envjournal

By Michelle Horton

Envjournal Writer

Starting June 1st, 2009 Lake Tahoe boaters will pay a fee to help fund invasive species inspections. Approved by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the inspections prevent aquatic invasives, such as the zebra and quagga mussel from entering Lake Tahoe waters. Fees will range from $10 to $60 depending on vessel size.

We want to know how you feel about this issue. Do you have questions for the TRPA? Do you think there’s another way to protect the lake from invasives? Email us at envjournal@gmail.com or post comments below and let us know what your concerns are and what questions you would like us to ask TRPA officials.

Boating rules information, inspection requirements, and launch facility details can be found online or by phone at 1-888-TAHO-ANS.

By Michelle Horton

Envjournal Writer

There are numerous organizations working toward protecting Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem. Below I have highlighted three of the organizations doing an exemplary job.

Tahoe Environmental Research Center

The Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) is an organization developed within the UC Davis John Muir Institute of the Environment. UC Davis research of Lake Tahoe began in 1959, with Dr. Charles Goldman. TERC is dedicated to research, education and public outreach surrounding lake ecosystems. The Center is focused on providing scientific information to inform decision-making regarding restoration and sustainable use of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Research performed by TERC involves invasive species, water quality, atmospheric quality, terrestrial ecology, and fresh water aquatics.

For more information refer to: TERC Website

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            A recent report turned up encouraging news for organizations working to protect the health of Lake Tahoe. A report released by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) in conjunction with the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Resesarch Center, showed Lake Tahoe water clarity has held steady at a depth of 69.6 feet in 2008. The measurement has held steady for the past eight years.

            Scientists measure clarity by lowering a white Secchi disk, which is the size of a dinner plate, into the lake and measuring its depth at its lowest visibility, also known as is Secchi depth. According to the report UC Davis researchers measure lake clarity with a Secchi disk every seven to ten days at two set locations. Measurements began in 1968 with an average recorded depth of 102.4 feet that year.

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From The Nature Conservancy's Blog

A RESPONSE: IS CONSERVATION UNNATURAL?

By Michelle Horton

Envjournal Writer

I came across an article posted on The Nature Conservancy’s blog that I thought was worth exploring. The question being posed: “is conservation unnatural?“

This intriguing post, written by Erik Meijaard, explores the evolutionary triumph of an invasive specie, the Church Bird of Borneo. Although they are nonnative to Borneo, their populations have flourished. However, in their native UK, they are red-listed as populations are quickly diminishing.

Meijaard asks: “When does a species stop being a dangerous invasive and become a wonder of nature worth protecting?”

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