The National Association of Conservation Districts’ Stewardship Week, an annual program since 1955, stands as one of the nation’s largest initiatives dedicated to promoting the conservation of natural resources. Between the last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in May, this week-long event reminds us of our responsibilities to safeguard our precious natural resources. With today’s environmental challenges, resilient forests are indispensable in fostering a sustainable world. This year’s theme, “May the Forest Be with You, Always”, signifies our commitment to responsible forest stewardship, emphasizing their enduring strength and adaptability.

During NTCA’s April edition of the First Tuesday Breakfast Club, Kerri Timmer, Regional Forest Health Coordinator, Agriculture, Parks and Natural Resources Placer County, shared information about the county’s forest health program, focusing on wildfire risk reduction and the use of the Land Tender tool for prioritizing work. Discussion followed her presentation about the challenges of working with federal agencies, the importance of continuity in projects, and the potential of the county’s forest coverage for better attention.

Environmental Stewardship is a key element of NTCA’s mission. As an active partner in the collaborative development of the Basin-wide Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan, the NTCA is activating the plan’s vision and actions in its efforts to better manage outdoor recreation and tourism. The robust plan’s goals also include ensuring the sustainability and preservation of an iconic natural treasure and our local community.

Learn more about NTCA’s role in the Destination Stewardship plan, as well as how TOT-TBID Dollars at work go towards projects and programs that cultivate environmental stewardship and tourism impact mitigation in the North Lake Tahoe Region.

To learn more about Earth Day festivals in North Lake Tahoe, visit gotahoenorth.com. Plus, locals and visitors alike can take the Traveler Responsibility Pledge to share a commitment to preserving the natural wonders of the Lake Tahoe region.

Save the Date

North Tahoe Chamber Mixer: A Celebration of TOT-TBID Dollars At Work
4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Boatworks at Lake Tahoe

Join the NTCA and North Tahoe Chamber on May 16, 2024 as we celebrate the more than $5 million invested in North Lake Tahoe through the Annual Grant and Event Funding cycles of the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program.

Please note that road construction is occurring in front of Boatworks Mall at Jackpine Street this week. NTCA recommends parking at Commons Beach or Lighthouse Center and using the lakeside trail for walking access to Boatworks Mall on May 16.

NTCA Board Votes to Invest $4.3M in TOT-TBID Dollars At Work Funding Into 13 Projects

At the recommendation of the committees it convenes, the North Tahoe Community Alliance Board of Directors voted to invest a total of $4.3 million in TOT-TBID Dollars At Work funding through the 2024 Annual Grant Cycle into 13 projects that benefit the North Lake Tahoe community. Four of the projects, recommended for TOT funding specifically, will now go before the Placer County Board of Supervisors for approval.

Committees convened by the NTCA are comprised of local business owners and their representatives, workforce housing and transportation experts and advocates, special districts, business associations, nonprofits, and other community members.

“Through the 2024 Annual Grant Cycle, we have recommended the investment of $4.3 million in TOT-TBID Dollars At Work funding that will unlock matching funds of over $6.3 million, bringing the total investment in North Lake Tahoe to over $10 million,” said Tony Karwowski, NTCA president and CEO. “The projects that were both recommended to the Placer County Board of Supervisors for TOT funding and approved by the NTCA Board to receive direct investment of TBID funding include specific workforce housing projects, trails and recreation improvements, litter clean-up, accessibility, and business incubator efforts.”

TBID funding, generated through local hotel and short-term rental stays, purchases at activity providers, restaurants, and retail/rental outlets, was awarded to nine projects totaling $1,638,669. The projects, recommended to and approved by the NTCA Board of Directors by the TBID Advisory and TBID Zone 1 Committees for direct TBID investment include:

• Deep Dive Pilot Cleanup Project and Litter Education Awareness Program (Clean Up The Lake)
• Tahoe Cross Country Lodge Project – Construction (Tahoe Cross Country Ski Education Association)
• Revitalize the Watson Cabin (North Lake Tahoe Historical Society)
• Don’t Drop the Top (Shane McConkey Foundation)
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Accelerator Pilot Program (Tahoe Housing Hub)
• Accessibility for All at North Tahoe Beach (California Tahoe Conservancy)
• Tahoe Backyard Micro Business Incubator (Tahoe Backyard)
• The Mural Project (Arts for the Schools)
• SNOW Sports Museum Expansion and Refurbishment (Sierra Nevada and Olympic Winter (SNOW) Sports Museum Foundation)

In total, four projects totaling $2,680,000 in TOT funds generated by overnight stays in local hotels or short-term rentals were recommended to the NTCA Board of Directors by the Capital Projects Advisory Committee (CAP) and the TOT Committee. The NTCA Board voted to recommend the TOT funding expenditures to the Placer County Board of Supervisors for approval. Projects include:

• Martis Valley Trail (Northstar Community Services District)
• Tahoe Cross Country Lodge Project – Construction (Tahoe Cross Country Ski Education Association)
• North Tahoe Recreation Access Plan Project – USFS 06/Thelin (Placer County Department of Public Works – Tahoe Engineering Division)
• North Tahoe Mountain Biking Trails / FS 73 Bypass (Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association)

To date, the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program has reinvested over $21.3 million in North Lake Tahoe and leveraged an additional match of over $29 million for a total investment of over $50 million in the Multi-Year Sponsorship and Annual Grant funding cycles to support projects and programs in the North Lake Tahoe Community.

The next Annual Grant Cycle will launch in early Fall 2024. Learn more about the projects that have been funded and how the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program supports a vibrant, year-round economy in North Lake Tahoe here, and read the press release here.

The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) is seeking candidates for two volunteer committees that provide valuable input and help guide the work of the NTCA: the TBID Advisory Committee and the TBID Zone 1 Committee.

The TBID Advisory Committee is responsible for advising the NTCA board of directors in the implementation of the Management District Pan (MDP) as it relates to the total TBID budget and how it is allocated and spent within areas of focus that include: sustainability and mitigation of tourism impacts; economic development, transportation and other opportunities; Zone 1 specific services; business advocacy and support; visitor services and visitor centers; and marketing of responsible travel and stewardship initiatives, promotions and special events.

The TBID Zone 1 Committee makes recommendations on the use and implementation of funds specifically allocated to Eastern Placer County lakeside communities generated primarily by assessed lakeside lodging businesses.

Committee positions require a two-year commitment, with typical committee meetings taking place once per month and lasting 1-3 hours per meeting. In total, five seats are currently available:

• NLT-TBID Advisory Committee:
  • Assessed business – must own or represent an assessed business in the tourism business improvement district 
  • Assessed business – must own or represent an assessed business in the tourism business improvement district 

• TBID Zone 1 Committee:
  • Assessed Zone 1 lodging business – must own or represent an assessed Zone 1 lodging business 
  • At-large
  • At-large

Interested community members are invited to express their interest in committee participation by completing this form by 5 p.m. Monday, April 8 to be considered for either committee. Applicants will be notified before May 1 if they have been recommended to the committee for NTCA Board of Directors approval at their May 1 meeting. For questions on the application process, email anna@northtahoecommunityalliance.com.

In honor of Women’s History Month, NTCA is highlighting influential women and their contributions to North Lake Tahoe. Learn more about these incredible women here on our blog or follow along with the series on Instagram.

Dat-So-La-Lee, Champion of Washoe Basketry

Dat-So-La-Lee (1829–1925), American name Louisa Keyser, was more than a basket weaver; she was a cultural icon and trailblazer for the Washoe people, leaving her mark not only on her homeland but also on the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe. Born as Dabuda near Sheridan in Carson Valley, Dat-So-La-Lee’s intricate baskets, known as degikup, captured the essence of Washoe heritage.

Despite facing numerous challenges and personal losses, Dat-So-La-Lee’s dedication to her craft never wavered. Her baskets, sought after for their exquisite craftsmanship and storytelling symbolism, found their way to museums across the nation, including the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City.

From her classical weaving phase to her innovative designs, Dat-So-La-Lee’s legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the rich cultural tapestry woven into the fabric of Lake Tahoe’s history. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the pioneering spirit of Dat-So-La-Lee and recognize her invaluable contributions to Washoe culture and heritage.

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Anne Brigman, Trailblazer of the Sierra Nevada

Anne Brigman (1869–1950) was not just a photographer; she was a fearless pioneer who shattered gender norms in the male-dominated field of photography. Against societal expectations, she boldly ventured into the rugged landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, armed with her camera and a vision. Through her lens, Brigman captured the raw beauty of nature and the human form, challenging the conventional portrayal of women in art. Her daring self-portraits, often set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra, celebrated the strength and resilience of womanhood. Brigman’s trailblazing spirit continues to inspire generations of women to fearlessly pursue their passions and carve their own paths.

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Myrtle Huddleston’s Aquatic Triumphs

In 1931, Mrs. Myrtle Huddleston made waves as the world’s champion endurance swimmer among women, showcasing unparalleled determination and resilience. Despite taking her first swimming lesson just five years prior, Mrs. Huddleston achieved remarkable feats, including swimming 36 miles across Catalina Channel in 20 hours and 42 minutes and winning the ocean championship at Del Ray Beach, Fla., with a swim lasting 31 hours and 18 minutes.

Venturing to Lake Tahoe, Mrs. Huddleston faced the challenges of high altitude and icy mountain spring waters, yet remained undeterred. Clad in an unassuming one-piece bathing suit and coated in grease, she embarked on a 16-mile swim from Glenbrook, Nev., to Tahoe Tavern, Calif. Despite encountering misdirection, strong winds, and physical discomfort, Mrs. Huddleston’s unwavering resolve propelled her forward.

 After 23 grueling hours in the water, Mrs. Huddleston emerged triumphant at Tahoe Tavern, her son Everett cheering her on from a rowboat. Though fatigued and tested, she deemed her Lake Tahoe swim as the pinnacle of her aquatic achievements, a testament to her indomitable spirit and unparalleled tenacity.

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Tahoe City Women’s Club

This Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the great work done by the Women’s Club of Tahoe City established in 1927. Among the causes taken up by the group were the purchase of fire fighting equipment (years ahead of an organized fire department), the founding of a local lending library and aid to those in need within their community.

Funds for their projects were raised chiefly by the raffling of handmade quilts and holding community dances. These women banded together in the name of charity and certainly left their mark on the history of North Lake Tahoe.

In early March, NTCA president and CEO Tony Karwowski penned the op-ed you’ll find below. This op-ed was recently published in the Sierra Sun.

North Lake Tahoe is making progress on traffic solutions (Opinion)
By Tony Karwowski

Traffic congestion has been a challenge in North Lake Tahoe for decades, but this season in particular, we have seen some remarkable improvements thanks to the collaboration of public and private partners throughout the region. The progress we’ve seen is also a direct result of the willingness of residents and visitors to actively participate in these transportation and parking management solutions.

While there’s widespread agreement that there is still more work to be done, it’s important to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the progress that has been made, embrace the concept of “progress over perfection,” and take note of the positive impacts on our environment, economy, and quality of life.

New Initiatives Are Helping to Reduce Congestion and Change Behaviors

One of the most significant changes this season has been the introduction of resort parking reservations on weekends and holidays at both Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California. These systems have ensured that no cars with the requisite reservations have been turned away, and no standstill gridlock has occurred on the roads leading to the resorts. It has also encouraged residents and visitors to plan ahead, carpool, or use alternative modes of transportation, such as the Park & Ride program, which thanks to resort-led incentives and community participation, has seen an increase in usage from 35 riders per season in previous years, to nearly 500 riders per weekend this season.

By spreading out the traffic flow by giving reservation holders confidence they’ll have a place to park when they arrive, the system has helped to ease the pressure on our major roadways throughout the region.

Palisades Tahoe has reportedly experienced a 57% increase in headcount per car during reservation periods, meaning that more people were sharing rides and leaving their vehicles at home or at the Park & Ride locations. Mountaineer has also seen increased usage in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows this season, which Mountaineer Transit Company attributes to Palisades Tahoe’s parking reservation program. At Northstar California, there has been a 39% reduction in cars parked per skier visit, thanks to carpooling and use of the resort’s neighborhood microtransit system.

In addition to the efforts of area resorts, the North Tahoe Community Alliance and Placer County have invested significant TOT-TBID Dollars At Work funds in programs designed to change behaviors and expand shared transportation options. One of the most successful examples of this is TART Connect. The microtransit service, which started in North Lake Tahoe and now operates throughout the Tahoe region, has provided over 1.2 million rides since it started in 2018 with Mountaineer in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows.

TOT-TBID Dollars At Work have also been used to:  expand the Park & Ride program from two to 26 days of service through mid-March, pay for snow removal at 64 Acres in Tahoe City to open 70 more parking spaces, expand TART Connect service hours, and support a new workforce vanpool program in Eastern Placer County, among other things.

What’s Being Done to Keep the Momentum Going

As we look ahead, we should not lose sight of the achievements of this season and the lessons that have been learned. It’s important that we all continue to support and participate in the initiatives that have helped our region make progress on the traffic congestion problem, and also be open to new ideas and opportunities that may arise. 

North Lake Tahoe is a beautiful and special place that we all love and want to protect. By working together and continuing to take decisive action, we can make a difference and ensure that our region remains a desirable and enjoyable destination to live, work and visit both now and in the future.

NTCA is giving away two 3-day VIP WinterWonderGrass Tahoe tickets and two 3-day Palisades Tahoe lift tickets!

To enter:

1. Follow the NTCA Instagram channel, @northtahoecommunityalliance and the WinterWonderGrass Instagram channel, @winterwondergrass.
2. Share our giveaway post on your Instagram story.
3. Post an @mention tagging one or more friends using their Instagram handle on the designated NTCA Instagram post related to the giveaway. Tagging more than one person guarantees only one (1) entry.

One entry per Instagram profile is allowed during the sweepstakes period.

Entries will be accepted from March 4, 2024, at 12:00 A.M. (PST) through March 21, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).  NTCA will choose a winner at random and announce on the NTCA Instagram channel on March 22, 2024. Winner will provide their name and email address to NTCA for digital tickets/ticket codes.

North Tahoe Community Alliance WinterWonderGrass Giveaway Official Rules

B&P Code Section 17539.15(k)(2) states,
(2) “Official rules” means the formal printed statement, however designated, of the rules for the promotional sweepstakes appearing in the solicitation materials. The official rules shall be prominently identified and all references thereto in any solicitation materials shall consistently use the designation for the official rules that appear in those materials. Each sweepstakes solicitation shall contain a copy of the official rules. 

No purchase necessary to enter or win.   

SWEEPSTAKE PERIOD: Entries will be accepted beginning March 4, 2024 at 12:00 A.M. (PST) through March 21, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. (PST).  Entries submitted before or after this period will be disqualified.  SWEEPSTAKE SPONSOR: North Tahoe Community Alliance at 100 North Lake Blvd. Tahoe City CA 96145. HOW TO ENTER: Entrants must follow the NTCA Instagram channel, @northtahoecommunityalliance and the WinterWonderGrass Instagram channel, @winterwondergrass, share the NTCA giveaway post on their Instagram story, and post an @mention tagging one or more person(s) with their own Instagram handle on the designated NTCA Instagram post related to Giveaway.  ELIGIBLITY: (1) entry per Instagram profile is allowed, during the sweepstake period. Tagging more than one person in an @comment will not guarantee additional entries. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole and unfettered discretion to disqualify any entry that it believes contains obscene, offensive or inappropriate content, that does not comply with these Official Rules or that is not consistent with the spirit or theme of the sweepstake.  All entrants must be legal residents of one of the 50 United States and 21 years or older. Employees, directors, contractors and officers of Sponsor, their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, distributors, advertising and promotional agencies or other companies associated with the promotion of the Drawing, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, children, and their respective spouses) and household members of each such employee are not eligible.  Entrants must have a valid email address and it is entrant’s responsibility to update Sponsor of any change in email address. Sweepstake Sponsor is not responsible for incorrect email addresses, server issues, winners moving or relocating or issues with lost or stolen mail, coupons or delivery. Expenses not specifically included in prize description and all taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Prize is awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied outside of manufacturer’s limited warranty. No transfer, assignment or substitution of a prize permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize for an item of equal or greater value in the event an advertised prize is unavailable. PRIZE: Winner wins TWO 3-day VIP WinterWonderGrass Tahoe tickets and TWO 3-day Palisades Tahoe lift tickets.  Winner will be chosen by Sponsor at random and announced on Instagram on March 22, 2024. Winner will provide their name and email address to NTCA for digital tickets/ticket codes. USE OF WINNER’S NAME, LIKENESS, CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE and/or PRIZE INFORMATION: Except where prohibited by law, entry into the sweepstake constitutes the winner’s consent to the use by North Tahoe Community Alliance of winner’s name, likeness, voice, lithographical data, city and state of residence and entry materials including original photos in programming or promotional material, worldwide in perpetuity or on a winner’s list, if applicable, without further compensation. Sponsor is not obligated to use any of the above-mentioned information or materials but may do so and may edit such information or materials, at Sponsor’s sole discretion, without further obligation or compensation. GENERAL:  Participation in the sweepstake constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance for these official rules and the decisions of sponsor, which are final and binding.  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The entrant is providing information to Sponsor and not to Instagram. No information provided will be given to or sold to a third party.

The Tahoe Fund and USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) are looking for community-based artists to “beautify” the blank interiors of the restrooms at the Stateline Fire Lookout Trail in Crystal Bay, the Logan Shoals Vista Point on Tahoe’s East Shore, and the Tallac Historic Site on the South Shore. Officials hope murals depicting Tahoe’s plants, animals, and beautiful landscapes will reduce vandalism and inspire people to take care of Tahoe.

“We are excited to rally the creativity of our local artist community,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “By painting murals on the walls inside the restrooms, we hope to inspire people to take better care of these spaces and—by extension—the Tahoe environment.”

Inspired by a similar idea from the Bureau of Land Management in Henry Lake, Idaho, this mural project intends to enlist artists and community groups in the California and Nevada area to complete the artwork.

“We’re looking for artists who can use their creativity to seamlessly establish a ‘sense of place’ within the Tahoe region and also inspire people to be stewards of the environment,” said Daniel Cressy, Public Services Staff Officer, LTBMU. “Just like visitors in Henry Lake have experienced, our hope is that surprise encounters with art that depicts the beauty that surrounds us in Tahoe will be a fun, memorable way to think about how each of us can make a difference.”

In Idaho, the response to the restroom art has been well-received, with visitors saying things like: “I’ve been in many campground bathrooms. This one is the best by far!,” “Your art in the john surprised me and made my day! Thank you!!,” and “I swear those bathrooms are going to end up on TripAdvisor as one of the ‘must see’s…”.

Kelly Brothers Painting will generously supply paint for each mural. 

Artists interested in submitting a proposal for consideration must do so through this Google Form time-stamped no later than 6 p.m. Pacific Time Friday, March 29, 2024. Artists will be judged and selected by the Tahoe Fund, LTBMU and select community members in April. Mural installation will occur in May 2024, weather permitting.

Learn more about the project and submission criteria at https://tahoefund.org/paintamural.

Happy Valentine’s Week! Whether you’re looking to show your love with flowers and chocolate, want to try a new experience with your Valentine or your friends, or are looking for an upbeat, fun evening, here are five ways to support local businesses this Valentine’s week.

Flowers

Wyld Peony recently opened a storefront in an elegant new retail space. Stop by their store in Incline Village for a beautiful arrangement!

Chocolates

Tahoe City Chocolates, located in Boatworks Mall, offers handmade chocolates, candies from all over the world, delicious ice cream, classic confections and more.

Gifts

Chickadee Art Collective offers handmade gifts from local artists. They also offer Adult Art Classes on Tuesdays at the North Tahoe Event Center through March 12.

Experiences

Lost Sauna Co. Wellness Series at the North Tahoe Event Center offers sessions each Sunday in February from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Learn the benefits of breathwork, cold plunges, and saunas. Each session focuses on a guided breathing technique in the Lakeview Room, followed by a group cold plunge in Lake Tahoe, and then a lakeside sauna session.

Food and Drink

Stop by Alibi Ale Works in Incline Village for dinner, beer and trivia. This week’s Wednesday trivia falls on Valentine’s Day! Trivia begins at 6:00 p.m. You can also stock up on your favorite beers to take home.

For more local business options, check out the North Lake Tahoe Business Directory. Plus, learn more about what the North Tahoe Chamber does to support our local businesses!

Op-ed submitted on behalf of the NTCA and its Board of Directors

At their January board meeting, the North Tahoe Community Alliance Board of Directors unanimously endorsed Cindy Gustafson for Placer County District 5 Supervisor, a role for which her unparalleled dedication and deep-rooted understanding of Eastern Placer County uniquely qualify her.

A resident of North Lake Tahoe in Placer County for over 40 years, Cindy has a profound connection to our community. Her commitment to Eastern Placer County is not just a matter of record; it is a testament to her dedication to the residents, businesses, visitors, and place she calls home.

Having held a variety of leadership positions in our community, Cindy’s leadership style is marked by an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and open-mindedness. She actively pursues and engages with all viewpoints, showing a remarkable capacity for understanding diverse perspectives and concerns. This approach has been crucial in fostering a community where different ideas are invited, heard, and valued.

A staunch advocate for local control, Cindy has consistently supported the reinvestment of locally generated resources in Eastern Placer County, ensuring that our community thrives on its own terms. Her voting record aligns with the pillars of the NTCA, demonstrating her alignment with the priorities and efforts of our stakeholders.

Perhaps most importantly, Cindy has shown an exceptional dedication to the sustainability and stewardship of our natural environment, particularly in Tahoe. Her prioritization of sustainable practices and environmental care is not just a policy stance but a reflection of her deep respect and love for this special place, and wish to preserve it for generations to come.

In sum, Cindy Gustafson represents the epitome of dedicated, insightful, and responsive leadership. Her tenure in Eastern Placer County has been marked by significant achievements and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community. We believe that Cindy Gustafson is not only the best choice for Placer County District 5 Supervisor, but also the right choice to lead us into a future where our community’s unique needs are met with understanding, care, and strategic foresight.

No public funds have been or will be used in any candidate endorsement activities carried out by the NTCA.