Opinion: A blue Tahoe means a clear shore
By Rochelle Nason
We received disturbing news last week that deepwater clarity at Lake Tahoe has dropped nearly 4 feet. Scientists also confirmed that clarity near the shore is worse than it is a mile off shore.
One of Lake Tahoe’s greatest assets is its beautiful shoreline. When we wade into its crisp water, we can often see clear down to our toes. When we swim, we may spot white sand and boulders 20 or 30 feet down. A vast majority of people enjoy the lake’s clarity from shallow areas.
Tahoe’s shoreline beauty is deteriorating rapidly. More and more, we see algae blooms, water weeds and silt along the shoreline. These are signs that the shoreline ecosystem is rapidly changing. Public concern is rising.
Rochelle Nason
State leaders who gathered this week for the Tahoe Summit should be on alert that Tahoe’s shoreline environment is threatened. Protecting shoreline clarity is essential for a healthy ecosystem and economy. The League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as “Keep Tahoe Blue,” is committed to working with policy makers to find and implement solutions.
What are the culprits?
Scientists are still getting a handle on what is causing shoreline deterioration. We know invasive species like Asian clams thrive on nutrients, then produce waste that causes algae blooms. Scientists are examining how boat pollution may remain more concentrated near the shore and cause nutrient spikes. Invasive plants, animal waste, fertilizer runoff and sediment are also concerns. And sadly, old drainage pipes still spew urban runoff directly onto Tahoe’s beaches.
An obvious culprit could be the thousands of tons of road sand applied during the winter season. Cars grind up sand into fine particles and, as the snow melts, this silt hitches a ride to the lake.
What is being done?
To keep that sand out of Tahoe, a simple solution is better street sweeping. Some of Tahoe’s old street sweepers stir up more dust than they collect. The League has been urging jurisdictions to use low-nutrient sand, reduce sand application, use better street sweepers, and sweep more often.
In addition, Tahoe’s boat inspection program must remain strong. Inspections are critical to preventing aquatic invasive species that could permanently disrupt Tahoe’s shoreline ecosystem. The threat is now closer than ever, as reservoirs near Reno have tested positive for destructive quagga mussels.
The League is also urging policymakers to create comprehensive shoreline protection programs. These programs should include clear standards, practicable solutions and a measured strategy for success. Finally, restoring Tahoe’s watershed is the key to protecting its water quality. Policy makers should retain strong limits on building footprints, and ensure property owners install runoff control measures. Tahoe also needs continued federal and state funding to upgrade old drainage infrastructure and restore disturbed wetlands.
Thousands of people a year are drawn to Tahoe to enjoy its shoreline beauty. Restoring deepwater clarity and protecting Tahoe’s shore must go hand in hand. A blue Tahoe means a clear shore.
Rochelle Nason is executive director of the League to Save Lake Tahoe.
So who will the League sue to improve the shore clarity? This is an example of the hypocrisy of the League. Talk about seeking progress at Lake Tahoe while suing the City and its residents. The Tahoe Fund finally provides an option to the League’s tired leadership and outdated pursuit of the status quo. Times are changing.
Rochelle when was the last time you were on OUR lake!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hard to see it from SF
Maybe the run off from Angora Fire is finally hitting the lake as well. I just saw one of those new street sweepers in action. The dust it kicked up was far worse for people than it’s worth. It does not seem practical.
Does this shoreline include lakefront property with boat docks and boat houses built outside of the rules? Large gatherings of people at he shoreline, etc. Or, are those excluded?
I understand and agree with the concern about the relationship between shoreline degradation and lake clarity and particularly what can be done about it. Historically, however, deepwater clarity has been related to the amount of precipitation (which of course impacts run-off). It seems to me that a reduction in clarity would be expected following the two recent heavy precipitation winters.
Private commercial property owners can install advanced runoff control measures without any public funds, if they’re allowed to redevelop. All of the redevelopment projects currently on the table include massive sediment reduction systems and large reductions in hard coverage. But, the League is against all of them?
How many buzz words and false threats can one put into a story. It sure sounds like I have mine and now we need to stop everything and sue everyone. Rochelle if you want to scare everyone you did, it was just that you scared them away from your way of thinking. I am taking my Keep Tahoe Blue sticker off my truck today. You should print new ones that say keep Tahoe sue. Wake up to the fact that your now more of the problem then the solution.
Tell us something we don’t already know about diminishing lake clarity, shoreline degradation and old drainage pipes spewing non-treated runoff directly into the Lake. Why doesn’t the League to Save Lake Tahoe offer some economic assistance in the way of small grants to help solve some of these issues rather than just making lip-service suggestions? Unfortunately it seems the funds they raise are spent on salaries/benefits and paying fees to expensive Bay Area lawyers for the litigation they frequently initiate.
I re-read the article and it occurred to me that Rochelle Nason really has a great deal of nerve to even think that she or her organization have any voice after her bumbling defense of a gross offender. It shows a complete lack of class or understanding of how the League to Sue Lake Tahoe is perceived by many residents. Please, make sure that as many of those stickers disappear. Take ’em off, they are no longer cool.
Goggle “2011 lake tahoe storm drain calender” AKA Drains of shame.
It has been known for years that the runoff from the roads is the biggest culprit in adding sediment to the lake. Hmmmm? This is not new information! How about the League contributing by offering to buy new snow blowing machinery for local agencies to better clean the roads? Also, pay for training of the employees who operate this new equipment. Now THAT would be leadership! Take the lead in solving one of the biggest problems of lake clarity. Keep Tahoe Blue!
Snowblowers will not help. Storm water devices like the new Stormceptor going in at US 50 and Rufus Allen, which capture the fines (small particulates) and are cleanable with a vactor truck are what are required. They currently make much improved street sweepers which remove a much greater percentage of the fines from the roadway but their prices are prohibitive.
Treating the runoff waste water from the parking lots, roads, and highways as shown on the “Pipe Club” Calendar is the only answer.
Okay. So how about the League to Save Lake Tahoe funding some of this????
Great Idea granny! They are always full of what needs to be (and who doesn’t already know) or full of what the problems are (again, who doesn’t already know), but do they ever offer solutions??? Nope. Time for them to get off their high horse, stop suing everyone, and help fix the darn problem.
I agree, better to help than to constantly hinder.
Everyone wants to think their helping the problem when the reality is we need to focus on the roads which are the primary cause of tahoes clarity decline. I am pretty sure better sand is already being used by some. And sweepers …. What a joke… If we count on them to save the lake were sure to fail. Again…