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| Dear Members and Friends,
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 Welcome to the first edition of the League to Save Lake Tahoe's E-News! In an effort to keep our supporters apprised of important issues, we'll now be bringing you two e-news editions each year (in addition to the two hard copy newsletters). Thank you for your support and let us know what you think of the e-news - email us at info@keeptahoeblue.org with your feedback.
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Shorezone Plan to be Introduced This Month |
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)'s plan for the shores of Lake Tahoe remains in flux. The latest word is that some kind of action on a new proposal could occur as early as the March 26th meeting of the agency's Governing Board.
The anticipated new draft plan has yet to be publicly unveiled. However, every version that has emerged over the years has contemplated a huge increase in the number of boats on the lake. Thousands of new buoys and hundreds of new boat slips and piers have been consistent features of each plan endorsed by the agency's staff.
The League to Save Lake Tahoe supports boating on Lake Tahoe. We are deeply concerned, though, that the planned intensification of use will degrade water quality, scenic beauty, the tranquility of the shoreline, and the enjoyment of low-impact recreation such as swimming and kayaking. The quality of the boating experience itself would deteriorate as popular areas become ever more crowded.
Click here for more info on the shorezone plan and to learn how you can provide input.
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| Next Steps for Forest Health
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As a result of the terrible Angora Fire, the Governors of California and Nevada created a Tahoe Fire Commission to make recommendations for reducing the fire threat to life, property, and the environment in the Tahoe Basin. That Commission is now meeting and the League is following the proceedings closely.
Thus far, the Commission has presented a number of recommendations that raise serious concerns. Obviously fire risk reduction and water quality protection are both critical values, and in reality they are rarely in conflict, but unfortunately, inter-bureaucratic struggles threaten to distract and perhaps derail the work of the commission. The Forest Service and local fire districts chafe at water quality requirements being imposed upon their work by administration of the Clean Water Act or by the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact.
If the Commission falls into the trap of trying to referee this bureaucratic wrangling, it will miss a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the public safety and environmental protection of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Click here for more info on the Fire Commission and the League's recommendations.
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| Watershed Group Continues to Expand
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Much of the Upper Truckee watershed may be buried under snow, but that has not slowed down the work of the Watershed Stewardship Group!
Extensive modifications to the Upper Truckee River from urban development, logging, and channelization have resulted in a situation where the river now acts as a conduit for over half of the fine sediments that enter Lake Tahoe. There are several restoration projects along the Upper Truckee River, however, that have the potential to help return it to a more natural state. Many of these projects will release environmental documents for public review and comment within the next year. As the aim of the watershed group is to build public involvement in the environmental decision-making process, we will continue to work with project planners and community members to increase the local citizen's voice.
In addition, we'll continue to sponsor a monthly lecture series that covers topics of importance to the Upper Truckee River Watershed and a watershed film series - for upcoming events, please check our calendar regularly.
And if you aren't already a member of the Stewardship Group, please contact Sarah Curtis at sarah@keeptahoeblue.org, to join us.
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| Work Continues on Next Regional Plan
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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) continues to work towards proposing a new Regional Plan for Lake Tahoe. The League is working with members of the community and other stakeholders to assure that the new plan increases protection for the environment at Lake Tahoe.
Our priority is to ensure the land use ordinances in the Regional Plan are consistent with the water quality goals of the newly completed Tahoe TMDL. The TMDL data shows that the greatest source of fine sediments polluting Lake Tahoe is the urban areas. Therefore, the League is strongly advocating that the next set of land use policies for the Basin more effectively addresses the problem of stormwater pollution and the maintenance of existing urban boundaries.
In addition, we are advocates for the achievement of the rest of the environmental standards for the Lake Tahoe Basin and the necessity for transportation alternatives to the private automobile. Click here for more detailed information on our priorities.
The Regional Plan was originally scheduled for adoption in 2007, but will not be completed until 2009 according to TRPA's updated schedule. We'll continue to keep you updated through our newsletters - please check our website often for updates and opportunities to provide input.
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| Shop and Search Online and Donate the League!
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 Now you can donate to the League just by searching the internet or doing a little online shopping.
GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50% of its revenue to charities and schools designated by its users. The money GoodSearch donates comes from its advertisers - the users and organizations do not spend a dime! When you want to search the internet, simply go to www.goodsearch.com, designate "Keep Tahoe Blue" as your charity of choice, and enter your search items.
You can also support the League while you do your online shopping. The same company that operates GoodSearch has developed GoodShop, an online shopping mall dedicated to helping fund worthy causes across the country. Each purchase made through GoodShop results in a donation to the user's designated charity. A few participating stores include The Gap, Amazon.com, Bloomingdale's, Barnes and Noble, and Nordstrom.
So next time you've got a little shopping to do, go to www.goodshop.com, enter "Keep Tahoe Blue" as your charity of choice and contribute to a worthy cause!
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 Thanks for all your support!
Best regards,
Rochelle Nason, Executive Director
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