Upper Truckee River Restoration and Lake Tahoe Golf Course Reconfiguration Project
Tahoe Chamber | March 2, 2022 | Chamber News • Community News
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Comments of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber)
Upper Truckee River Restoration and Lake Tahoe Golf Course Reconfiguration Project
Notice of Preparation and Public Scoping. Provided as testimony during the TRPA Governing Board Public Hearing held Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Tahoe Chamber is the area’s largest and most active business organization. We appreciate this opportunity to provide scoping comments for the environmental review necessary to advance the river restoration and Lake Tahoe golf course renovation project. We see these two project components as woven together, each for the mutual benefit of the other.
We appreciate that this project is a high priority Environmental Improvement Program project. (EIP #01.02.01.0010). Tahoe Chamber is a long-standing, active advocate for the Environmental Improvement Program and the funding necessary to implement EIP projects.
Hydrology and Water Quality
The segment of the Upper Truckee River that is the target of this project must be restored to a functional condition, reversing historic activities that straightened the channel and disconnected it from the flood plain. We encourage and expect a detailed analysis of the proposed river restoration elements and how they will meet the project goals to restore natural function, reduce erosion (improve Soil Conservation), raise the groundwater table to support riparian vegetation and habitat and Biological Resources, and improve water quality. The environmental report should include information as to how this section of the Upper Truckee River, when restored, will merge and blend with the downriver sections already restored.
Recreation
Lake Tahoe is renowned for its diversity of outdoor recreation and the Lake Tahoe Golf Course is an important recreational asset. In addition to its history and popularity as an affordable 18-hole golf option, driving range, and winter snowmobile course, it also serves as gathering place for family, community, and cultural events. These include but are not limited to social gatherings, family reunions, birthday and quinceanera celebrations, business meetings, and theatrical presentations. It derives revenue from green fees, merchandise sales, facility use fees, and food and beverage services. It employs a significant number of local residents and generates positive economic activity for the South Shore from both locals and visitors. It is an important driver of revenue for the California Department of Parks and Recreation and, specifically, for other parks within the Department’s Sierra District. The recreation, economic and community impacts of the Lake Tahoe Golf Course should be thoroughly detailed within the scope of the environmental document.
Renovating the Recreation Asset
Integrating Hydrology, Water Quality, and Recreation
The environmental report should identify what we foresee will be the significant benefits of redesigning and renovating the golf course and upgrading its infrastructure. The front 9 of the course was built in 1958 (63 years old) and the back 9 in 1962 (59 years old). The artistry of golf course design and the functionality of course infrastructure has advanced over the years. The new course design should incorporate a “return 9” and ensure it remains an affordable championship level 18-hole course. The existing turf and greens can and should be replaced with modern drought tolerant and disease-resistant varietals. The irrigation and drainage infrastructure at Lake Tahoe Golf Course needs and deserves a comprehensive, contemporary upgrade. The environmental analysis should identify how the renovation will result in more efficient course operation and maintenance, increase sustainability and playability, reduce erosion, and improve the course as a compatible partner with river restoration.
The environmental report should also study the possibility of keeping Lake Tahoe Golf Course, club house and other facilities open, safely, as much as possible during project construction.
Public Access at Washoe Meadows State Park (WMSP)
Currently, WMSP is accessible only through a neighborhood and most people are unable to easily locate this unique state and local asset. The environmental analysis should identify how project-proposed improvements will create environmentally compatible Public Access to Washoe Meadows State Park and appropriate bike and pedestrian trail and related connectivity throughout the project area. Appropriate directional and interpretive signage should be incorporated.
Please Identify a Preferred Alternative
We encourage that a preferred alternative be identified in the final report, one that addresses the project goals (purpose and need) for both the river restoration, Lake Tahoe Golf Course reconfiguration and renovation, and access improvements at Washoe Meadows State Park.