you inspire others to take notice and contribute to this worthy cause.

Educational Outreach: The Bear Magnet Program goes beyond fundraising. It also includes educational events and guided nature walks, where we can deepen our understanding of bears’ importance in our ecosystem and their conservation needs.

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What better way to drink in the last days of summer than going to a baseball game on family day ?!

Watch the Reno Aces battle El Paso and celebrate Labor Day on Sunday, September 3rd at 6 pm.

It’s also a FUNdraiser for Incline Elementary School as IES will get a percentage of each ticket sale purchased with the QR code below.   If we get 100 tickets sold (via that QR code), IES will receive a $500 dollar bonus.

It’s the only Sunday night game featuring postgame fireworks – and there’s no school on Monday!

It’s also Family Sunday, meaning $1 hot dogs and lots of family fun – including kids getting to run the bases between the game and fireworks.

Use the QR code below to buy your tickets >

Sustain Tahoe is currently offering free educational summer activities. Sustain Tahoe is an incredible advocate for Lake Tahoe; they collaboratively work to develop, educate, and facilitate the adoption of ​Geotourism principles for ​​Destination Stewardship and Responsible Travel in the Tahoe Truckee Watershed. From Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, Sustainable Tahoe introduces destination stewardship programs through activities, adventures, and recreation that embrace Lake Tahoe’s uniqueness

Mission: To develop, educate, and facilitate the adoption of ​​​Destination Stewardship (Geotourism) and Responsible Travel. 
Geographic Region Served: Lake Tahoe, California to Pyramid Lake, Nevada (Tahoe-Truckee  Watershed).

Inspired by Dr Charles Goldman (Lake Tahoe’s limnologist), Sustainable Tahoe was founded in 2009 to inspire, guide, encourage and support Tahoe’s tourism industry to develop, educate, and promote stewardship recreation by hosting and marketing a 21st Century menu of activities that connect travelers to the 8 Natural Worlds of Tahoe. When you connect to something you care more about it and that caring influences how you share.

Learn More about Sustain Tahoe >