Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

Yesterday the TRPA Governing Board elected Hayley Williamson, the Nevada At-Large Board Member, as its new Board Chair for a two-year term. Williamson replaces Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson who served as chair of the bi-state governing body for more than two years and who will remain on the board as one of six local government appointees. Williamson also serves as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, a seat to which she was first appointed in 2020. “I am honored to step into the role of board chair and appreciate the opportunity from my fellow board members to uphold and strengthen the bi-state partnership,” Chair Williamson said. “Lake Tahoe is an irreplaceable natural wonder and we must work together to restore and protect it for all. It is also my home, and I am personally committed to helping guide TRPA to fulfill its mission of conservation and restoration.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gj8-kvBA

The Winter 2024 issue of TRPA’s award-winning environmental newspaper has hit mailboxes, newsstands, and our website! The special cover story remarks on the 55th anniversary of the Bi-State Tahoe Regional Planning Compact. Inside, our writers and contributors delve into successful meadow restoration projects, what a mast year is for sugar pine seed collection, mountain murals, the return of native Washoe forest management practices, and much more! View it online at https://lnkd.in/gcdCscap

This December marks a significant milestone for the Lake Tahoe Region. Fifty-five years ago this month, a unique interstate compact between the states of California and Nevada became law, creating the nation’s first bi-state environmental planning agency. The signing of the Bi-State Tahoe Regional Planning Compact began a lasting partnership among local governing bodies, federal, state and Tribal entities, and the public. Although TRPA is now more than half a century old, progress is showing no signs of slowing and this year has been a remarkable one. Read more in Governing Board Chair Cindy Gustafson's latest op-ed: https://lnkd.in/gVjzFdSd

Today marks the auspicious occasion of 12 years since our 12.12.12 Regional Plan Update. The very fabric of the Bi-State Compact that formed TRPA was strained and tested during 2011 and 2012, and we came out of the period stronger with the two states re-committing to the partnership in 2013. The vision of the Regional Plan Update remains intact, but implementation must be accelerated in the face of the challenges we face 12 years later. If you haven’t reviewed the story map lately that our staff produced on the Regional Plan Update in 2023, take a look here: https://lnkd.in/gCvjx2bH

TRPA welcomes partners from around the world! Last week, TRPA met with six delegates from India to discuss how transportation solutions can help mitigate climate change. Organized through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the Northern Nevada International Center, TRPA staff explained some of the challenges and advancements in transportation planning in the region. A great conversation ensued about electric infrastructure and the challenges of peak visitation on a rural system. Thank you for visiting!

Living with Fire Means Living With Smoke The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team Fall Prescribed Fire Program began in September and is scheduled to continue through the winter months when conditions are favorable. During this period, residents and visitors in the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas may notice smoke in the air regularly due to residential debris burning and prescribed fire operations. Both activities play an essential role in protecting our communities by reducing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed wildland fires. However, no matter how positive the benefits are, they come with a side effect that can be more than a minor inconvenience: smoke. Learn how to reduce your exposure and see where prescribed fires are occurring at https://lnkd.in/geVfwhs7

TRPA Best in Basin awards recognize projects that exhibit outstanding planning and execution and lead the way in regional collaboration and environmental stewardship. Today, we're highlighting our Forest Health and Defensible Space Winner! The Slaughterhouse Meadows Restoration Project improved both water quality and defensible space in Glenbrook on Tahoe's East Shore. The project removed overgrown alder and willows to make access to the area fire safe, and restored the meadow. Residents saw biodiversity increase from nine species in 2016 to 32 species in 2023 on a 7-acre wetland. Congratulations Glenbrook Homeowner's Association Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Nevada Environmental Consulting

🎉 Big congratulations to Jeff Cowen, Team TRPA’s incredible Public Information Officer, for achieving his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)! 🏆 This prestigious accreditation is a testament to Jeff’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in public communications. His hard work and professionalism continue to elevate TRPA’s mission to protect and preserve Lake Tahoe.

As every homeowner can attest, it takes a lot to keep up a property. #TeamTRPA’s new facilities manager Jeremy, does it with a smile. “I help take care of the TRPA building and the people in it,” said Jeremy. “Sometimes that’s repairing the drywall or taking the trash out, basically whatever needs to be done.” Jeremy joined the team about two months ago, bringing a wealth of experience in the hotel industry. Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, he studied hospitality management at Virginia Tech before chasing powder out West in Lake Tahoe. “I moved here sight unseen 15 years ago, and have never regretted it,” said Jeremy. He worked evening shifts at Edgewood, then as the hotel manager of Lakeside until it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently he served as general manager of the Hotel Becket. He’s the kind of person who steps in and steps up, whether it’s overseeing financials or cleaning rooms when short staffed. His positive energy is a bright spot in what can be a challenging Agency role at TRPA. “I’m proud to join #TeamTRPA and make a positive difference with my work,” he said. Jeremy loves spending time with his wife and two kids and can be found on skis or a mountain bike around town.

Keep bears off the trash diet this Thanksgiving. Lock it down with bear proof bins. #takecaretahoe #bebearaware