Letter: Barton Ranch Complex important to Tahoe
To the community,
Regarding the Barton Ranch Complex article, published April 9: The Lake Tahoe Historical Society (LTHS) appreciates and thanks Lake Tahoe News (LTN) for bringing this story to the attention of the community. If not for the LTN story, this issue would have continued to rest on the back pages of another local newspaper. Our concern is that there has not been adequate time for the community to be aware of the situation, become informed of the circumstances, and have sufficient time to craft informed responses to the draft Negative Declaration the property owners prepared and submitted to the city.
As I was quoted in the article, the issue is whether the ranch will be given a fair opportunity to survive. The society recognizes the property owners’ rights and agrees with a 2011 city staff report regarding the Barton Ranch Complex (BRC) that stated, “Plans for this historic ranch should be economically viable to the property owner.”
The city staff report describes the historical importance of the ranch and cites various regulatory rules to be considered with regard to projects on the ranch. The report goes on to say, “Demolition of the structures associated with the Barton Ranch Complex requires review and approval of the TRPA Governing Board.”
The TRPA Regional Plan and Code of Ordinances includes detailed language that describe its responsibilities to historic resources and the TRPA reviews required for the issuance of permits affecting those resources. Until the LTN article was published there has been no information in the press regarding TRPA involvement in the BRC permitting and/or the draft Negative Declaration process. At what point does the TRPA become involved in BRC permitting?
The TRPA issued a permit to the property owners in 2010 to demolish two historically insignificant buildings at the rear of the ranch. In that permit, TRPA instructed the owners, “Due to its designation as historic resource, no additions, modifications or removal of any other structures located in the Barton Ranch Complex is allowed.”
It seems to us the TRPA needs to be involved in the current process.
At last year’s tourism summit, travel to historic resources was featured as a growing interest of visitors. Developing this property as a cultural resource for the community and its visitors would certainly provide a wholesome family attraction. A history center would provide a shoulder season draw for visitors looking to enjoy Tahoe’s beautiful and less crowded fall season. Perhaps the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) has surplus real estate it could offer the owners in trade for the ranch. The ranch property could be combined with the adjacent CTC acreage. The CTC acreage is currently proposed to become part of a greenbelt that when combined with the BRC could become a community park.
It has been asked why the LTHS waited until the last moment to get involved. The society first became aware of the owners’ intention to demolish the ranch in early December 2013 and attempted to meet with the property owners to discuss options and visit the property. The property owners received our inquiry, but declined to meet with the LTHS. The property owners have not made any recent attempts to reach out to the LTHS on this matter.
The LTHS would like to request more time and opportunities for increased community involvement to determine the future the ranch. The society plans to prepare a response to the draft Negative Declaration to request more time to explore options. The ranch has languished in its current condition for several years; a few more months will not make a difference
The LTHS is at a great disadvantage in this situation. The LTHS has been told by the TRPA that the society is not recognized by the agency as a nominator of resources for the agency’s historic resource register. The LTHS believes community support and involvement are necessary to preserve the Barton Ranch.
The society is a nonprofit organization. It relies solely on membership dues, donations, and fundraisers for financial support. The society receives no financial support from the city, county, state, or federal governments. The society is an independent entity and not a part of the larger El Dorado County Historical Society. The business of the society and activities at the museum are performed by a very small group of dedicated and active volunteers.
There are sources of funding available to historical societies through larger organizations and grants, however, finding, writing, and supporting gifts and grants can be time-consuming, complicated, and in some cases it takes money to obtain money.
If you are interested in preserving the history of Lake Tahoe, especially the history of the south end of the lake, including Meyers, please consider becoming a member of the Historical Society, and if you’re able, become an active volunteer.
Sincerely,
Lee Vestal, chair, Historic Sites Committee and board member Lake Tahoe Historical Society
Lake Tahoe has a long History and I think that the property should be kept and maybe used as a Museum for the Public to know of the history of the area, the Bartons and many other families that were here like the Johnsons, Celoe’s Springmiers Globin’s Hartoonians and many other s that helped make South Lake Tahoe a greatplace to Visit and Live,
As a relative newcomer, part of the appeal, for me, of Lake Tahoe is its unbelievably interesting history. I applaud the Lake Tahoe Historical Society for its mission to keep the past alive.
Thanks, also to Lee Vestal for this thorough information. I’m glad he’s on Lake Tahoe’s history’s side.
How many articles can possibly be written in a one month period that state, “TRPA has XYZ rules, but they aren’t enforcing them, and no one is following them?” We already know they don’t enforce water quality (fireworks), signage (see SLT article), and tree health (see poisoned trees to improve the roof deck at The Landing). Now we hear they aren’t enforcing their historic preservation rules. What a joke! Why would ANYONE follow their rules if there are no repercussions for violations?! TRPA is nothing more than a Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce these days. Just what we need.. a THIRD Chamber.
Lee’s excellent letter points out the necessity to preserve our fast disappearing Tahoe past. If those buildings are torn down they will be lost forever and replaced by commercial structures. If they are saved and made into a park where people can picnic (or enjoy the nearby restaurants), they could enjoy reading stories (provided at a little outdoor museum) about the past activities at the ranch owned by the Barton family. Melba Mosher, a Barton living in Elk Grove, recalls the open land from the ranch to the lake, and loving the summers when they would bring up their horses and cattle to graze. So many stories could be told among those white buildings and among the tall standing trees. For any commercial buildings, of course, the trees would be cut down.
What a loss!
this is an excellent letter – one of the best that anyone has used as a reply to something in LTN – possible exchange with CTC and the existence of adjacent CTC lands makes for some out of the box solutions – it a bit of a shame the property is on the north side of the highway as it would make a better entry point visitors center than what is out in Meyers.
It was also good that Lee explained exactly what the LT Historic Society is – I think a lot of folks think historic societies are some sort of quasi-public agency that manages historic resources – so the question, public involvement? Since this is private property, is the target for involvement TRPA? and perhaps the City and County?
Okay, you knew Old Long Skiis was going to jump in here in regards to the Barton Ranch property, so here goes.
Lee Vestal wrote an excellent letter explaining what they, The Lake Tahoe Historical Society , are up against to preserve this piece of Tahoe history. To say it’s daunting is putting it mildly. I’m hoping an agreemet can come about between the heirs to the property, the TRPA and those of us that want to see it restored and turned into a beautiful piece of Tahoe history that locals and visitors alike can all enjoy.
Guided tours of the the restored house and what remains of the other buildings, a small park with picnic tables and a public restroom and of course, LOTS and LOTS of “Old Tahoe” memorabila. Old photos, books, bottles and cans, hand tools from that era that built this old gem and others like it, maybe an ol’ buggy or an old hay wagon, furniture, clothing and antique firearms and… well, so, so much more. It would be a wonderful addition to So. Shore if we can all come together and make this happen.
Once it’s gone, it ain’t comin’ back. Please let this little bit of Tahoe history stay alive! I’ll volunteer my time and what I can afford monetarily to make sure this real piece of “Old Tahoe” was saved from demolition and prevent it from ending up in a landfill !!! Anybody with me? Thank you for your time. OLS
The LTHS has been told by the TRPA that the society is not recognized by the agency as a nominator of resources for the agency’s historic resource register.
Who does the TRPA recognize as someone who can nominate for their historic resource register and what is the criteria??????
Maybe we could get them to become involved.
If there is anyway these building(s)can be preserved and made safe for general public and the Barton family is able to reverse its plans to raize them, this is a wonderful Historic Preservation project for Lake Tahoe Interior Designers in which to volunteer. I would be willing to volunteer to head up a committee to research old documents/photos of the house(s)interiors.
Let’s see if it is possible to preserve some of South Lake Tahoe’s history.
Joyce Blackstone
Joyce Blackstone, I’m so glad to read you’re on board to help preserve the Barton Ranch Complex as we’re going to need all the help we can get.
You may remember my old boss, Carol Sesser. If we can get her help… well, all I can say is no one says no to “The Warden”!!! We just actually may save this piece of Tahoe history after all !!!
I’m a new member to the “Lake Tahoe Historical Society”, as of last night, and everybody there was real nice and they want to do the right thing in preserving what’s left of Tahoe’s past.
Good bunch of folks at LTHS, and although I was a bit nervous, I really enjoyed speaking to those in attendance at Camp Richardson. Old Long Skiis