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

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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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This is a great video showing why it is so necessary to inspect boats before they enter Lake Tahoe. Check it out!

- Michelle

The Nature Conservancy

Check out this cool new feature at the Nature Conservancy related to protecting watersheds. Just click on the picture below.

Enjoy!

- Michelle

  

Spring Mountain

By Gideon F. For-mukwai

 

Envjournal Writer

A coalition of local environmental and water activists from Voters for Sensible Growth, Progressive Leadership Alliance and Sierra Club, Toiyabe Chapter have appealed for a reversal of a plan to build over 12000 new homes on 6,105 acres of land at Spring Mountain, because limited water resources in the area.

The Regional Planning Governing Body, according to Erik Holland of Voters for Responsible Growth, will decide the fate of the Spring Mountain 12 March 2009.  So far, the developers have not complied with key requirements like availability of water and the impact of the project on existing road infrastructure.

“Spring Mountain development is unable to pay for itself,” said Erik Holland, Voters for Sensible Growth.

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