envjournal

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

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

In 1969 US Congress created the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to address conservational issues to protect the local Lake Tahoe Environment. Their vision is to preserve, restore and enhance the natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe region. TRPA projects are far-reaching and widespread. Their environmental issues focus on wildfire, invasive species, water, air, shorezone, trees, transportation, and scenic resources. According to Dennis Oliver, TRPA Communications Representative, over $10 billion has been spent in the last ten years to protect Lake Tahoe’s health and water quality.

For more information refer to: TRPA Website

League to Save Lake Tahoe

Known for their “Keep Tahoe Blue” motto, the League to Save Lake Tahoe has fervently promoted protection and restoration of Lake Tahoe Basin’s natural resources for over 50 years. According to their website, the league is “dedicated to protecting and restoring the environmental quality, scenic beauty, and low-impact recreational opportunities of the Lake Tahoe Basin.” With over 4,000 members the non-profit organization focuses on water quality, its clarity, and other critical environmental issues to work toward its mission. They focus on three primary program areas, advocacy and monitoring, legislative advocacy, and education and outreach.

For more information refer to: League to Save Lake Tahoe Website