The Forest Ecosystem Restoration, Recreation and Tourism Workshop brought together a diverse group of local business people, environmentalists, scientists, local, state and tribal governments, and federal agencies dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Lake Tahoe ecosystem and the continued viability of the region as a recreation and tourism-based economy.
Recreation and Tourism. A consensus exists on the direct linkage between the environment and the economy. The partnership between environmental and business interests recognizes that the demand for recreation must be addressed without compromising ecosystem and watershed protection. Opportunities exist for all levels of government to avoid duplication of efforts when conducting environmental analysis to determine appropriate uses of public land to supply recreation opportunities. There is a need to develop a recreation master plan, assessing the need for improved transit facilities and service and a database/mapping system. Recreation fees could be established with funds invested locally to finance improvements.
Forest Ecosystem Restoration. The partners recognize that ecosystem restoration must incorporate human values. A Forest Health Consensus Group was created in 1992 to work on a strategy for sustaining forest health in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The threat of wildfire must be reduced through mechanical thinning, brush removal and prescribed fire. Funding is needed for these activities and for closing and rehabilitating unneeded roads, monitoring forest conditions to assist private landowners in reducing fire risk and soil erosion on their lands. The federal government should continue to acquire environmentally important lands.
Fire Hazard Reduction Around the Tahoe Communities. Uncontrolled wildfire in the Basin could have a devastating effect on the Basin's residents, visitors, environment and economy. Coalitions have been built among multiple agencies, organizations, and private property owners to share responsibilities in preventing fires. Public education and research needs to be increased to encourage the use of prescribed fire and to ensure all methods of hazard reduction are being considered.
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Sustainable Future, a 501(C)(3) organization
dedicated to achieving a sustainable future for the entire Lake Tahoe region.
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Last updated: August 12, 1997