MAP News

Stay up to date with Mountain Area Preservation by signing up for our Monthly E-Newsletter. MAP News highlights are featured below and our past monthly e-newsletters can be accessed on our Archive Webpage.

Happy Halloween from MAP 

 Wishing all of our members, supporters, and followers a safe and fun Halloween from all of us at MAP. We hope you enjoy the October enews, and don't get too spooked by all the land use news. Happy Halloween! 

We Need All Paws on Deck for Truckee Tahoe  

MAP is responding to 18 land use applications and regional planning efforts with all paws on deck this year! Our dedicated staff, land use experts, and legal support work tirelessly on our priority land use and conservation campaigns. Keeping an eye out for the environment and community as plans for growth continue to unfold is part of MAP's charter and mission.  

With Truckee Tahoe's precious resources and public safety at stake, advocating for appropriate development is critical for all of us- residents, business owners, second homeowners, the workforce, seniors, youth, and visitors. By becoming a MAP member, your support powers our advocacy, keeping MAP at the table to fight the good fight! 

Four generous donors have stepped up to provide a $30,000 matching grant to support MAP's advocacy and member growth. Every dollar you contribute is effectively doubled, making your support even more impactful. The campaign has already received support from 146 MAP members, raising $21,000 dollars and helping us grow with new donors throughout the Tahoe area and beyond! Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference. Help us reach our goal and grow our member base by becoming a new member or renewing today!  

Consider joining the movement and become a MAP member.

14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner Match & Pledge Campaign 

Thank you to the 82 donors who helped us reach our Sierra Forage goal. We were thrilled to secure the $35K match by the end of September, when we officially closed the Sierra Forage Dinner campaign, raising 70,000 dollars from Sierra Forage Dinner guests, new corporate matches, longtime MAP supporters, and new members who helped us hit our goal for the Match & Pledge Program. We are truly grateful for all the support at our annual dinner and the critical funding raised for MAP’s priority land use and conservation campaigns. Thank You to All Sierra Forage Dinner supporters, and be sure to mark your calendars for the 15th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner in 2025 on August 15th!

Welcome MAP’s Membership & Outreach Director | Marissa Rudder

We want to give a warm welcome to Marissa Rudder, our first Membership and Outreach Director. Marissa started with MAP this month and will focus on growing membership programs, community engagement, business members, and collaboration for grassroots environmental advocacy. We are thrilled to have Marissa join our team!

Learn more about Marissa's background and previous roles in Truckee Tahoe non-profits. As Marissa starts to meet members, partners, and stakeholders in Truckee Tahoe, be on the lookout for member engagement!   

Synergy Reps Sample Sale | Gear for Good  

Thank you to the incredible team at Synergy Reps for giving back to MAP and donating $564 to our mission from the Sample Sale earlier this month. Rad gear that gives back to protecting the outdoors and advocating for more open space in Truckee Tahoe is exactly what helps drive our mission, furthering environmental advocacy for Truckee Tahoe. 

We also want to thank our MAP supporters who played a crucial role in the success of the sale at the Synergy Reps Showroom in Truckee and benefited from some deep discounts on epic outdoor brands such as Khul, Kari Traa, Fischer, Kinco, and more! If you missed the sample sale, don't worry; MAP and Synergy Reps plan to bring it back.

Sip, Shop, and Save the Mountains

Join MAP for Ladies' Night in Downtown Truckee 

Save the Date - Ladies Night in Downtown Truckee will return on Friday,  November 15th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Downtown Merchants - Cabona’s, Bespoke + Atelier, Riverside Studios, White Buffalo, Moe, Jo & Zoe, Tahoe Sports Hub, Gallery 5830’, and Wild & Ruff are all participating and offering 20% off storewide with proceeds supporting MAP.  

Mark your calendar, map out your shopping route downtown with your friends and family for November 15th, and join MAP for holiday shopping with a cause! Stay tuned for our special Ladies Night e-blast where we detail more about the event, raffle and theme! 

Save The Date | Give Back Tahoe Campaign 

Save the date for the Give Back Tahoe campaign starting on Tuesday, December 3rd - Giving Tuesday! This will be MAP’s tenth year participating in the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s Give Back Tahoe end-of-year fundraising campaign. Last year, our amazing supporters helped us surpass our goal, raising $55,000 for environmental advocacy! Be sure to mark your calendar for the largest day of giving on December 3rd and the Give Back Tahoe campaign, which runs from Tuesday, December 3rd to Tuesday, December 31st! 

Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin  

Cultivating Community is a multi-year project led by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to identify policies and strategies to address the region’s housing crisis. The process kicked off earlier this year with stakeholder and community meetings in North Shore and South Shore. During the recent workshops, folks discussed data needs, housing issues, and environmental and economic impacts associated with the housing crisis. TRPA staff will utilize this information to develop goals to be presented to the Tahoe Living Working Group (which MAP is part of). Those meetings are open to the public, so we’ll be sure to share meeting information and other ways to get involved as we learn more.

Placer County Board of Supervisors Hearing on Palisades November 19th

Tick tock! Time is running out to speak up on behalf of our mountains and community! Join MAP and other lovers of Olympic Valley on November 19th at the North Tahoe Event Center for the FINAL HEARING on the massive Palisades proposal. The Placer County Board of Supervisors will decide whether to approve 850 mixed-resort units, almost 300,000 sf of commercial space including a 90,000 sf Adventure Park, and the serious impacts that would come with that development, like disastrous evacuation times and an even worse housing crisis. Email the Board of Supervisors before the meeting to submit written comments and attend the meeting in person. It makes a difference when we show up! See you there. 

Town of Truckee General Plan Implementation  

It’s been a while since we’ve provided an update on the implementation of the Town of Truckee’s General Plan, which was adopted in May of last year. The Town has moved forward on a number of action items, including developing new housing programs, infrastructure improvements such as continuing the Legacy Trail and progress on the Railyard Mobility Hub, and adopting the Single-Use Bottle Ordinance. For an overview of General Plan updates, check out this webpage. 

While the Town has made progress on a variety of General Plan items, a few recent actions have given us pause. First, earlier this month the Town Council accepted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment. This is an item that MAP advocated heavily for during the General Plan update, understanding that Truckee has a variety of underserved communities and the Town needs to focus on strategies to address the disproportionate environmental and safety impacts these communities face. Unfortunately, the DEI Assessment was disappointing as it lacked data and thoughtful analysis. Read MAP’s comments on the assessment here.

Second, earlier this week the Planning Commission reviewed a number of proposed changes to the Development Code, including the removal of hospital uses from much of the Gateway area, streamlining high-density housing on certain properties, and minimum commercial floor area requirements in parts of Donner Lake. The meeting made it clear that all associated impacts had not been thoroughly analyzed. Ultimately, the meeting was continued to December 17th, with the Planning Commission directing staff to make lots of changes. Review MAP’s comments and stay tuned for more information as the meeting approaches.

Town of Truckee’s River Revitalization Steering Committee Marks First Year of Progress 

Truckee, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2024) – A group of 18 dedicated community leaders appointed to the Town of Truckee’s River Revitalization Steering Committee (R2SC) have been active in their work over the past year to formulate possible ways to reshape and revitalize the downtown river corridor. Formed in 2023 as a specific action of the General Plan 2040, R2SC has focused on balancing environmental protection with economic development. Check out the recent update from R2SC and visit townoftruckee.com/river. 

Tahoe/Truckee: Worth More than “Wallet Capture”

 “Of course, Alterra has every right to try to squeeze each penny out of their speculative investments. They are a private equity-backed, multi-billion-dollar investment vehicle. It’s what they do. But when their private profits run smack into broader principles — public safety, natural resources, and community health — we have every right, even a responsibility, to defend our mountain values.  United as the movement to keep Tahoe Truckee True, that’s what we do.” 

Sierra Watch’s Tom Mooers outlines the reasons why Alterra’s goals for Palisades’ future run counter to the safety and mountain ethos of Truckee Tahoe. With the final hearing on the Palisades proposal coming down the line next month, it is a critical time to get up to speed on the project and show up to tell Placer County and Alterra that this is not the right approach to redevelopment in Olympic Valley. Read more in this My Shot from Moonshine Ink.

Tahoe Housing Hub now accepting applications for Accessory Dwelling Unit Accelerator Pilot Program 

The Tahoe Housing Hub’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Accelerator Program has officially launched. The program helps local homeowners navigate the complex development process by providing free technical assistance to those who want to add an accessory dwelling unit to their property. Take a look at this article for more information.

Homewood Will Not Open This Season — Here’s Why 

In a shocking move, Homewood Mountain Resort announced earlier this month that they will not be opening for the 2024-2025 ski season. The resort stated that a financial partner backed out based on the slow permitting process and opposition from a local non-profit. Opponents believe this move came in response to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency making it clear that Homewood would have to maintain public access, a topic that came under intense scrutiny in 2022 when the resort announced it would go private. Homewood has since reversed its position on privatization, but many want public access details baked into the resort’s master plan. For more information, read this article from Moonshine Ink. 

Sierra Forage Dinner Match & Pledge Campaign 

MAP is so close to securing $70,000 for grassroots environmental advocacy through our Sierra Forage Dinner match and pledge program. Sixty two donors have helped MAP raise $68,350 since our dinner last month. We only have $1,650 dollars left to raise to hit our goal by the end of this month! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our Sierra Forage Dinner campaign and help MAP secure critical funding for our current priority conservation and land use campaigns.

Mark your calendar for Friday, August 15th, 2025, when the 15th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner will be held at Dancing Pines! 

Thank You MAP Mixer Attendees 

Last night, we had a great evening at California 89, bringing the community together to discuss land use, conservation, and how to be a steward in Truckee Tahoe by being involved in the public process. We are truly grateful to have such die-hard MAP supporters and some new friends in attendance. We plan to host MAP mixers quarterly in 2025 and grow our free, family-friendly community outreach for Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy. A huge thank you to California 89, a MAP Business Member who donated the backyard venue space for our fall mixer. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar for upcoming events, land use hearings and more to stay engaged with MAP.

Synergy Reps Sample Sale to Benefit MAP

Sunday, October 6th, 2-6 pm at Synergy Reps Showroom 

Mark your calendar and join us for a special Sample Sale hosted by Synergy Reps & Mountain Area Preservation (MAP) on October 6th from 2-6 pm at the Synergy Reps Showroom (12313 Soaring Way, Unit 2C, Truckee, CA). 

Shop top brands like KÜHL, Kari Traa, Fischer Ski (Alpine & Nordic), Kinco, Kamik, and SAXX while supporting a great cause! 20% of all profits will be donated to MAP to help preserve our beautiful mountain community. Buy good, do good. Gear up for the season, score exclusive deals, and make a difference! 

MAP Business Membership Spotlight | Tahoe Gifting Co. 

MAP Business Members support our priority land use campaigns, special events, and community outreach programs. This month, we spotlight Tahoe Gifting Co. and the people behind the amazing and unique curated-event gifts and artisan store in Incline Village, NV. A huge thank you to Darya Shahvaran for laser etching all of the Sierra Forage Dinner cups this year for our guests. Darya’s attention to detail is unparalleled, and is what makes working with Darya, Matt, and Bob so fun! Thank you for making MAP shine with your creative energy and attention to detail. Be sure to check out Tahoe Gifting Co. in the Christmas Tree Village shopping plaza in Incline Village. Learn more about MAP Business Membership and how you can be part of the movement by giving back to MAP’s mission and work! 

Tahoe Living Initiative | North Lake Workshop Rescheduled 

Monday, October 7th at 6 pm, North Lake Tahoe Event Center 

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is embarking on a process to develop the next phase of basinwide housing code amendments and they are seeking community input. The North Lake Tahoe workshop was rescheduled due to the Davis Fire and will be held on Monday, October 7th at 6:00 pm at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach.

This is a great opportunity to help guide the conversation around housing affordability and policies to help meet our growing housing needs while protecting Lake Tahoe and the natural resources that make this area special. Spanish interpretation will be provided, along with activities for kids and a meal from Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant. RSVP here!

Village at Palisades Approved by the Placer County Planning Commission  

Despite widespread community opposition and a recommendation of denial by the Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Council, the Placer County Planning Commission voted to approve the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan in a 4-1 vote. Alterra Mountain Company threw the community a bone during the meeting by removing the water park elements from the plan. That said, the overall footprint (850 mixed-resort units and almost 300,000 sf of commercial space) and concerns related to emergency evacuation, insufficient workforce housing and environmental impacts remain. 

This is a disappointing, but unsurprising outcome, given Placer County’s history of approving projects with faulty environmental review that lack community support. The plan will go to the Board of Supervisors for a final vote sometime in November (we’ve heard November 18th, but this has yet to be confirmed). Stay tuned and get ready for a showdown.

Residences at Jibboom Approved by the Town of Truckee Planning Commission 

Last week, the Truckee Planning Commission approved the Residences at Jibboom, a mixed-use project that consists of four buildings, including 62 housing units (52 market-rate and 10 affordable housing units) and 3,339 square feet of commercial space in the empty lot on Jibboom Street, across from the Post Office. The Planning Commissioners were limited in their deliberations due to recent State housing laws. Ultimately, they approved the project in a 2-1 vote (2 approvals and 1 abstention). 

MAP advocated for a better mix of housing types to support locals, with units deed-restricted to workforce housing, in addition to the 10 affordable units. Unfortunately, the developer and the Town have been unable to reach an agreement about the use of Town dollars to support workforce housing units, so the approved project includes mostly market-rate units. We will continue to push the developer and the Town to work together to add units to the project that will be affordable to local workers.

Telecom giant AT&T to remove 8 miles of lead cables in Lake Tahoe after legal battle

In a huge win for Lake Tahoe and the environment, AT&T has recommitted to removing 8 miles of lead cables that have sat at the bottom of the lake for decades. The company is aiming to remove the cables in the next few months. A big shout out to the environmental advocates and organizations that worked behind the scenes to make this happen!

Proposed Sawmill Appealed, Residents Plea for Improved Safety Efforts

Nevada County recently approved the Alpenglow Timber project, a timber-processing facility located along Klondike Flat Road off Highway 89. While there is general agreement that the community needs such a facility, the Friends of Prosser Truckee are appealing the decision to the Board of Supervisors primarily based on their concerns around public safety. Learn more in this article from Moonshine Ink.

Shock filing shows historic Tahoe casino in foreclosure, will be auctioned 

Anyone have a spare $110 million? The old Tahoe Biltmore (or Nevada Lodge if you want to go way back) is on the auction block. The once-beloved casino has been abandoned since 2022, becoming a ghost of good-times past. The current owners are working to restructure their loan and keep their development plans alive. Only time will tell what the future holds. 

Lake Tahoe introduces new regional evacuation plan, seeks public feedback

A new Regional Evacuation Plan was released for Lake Tahoe, developed by a group of Lake Tahoe Fire Chiefs, law enforcement agencies and emergency management personnel. The evacuation plan is open for public comment until November 20th. Review the plan and submit your comments by emailing fireinfo@cityofslt.us. 

Beanie Season Is Here| MAP Organic Cotton Beanie  

It is officially beanie season in Truckee Tahoe, so be sure to stay warm with MAP's 100% organic cotton beanie by Rustek, featuring a cork label with our MAP logo for Mountain Area Preservation. You can buy this beanie and other merchandise online in our MAP Shop! 

Advocate More, Bark Less! | All Paws on Deck for Truckee Tahoe Advocacy  

The dog days of summer are here, and the situation in Truckee Tahoe is heating up! With significant land use, development, and crucial conservation efforts underway, the need for your membership support is more urgent than ever.  

Four generous MAP donors are doubling down on MAP's efforts to grow our membership with a $30,000 match. Read our e-appeal online and become a Truckee Tahoe steward by joining the movement today!  

Donations of $50 or more can receive a Bryn Merrell Wildflowers of the Sierra bandana. Perfect for you or your Truckee Tahoe-loving pup! P.S. The printed appeals are on their way, so keep an eye out for mailbox MAP love!  

14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner a Success!  

The annual dinner hosted at Mitchell’s Meadows was not only a beautiful night in a hidden venue 30 minutes outside of Truckee, it was an absolute blast! The food by Noisettes, the music by Danger Rose, the wine by Grounded Wine Co., and our fun and witty auctioneer, Ravn Whitington, with Porter Simon Law, helped MAP raise critical dollars to enact our mission and do our work. Thank you again to all 140 guests, our host Fred and Pamela Mitchell, volunteers, chefs, staff, our wine donor, and ALL of our amazing sponsors who made the evening possible! Check out our Photo Gallery by Charlie Richter on our website. 

At the dinner, we had a BIG goal to raise $70k, with a $35,000 match from 10 generous donors, and we are so close—less than $7,000 away from making that happen! Donations, big or small, will help us secure our match. If you support our work, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our Sierra Forage Dinner Match & Pledge program. 

Thank you again to our 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner Match Donors: Peter and Ginnie Haas, Greg Hovorak, Jennifer and Nancy Higham in memory of Bob Higham, Melinda Maxfield and Dave Hatchett, Lynne and Ken Weakley, and Ernest Grossman. Your generosity and commitment to our grassroots efforts make MAP happen! 

MAP Mixer at California 89 Register Today!  

Join MAP at California 89 on Thursday, September 19th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm for a MAP Mixer. We will showcase our new advocacy film by Unlikely Media, promote our membership campaign doubling down for MAP’s mission and work, and give important regional land use advocacy and conservation effort updates for Truckee Tahoe. Mixers are FREE; we will have snacks, drinks, MAP merch, and lots of land use love! Want to join in the fun? Register for our MAP Mixer today! 

Welcome | Nikki Price, MAP’s New Event Director 

 We want to welcome and announce Nikki Price as MAP’s new Event Director! Nikki served on the Board starting last fall and, as an event planner, has quickly become a huge asset to MAP and our signature events. Nikki transitioned to a staff position in mid-July and will serve in this new position with MAP, making our events even better, with more mixers and engagement with members, the community, and stakeholders on the horizon! Learn more about Nikki.

Trout Creek Pocket Park Shade Structure Approved  

On Wednesday, August 14th, the Town of Truckee’s Historic Preservation Advisory Commission approved the Trout Creek Pocket Park Shade Structure, a significant milestone in our park development efforts! This additional community benefit for the pocket park, which has been in the works since 2018, with design, engineering, and construction supported by Ed Lupyak and Peter Beaupre of Prosser, Building and Development, Inc., is finally moving forward in 2024. The funding phase is supported by grants and donor support from the Tahoe Truckee Airport District, Union Pacific Railroad Foundation, Teichert Foundation, and the Friends of Trout Creek to bring the shade structure to life! 

The shade structure, consisting of steel posts and a perforated metal roof, will cover both of the park's ADA-accessible tables. This exciting addition will provide year-round shade and much-needed relief at the site, making it more accessible beyond the morning and sunset hours. We are now gearing up to get the permit with the Town of Truckee Community Development Department and will start the installation and construction phase soon after. Once construction commences this fall, we will keep our pocket park lovers apprised! 

MAP at the Lake Tahoe Summit  

This year’s Lake Tahoe Summit was focused on connecting Tahoe through transit, trails, and technology. The program featured some excellent speakers and MAP was thrilled to participate in the environmental booth fair that took place before and after the summit. Thanks to those who came out and stopped by our booth to say hello. We’ll see you next year.

MAP Merch Alert | Future Activist 12-Month Onesies Now Online

MAP Future Activist 12-month onesies are now online in the MAP Shop! These cute little guys are made by Canva & Bella. They are soft and perfect for the Tahoe babe on the go and ready to make a positive change for our future! Get one for only $20 online while we have them in stock! Shop online in the MAP shop for a Future Activist Onesie or another MAP merch item!

Palisades Village Update: Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Council Recommends Denial | Planning Commission Hearing on September 5th

 At the end of a grueling 6+ hour-long meeting, the Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Council unanimously recommended denial of Alterra’s plans for future Palisades development. The next step is the upcoming Planning Commission hearing, which will take place on Thursday, September 5th, starting at 9:00 am in person at the North Tahoe Events Center in Kings Beach or online via Zoom.

The colossal project includes up to 850 mixed-resort units and 297,733 square feet of commercial space including a 90,000 square foot adventure park with an indoor water park. The meeting a couple of weeks ago was jam-packed with hundreds of folks attending in person and online. Almost 50 people gave public comments on the alarming proposal, most expressing concerns around fire safety and evacuation, workforce housing, water quality and availability, noise, maintenance, the vast size and scale of the project, and more.

This project is an all-hands-on-deck situation. While many would agree that redevelopment of Palisades is warranted, the massive scale of this proposal would be devastating to Olympic Valley and would negatively impact the entire region with consequences for Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond. Please join us next week at the Planning Commission hearing to tell Placer County and Alterra why this is the wrong approach to redevelopment in our cherished Olympic Valley.

Tahoe Living Working Group Community Workshops | September 9th & 10th  

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is kicking off its next round of housing code updates with two upcoming community meetings. The first meeting will be held on Monday, September 9th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bijou Community School in South Shore. The second meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 10th, at 6:00 p.m. at Kings Beach Elementary School.   

This is an important opportunity to contribute to the basin-wide conversation around affordable workforce housing and policies that can be developed to support equitable access to housing while preserving and protecting our region's gem: Lake Tahoe.

Sand Harbor Master Plan | Community Input Needed

Like most areas in Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is feeling the strain of overtourism. Initially planned for a maximum of 1,700 visitors per day, the park now consistently sees more than 3,000 visitors per day throughout the summer. Outdated infrastructure and increased demand have led to the degradation of the area’s natural resources. Help Nevada State Parks plan for the future of this beloved outdoor space by filling out their survey. 

Getting involved: The key to more affordable and accessible workforce housing 

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is embarking upon a multi-year process to expand workforce and affordable housing opportunities in the Tahoe Basin. Hear from MAP’s Executive Director, Alexis Ollar, on why your input is crucial. Then, join an upcoming community workshop on September 9th in South Lake Tahoe or September 10th in North Lake Tahoe. Read more in the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

Getting involved: The key to more affordable and accessible workforce housing

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is embarking upon a multi-year process to expand workforce and affordable housing opportunities in the Tahoe Basin. Hear from MAP’s Executive Director, Alexis Ollar, on why your input is crucial. Then, join an upcoming community workshop on September 9th in South Lake Tahoe or September 10th in North Lake Tahoe. Read more in the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

Palisades’ plan: Tahoe deserves better, opinion by Wayne Nader 

Wayne Nader, candidate for Placer County Supervisor, weighs in on the Village at Palisades proposal. He agrees with the vast majority of people who showed up for the last hearing that there are various concerns, including the size and scale of the project, as well as serious implications for wildfire and evacuation. He tells the community, "Profits over people should never be implemented in government, and unfortunately, that appears to be the case happening now.” Read the full op-ed in the Sierra Sun.

North Tahoe/Truckee Commuter Transportation Survey

The Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association (TNT/TMA) invites folks who work in Truckee and North Tahoe to take the Commuter Transportation Survey. This information will be utilized to determine employees' commute needs, which will inform future changes or improvements to transit services and other service solutions to address the needs of the region. The survey is open until September 6th, and as a bonus, you can enter to win one of five $100 Safeway gift cards.

Moving Past Litigation | MAP Settles With TRPA Over Phase 2 Housing AmendmentS 

On July 1st, MAP and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) settled the Phase 2 Housing Codes litigation. MAP filed a lawsuit earlier this year over concerns about housing affordability and environmental impacts after the agency updated its housing codes last December, providing more height, density, lot coverage and reduced parking requirements for deed-restricted housing. The housing codes approved in December were the second phase of updates in a three-part process. The third phase is set to commence this year.  

 Three major outcomes resulted from the settlement. The first is that the TRPA closed a loophole around stormwater requirements and reinstated a critical affordable housing requirement, ensuring that 50% of the TRPA’s bonus units are dedicated to affordable housing. The second win is that MAP secured a seat on the TRPA’s working group that will weigh in on the next phase of housing amendments and the TRPA committed to considering other strategies for opening up housing for the workforce, such as programs to unlock existing housing units. Finally, the TRPA committed to completing a robust environmental review and incorporating critical mitigation measures as part of the third phase of housing policy updates. 

 The Tahoe Living Working Group is meeting soon to kick off the phase 3 effort. Once we know more, MAP will be sure to alert the community to any opportunities for public input and engagement, so that the community’s voice will be reflected in future housing policies for the Tahoe Basin.

14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner - SOLD OUT 

The 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner sold out in a flash, with 140 seats going quickly for our second signature event of the year next month at Mitchell’s Meadows. We can’t wait to share a culinary experience and raise critical dollars for MAP’s Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy on Saturday, August 10th, with new and longtime supporters!  

Volunteers Needed for Pre-Event Support 

 Calling All Volunteers—we need help setting up the venue before and on the day of the 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner event. Volunteers are needed to set up the event and support the auction. We are seeking two volunteers to help from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at Alder Creek Middle School, which is our transit location for the day of the event. If you are interested, please email Nikki Price, MAP Event Director, at Nikki@mapf.org or call 530.582.6751.  

Thank You 2024 Sierra Forage Dinner Sponsors 

 Thank you again to the 2024 sponsors! Without sponsors, MAP would not be able to host the Sierra Forage Dinner; we want to extend an enormous amount of gratitude to our 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner Sponsors: Cabona’s, Patty & Jeff Baird, Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust, Granite Chief Wilderness Protection League, Resource Renewal Institute, Martis Camp, Teichert, Stonebridge Properties, Sierra Buettner Designs, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Obexer’s Boat Company, Mitchell’s Meadows, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Porter Simon Law Office, Creative Coverings, Mountain Thyme Events, Villa Amor, Earth Roots Designs, Unlikely Media, and Jeremy Jensen Media. 

Show Your Support for Shade at the Trout Creek Pocket Park 

MAP has submitted an application to the Town of Truckee for the installation of a shade structure at the Trout Creek Pocket Park. The application will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission on August 14th, starting at 8 am at Town Hall. Show your support for the project by submitting a comment letter to HPAC ahead of the meeting!

If you’re not familiar with the park’s history, MAP completed this project in 2016 and it was the Town’s first pocket park as well as an important water quality project. Prior to restoration, the site was an environmental disaster with crumbing asphalt and pollution flowing into Trout Creek, which ultimately flows to the Truckee River. The project cleaned the site, installed stormwater improvements, and created an ADA-accessible greenspace in Historic Downtown Truckee. The one thing the park does not currently have is shade and during the summer, the strong solar exposure makes for an inhospitable environment. The current project proposes a shade structure to provide refuge, making this a safer and more enjoyable space year round. 

Save the Date | MAP Mixer at California 89 

Join MAP at California 89 on Thursday, September 19th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm for a MAP Mixer. We will showcase our new advocacy film by Unlikely Media, promote our upcoming summer membership campaign doubling down for MAP’s mission and work, and give important regional land use advocacy and conservation updates efforts for Truckee Tahoe.  

Want to join in the fun? Register for our MAP Mixer HERE. 

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Mountain Thyme Events 

MAP Business Members support our priority land use campaigns, special events, and community outreach programs. This month, we are spotlighting Mountain Thyme Events and the woman behind the event planning, Nikki Price. 

This is Mountain Thyme Events third year supporting MAP with planning support for the Sierra Forage Dinner, which is why MAP’s signature events are so fun and special! Thank you, Nikki for all your support making MAP’s events unique and detail oriented. Learn more about our MAP Business Membership program and see how your business can be part of the MAP movement! 

California 89 X MAP | Into The Woods Collaboration

MAP is the beneficiary of the Into The Woods line by California 89. With this collaboration, a $1 from the sale of each Into the Woods product line will benefit MAP and our efforts to protect open space in North Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley for present and future generations. Check out the product line in Historic Downtown Truckee at California 89, located at 10156 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161, or shop online. Give back to MAP and support a small family-owned business simultaneously! 

MAP Outreach | Visit Us at the 2024 Lake Tahoe Summit! 

We are thrilled to host a booth at the 28th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit, hosted by Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto on August 14th at Round Hill Pines in South Lake Tahoe. We hope you’ll all join us for an event featuring a booth fair of environmental organizations and a program focused on transit, trails, and technology in the Tahoe Basin. Register by August 7th or watch the livestream.

Residences at Jibboom Project | Historic Preservation Advisory Commission Outcome 

It’s been a handful of years since the Residences at Jibboom, a mixed-use development project proposed in Historic Downtown Truckee, first came forward. After a chorus of public outcry, the applicants went back to the drawing board to revamp the project. At a 25% reduction in unit count and a 30% reduction in massing from the earlier proposal, the current project includes 62 housing units and 3,3339 sf of commercial space. Additionally, the applicants have indicated that the housing units would include 20 units of workforce housing and 10 units of affordable housing, helping to address Truckee’s critical housing crisis. 

The project was reviewed by the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission earlier this month and they recommended denial of the project, stating that the mass and scale are out of character with the Historic District. This perspective was supported by vocal neighbors. MAP disagrees. While the proposed buildings would be taller than others in the immediate vicinity, they are in line with heights of Truckee’s historic buildings. The materials were thoughtfully selected to match other existing and historic architecture. Most importantly, perhaps, is that this is an excellent location for infill development (close to services, in a central location) and the applicants are promising to commit 20 extra units to workforce housing. MAP’s support is contingent upon the promised workforce and affordable housing. The project will move forward to the Planning Commission this fall. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available. 

Village at Palisades Plan | Meetings Heat Up in August  

Despite an extreme lack of public support (99% of the 2,629 comment letters submitted during the last comment period were against the proposal), Alterra Mountain Company is moving forward with the same project first proposed in 2011. The proposal was approved in 2016, subsequently litigated by Sierra Watch, and the courts ultimately ruled in 2016 that the plan’s environmental review was deficient, lacking adequate analysis of transportation, air quality, noise, hydrology and water quality, and hazardous materials and hazards.  

In 2022, Alterra revised their environmental review, but made no changes to the deeply concerning project, which includes up to 850 mixed-use resort units, up to 50 units of employee housing for 300 employees (who knows how that could possibly be justified), 297,733 square feet of commercial space and a 90,000 square foot adventure park with an indoor water park because, as we’ve been told, there’s nothing to do in Tahoe in the summer. The comment period for the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report closed in January of 2023, and the consultants have supposedly been responding to the 2,629 comment letters since then. With the first of the public meetings on the docket, we suspect that the Final Environmental Impact Report will be released soon. 

There are two scheduled upcoming meetings. The first is a virtual community meeting on August 15th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm (you can ask questions using the chat feature, but no comments will be accepted) and the second is the Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Committee meeting on August 17th, starting at 10:00 am in person and online. If you care about the future of Olympic Valley, it is critical that you show up on the 17th and tell your decision-makers, Placer County staff members and Alterra why this misguided plan is the wrong move for our mountains, our community, and future generations.

KTVN - Mountain Area Preservation (MAP) org successfully settles with TRPA

MAP’s Executive Director, Alexis Ollar, discusses the settlement agreement between MAP and the TRPA regarding the agency’s Phase 2 Housing Codes. She tells Josh Meny of KTVN News Channel 2 what the outcomes of the settlement were and the importance of having affordability requirements reinstated into code. Watch the full story here.

A controversial legal fight in Tahoe results in 'huge win' for affordable housing 

“A grassroots nonprofit went up against Tahoe’s most powerful government agency to fight for more affordable housing. Now they have a seat at the table.” SFGATE’s Julie Brown Davis writes about the details of the settlement agreement between MAP and TRPA regarding the agency’s housing code updates, approved last December. Read the full article here.

Lake Tahoe policy, funding ignores what’s urgently needed

 Tahoe resident Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos analyzes the ever growing challenges facing the Tahoe Basin, and the leadership and funding needed to address them in her op-ed featured in the Reno Gazette Journal. 

Choosing cooperation over litigation: MAP vs. TRPA settled 

Another take on the settlement agreement between MAP and TRPA regarding the TRPA’s Phase 2 Housing Codes. Read the full article from the Tahoe Daily Tribune. 

Truckee River Watershed Council - Executive Director Search  

Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) collaborates, convenes, and coordinates, bringing diverse interests together to solve complex problems for our natural resources while supporting the vibrancy of our local community. Are you interested in joining us? We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to oversee all aspects of our operations and provide strategic leadership. This position requires strong organizational acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to drive growth and success.  

Information on how to apply is included in the job posting.

14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner Tickets On Sale NOW

Celebrate thirty-seven years of grassroots Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy and conservation with Mountain Area Preservation on Saturday, August 10th, at the 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner at Mitchell’s Meadows in Truckee, California. Tickets are on sale NOW! 

 This highly coveted 140-person dinner is a testament to our commitment to intimate gatherings, which will showcase a unique, locally-sourced, gourmet, multi-course vegetarian meal prepared by Noiseittes, complemented by exquisite wine pairings from Joseph Phelps Vineyards. The event will also feature a thrilling live auction with Ravn Whitington of Porter Simon Law Office, a match and pledge segment to raise critical dollars to support MAP’s mission-driven efforts, entertainment with live music, and an exclusive MAP film showcasing 37 years of advocacy and future conservation.
With only 140 seats this year, securing your tickets early is crucial. Individual tickets are $150 each, and a reserved table for ten guests is $1300, a $20 saving per ticket when you buy a table.  Each ticket also includes a $50 tax-deductible donation to MAP + transit to and from the venue.

Take advantage of this opportunity. Buy your tickets TODAY; we only have 40 tickets left!

Thank You 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner Sponsors: Cabona’s, Patty & Jeff Baird, Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust, Granite Chief Wilderness Protection League, Martis Camp, Sierra Buettner Designs, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Obexer’s Boat Company, Mitchell’s Meadows, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Porter Simon Law Office, Creative Coverings, Mountain Thyme Events, Villa Amor, Earth Roots Designs, Unlikely Media, and Jeremy Jensen Media.

MAP 2024 Environmental Scholarship Recipient

Since 2015, MAP has awarded an Environmental Scholarship through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) Scholarship Program to a graduating senior in North Tahoe or Truckee pursuing education in the environmental sector. We are excited to share and announce the 2024 MAP Environmental Scholarship Recipient Peyton Rothery, a Truckee High School graduate. Peyton has been awarded a $2500 scholarship from MAP to support her future education program in environmental law, marine biology, or fish and wildlife management at the University of California, San Diego. 

Peyton is not only a distinguished scholar with all A's while in high school, but she was also awarded the Best Teammate Award for Cross Country as a selfless athlete who brought positivity and leadership to her team and was on the Honor Roll for all six semesters. Peyton's curiosity for the world, desire for diversity, and desire to create a positive change stem from her stewardship and volunteerism founded in Truckee Tahoe, while she also has thrived through travel to Central America. 

Peyton's commitment to her community is evident in her various leadership roles. She served as an assistant coach for the Truckee River United Football Club, a Math Tutor for 7th graders, and a Lake Tahoe Ambassador for the Sierra Nevada Alliance and North Tahoe Community Alliance. She was also actively involved in clubs promoting environmental initiatives and women's empowerment at Truckee High School. All of us at MAP are thrilled for Peyton and her upcoming journey to the University of California, San Diego. Learn more about MAP’s scholarship opportunities, and be sure to make a note if you have a senior for 2025, as we will promote our scholarship again at the beginning of next year!

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Unlikely Media 

MAP Business Members support our priority land use campaigns, special events, and community outreach programs. This month, we are spotlighting Unlikely Media and the woman behind the filmmaking, Victoria Estevez. Estevez is not only a talented filmmaker and storyteller but also an active Board member working to bring awareness and community to MAP’s work and mission. 

Victoria created MAPTIVISM, a short film that debuted at MAP’s 8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival this past April about advocacy and the open space preserved since 1987 and is now working on a new short film about MAP’s history and what it means to be a grassroots environmental advocacy non-profit, working tirelessly over the past thirty-seven years to protect and preserve. This next special film will debut at MAP’s 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner on Saturday, August 10th. Thank you, Victoria, for your support as a MAP Business Member, helping us share with the community and beyond what it means to be an advocate for positive change! Learn more about MAP Business Membership and see how you can help support our mission and work. 

Checkout MAP Business Members!

We’re Hiring | MAP Membership & Outreach Director 

The Membership & Outreach Director application deadline has been extended to July 15th. MAP seeks to hire a dynamic non-profit or business professional to fulfill the Membership & Outreach Director position. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of conservation in the Truckee-Tahoe region by working directly with MAP members, the community, and visitors to engage and educate the public on MAP’s membership program as well as regional land use advocacy efforts benefiting the conservation and environmental sector of the Truckee-Tahoe region.

Learn More on our Website

MAP Outreach | Visit Us at Truckee Thursday in July

Summer outreach is always a treat, and we hope to see MAP members, supporters, residents, visitors, and new members out on Donner Pass Road during  Truckee Thursdays at the MAP booth. We have two Thursday dates for this summer, July 18th and July 25th, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm, so be sure to mark your calendars, come on out to Historic Downtown Truckee, and visit us to get caught up on land use in Truckee Tahoe, MAP membership, buy your Sierra Forage Dinner ticket or MAP merchandise! Check out the Truckee Thursday schedule online, and remember that free transit is available all summer long from neighborhoods to downtown.

Good Morning Truckee | Building Community Resilience  

Good Morning Truckee is a community forum that provides timely, relevant information on various topics. It is open to the public – everyone is invited. It is held on the third Tuesday of every month at Truckee Town Hall from 7:45 - 9:15 a.m. Good Morning Truckee is offered in person and recorded for viewing later if you cannot attend. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. The program starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. The ticket price is $10 for Truckee Chamber members and $15 for the general public. It includes a continental breakfast and a chance to win a door prize. New for 2024: Bring your business card that will serve as your door prize entry ticket.

For July's Good Morning Truckee, they are shifting gears to focus on emergency preparedness and wildfire prevention, two essential components in fostering community resilience, especially in rural areas like Truckee. Join us on July 16th to welcome James Blattler, Emergency Services Coordinator with the Town of Truckee; Anne Rarick, COAD Manager with Turning Point; and Eric Horntvedt, Wildfire Prevention Manager with Truckee Fire. MAP is the nonprofit highlight, and our very own Executive Director, Alexis Ollar, will present on the organization and provide a short community update on current work.

TRPA Code Changes | A Step in the Right Direction 

This week, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board adopted critical changes to its recently updated housing codes. These important clarifications ensure that Lake Tahoe water quality and clarity will be protected even as new high-density, affordable, moderate, and achievable housing projects come forward. They also reinstate a vital affordable housing requirement. 
In December, the TRPA updated its housing codes to provide more height, density, and lot coverage and reduced parking requirements for deed-restricted, affordable, moderate, and achievable housing within the Tahoe Basin’s town centers. While important concerns remain about these new codes, including environmental and public safety impacts, this week's changes were a win for Tahoe and a step in the right direction. For more information on MAP’s position, review our press release.

It’s been a couple of years since the last iteration of the Residences at Jibboom Street Project came forward. After a less-than-welcoming reception from the community, the applicants went back to the drawing board to rework the project. As currently proposed, the project would include four buildings with 62 residential units (10 affordable units, 20 workforce units, and 32 market-rate units), 3,339 sf of ground floor commercial space, and 69 parking spaces. We’ve heard that the project is coming to Truckee’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) on July 10th, with other Town of Truckee meetings on the horizon this summer. We will keep you posted as dates are finalized and let you know how you can weigh in on the proposal. Learn about the project.

Boatworks Redevelopment Project | Design Review  

The proposed Boatworks Redevelopment Project is moving forward in the public process, with an informational presentation to the Tahoe Basin Design Review Committee earlier this week. The project applicants provided an overview of the project, including building components, site circulation, and preliminary designs. The project has two main building sections, with residential condo-hotel units and commercial retail space along North Lake Boulevard and a spa, hotel and restaurant space closer to the lake.  

During the meeting, committee members asked a number of questions about the project, including questions about parking, access, employee housing, architecture, and the view corridor. The applicants have completed a variety of preliminary analyses on shade, reflectivity and massing, and are in the process of preparing a joint Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Back in February, MAP submitted comments on the Notice of Preparation for this much-anticipated redevelopment project in Tahoe City. Stay tuned for more information as it moves forward. 

Friends of the Library Need Your Opinion | Take The Library Design Survey 

The Friends of the Library need your help and opinion on the design of the future Library at the Truckee Regional Park. This is an exciting and critical phase for the new library in Truckee to serve the region. This is the one chance we have to get the design right for our community's needs, and the Friend of the Library is asking for residents and businesses to participate in two surveys to help inform the design and uses at the future site. To ensure as many community members as possible can provide input, please take the design survey and provide feedback to the Friends of the Library. 

Kings Beach is Tahoe’s last working class enclave, and locals are fighting for its future

The community is leery of yet another development proposal in the Kings Beach Town Center, an area that has seen many developers come and go, with promises that remain unfulfilled. The 39 Degrees North Redevelopment Project is the latest proposal, and if built, it would change the look and feel of Kings Beach forever. Read more in this article from the SF Gate.

Overwhelmed by tourists, Tahoe’s iconic Sand Harbor to soon require reservations 

Sand Harbor is seeing over a million more visitors per year than they were just a decade ago. In an effort to better manage outrageous visitation numbers, the state park will begin requiring reservations starting on August 17th.

Homewood Stays Public, But Can Discovery Be Trusted?

Discovery Land Company partnered with JMA Ventures in 2022 to redevelop Homewood Mountain Resort. Despite promises to keep the resort public, those who have dealt with the company in the past warn Tahoe locals that the Discovery isn’t to be trusted. Read more in Moonshine Ink.  

Save The Date | 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner  

Dine under the stars at Mitchell’s Meadows near Independence Lake on Saturday, August 10th, for the 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner. MAP’s annual farm-to-table dinner and fundraiser celebrates our beautiful home in the Sierra while raising critical funds to support grassroots environmental advocacy for Truckee Tahoe. 

The Sierra Forage Dinner is a multi-course, locally sourced farm-to-table dinner with a vegetarian menu paired with fine wines and fundraising. This is MAP’s primary fundraiser, securing critical dollars for our advocacy efforts.  

Save the date—tickets go on sale Friday, June 21st. 

More event details coming soon!

Business Member Spotlight | Pamela Hurt Associates  

MAP Business Members support our priority land use campaigns, special events, and community outreach programs. This month, we spotlight Pamela Hobday and her generous donation of time, skills, and resources for MAP. With Pamela's guidance and more than forty years of nonprofit support, the MAP board is creating a new strategic plan. Thank you, Pam for your support and guidance.

MAP Environmental Policy Intern | Welcome Alexa McPherson  

We are thrilled to welcome Alexa McPherson to the MAP team for the summer of 2024! A graduate of North Tahoe High School, Alexa is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus in Environmental Science at Clark University in Massachusetts. She will be working on a white paper during her internship that analyzes best practices in climate action planning to help inform MAP’s climate advocacy. Welcome, Alexa!

Interested in serving on a Board? MAP is seeking candidates! 

We are looking to expand the MAP Board of Directors and seek new candidates to serve four-year terms. Board members provide program oversight and support, contribute to fundraising efforts, oversee finances and budget, and strategically plan for the organization’s future. MAP is currently seeking board members who resonate with MAP’s mission/vision and have experience in one or more of the following areas: finance, legal, environmental science, event planning, and non-profit governance. If this sounds like you, please reach out and send your resume to our Executive Director, Alexis Ollar, at alexis@mapf.org. 

We’re Hiring!

MAP Membership & Outreach Director Position

We’re hiring! MAP seeks to hire a dynamic non-profit or business professional to fulfill the Membership & Outreach Director position. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of conservation in the Truckee-Tahoe region by working directly with MAP members, the community, and visitors to engage and educate the public on MAP’s membership program as well as regional land use advocacy efforts benefiting the conservation and environmental sector of the Truckee-Tahoe region. Learn more about the job duties, position requirements, and how to apply on our website. Please share with avid fundraisers and Truckee Tahoe conservation enthusiasts. 

We Have Moved | New Office Location - 10098 Jibboom Street 

 MAP has a new office location (right next door to our old office location) at 10098 Jibboom Street. Stop by and say hello!

TRPA Advocacy | Fighting for Affordable Housing and Resilient Tahoe Communities

 On February 9th, 2024, MAP filed a legal complaint against the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) challenging the Phase 2 Housing Amendments. As workforce housing advocates, we know what it takes to bring good workforce housing projects to the region, and these amendments are not it. They are misguided at best and detrimental to the Lake and our communities at worst. Among other issues, the TRPA failed to complete the required environmental review and commit to implementing critical mitigation measures. They also undermined their own affordable housing requirement and adopted changes that made it much less likely that any affordable housing would be built. 

 Finally, they provided massive development incentives for workforce housing, yet no income cap exists. We do not believe that these projects will magically be affordable for local workers. While litigation is not our preferred avenue for making change, sometimes it is necessary, and that’s the situation we found ourselves in earlier this year. Tahoe is too important. 

Code Changes In Process  

A major win is already on the table thanks to public pressure and MAP’s litigation. The TRPA is considering changes to their recently adopted Phase 2 Housing Amendments that would reinstate a critical affordable housing requirement and clarify crucial stormwater treatment regulations. While the TRPA is painting these as “minor technical changes,” we know how important they are and that the TRPA would not be revisiting the affordable housing issue without legal pressure. The TRPA Governing Board is set to vote on these key modifications at their meeting in June. Thank you to everyone who has endorsed MAP’s legal challenge. It is making a difference!

How Many Bonus Units Are Left? 

 Bear with us momentarily because we’re about to get a little wonky. In order to build in Tahoe you have to get development rights from the TRPA and there are different buckets of development rights. One of those buckets is called “bonus units.” The Phase 2 Housing Amendments (the ones MAP is litigating) only apply to those bonus units. 

 Since these amendments provide huge development incentives (more height, unlimited density, unlimited lot coverage, etc.) it is really important that we know how many bonus units there are. Unfortunately, this has been a moving target and impossible to follow, with TRPA staff presenting different numbers that simply do not add up. MAP pointed this out in a recent public comment letter and the Governing Board directed staff to clarify the issue. We expected them to present a clear accounting of the bonus units at their meeting two weeks ago, but it seems they need more time to figure it out. We’ll keep the community updated if and when we get clarity on the issue.

Silver Creek Estates | Planning Commission Hearing Continued 

 On May 21st, the Town of Truckee Planning Commission began their review of the Silver Creek Estates project, a 40-unit multi-family housing development adjacent to the existing Winter Creek subdivision. As currently proposed, the project includes 10 two-story buildings and seeks to waive or reduce a number of requirements, including the requirements for recreational amenities and open space. The site also qualifies for additional density due to State of California housing laws. 

The Winter Creek community showed up in full force and expressed a variety of important concerns related to public safety, traffic, snow storage, project density, and more. MAP also weighed in to express concerns around project design, vehicle miles traveled and snow storage. Seeing the writing on the wall, the applicant agreed to modify the proposal and will consider increasing some of the building heights from 2 to 3 stories to create more space for other opportunities, such as a recreational amenity on site, more snow storage, and increased parking. The Planning Commission ultimately continued the hearing for this project until August. MAP will follow progress on this project and provide updates to the community as more information becomes available. Stay tuned!

39°N Kings Beach Mixed-Use Project 

 The 39°N Project, a proposed mixed-use development, would consume an entire block with a massive hotel, spa, commercial uses, and townhomes. If approved, this building would be 27 feet taller than any other in Kings Beach. As proposed, the project is deeply concerning. Not only is it out of compliance with the recently updated Tahoe Basin Area Plan, but it’s also vastly out of scale with North Lake Tahoe’s mountain character, presents safety concerns related to building shading and wildfire evacuation, and adds to existing challenges in Kings Beach, like traffic congestion and lack of infrastructure. 

 The applicant recently shared that they will start the environmental review process soon. This is a critical public process where stakeholders can weigh in on potential environmental threats, mitigation measures, and alternatives. Let’s hope the developer is willing to work with locals to create a project that truly enhances Kings Beach and provides opportunities for the community rather than looking solely for profit and a project that will appeal only to tourists. We’ll share more information as it becomes available. 

Placer County Housing Element Update Approved

 Placer County’s rapid-fire housing rezone process that began last spring culminated on May 21st in a marathon 10-hour-long meeting. Placer County initiated this process to comply with State of California housing requirements. If you’re just getting caught up, to create more low-income and affordable housing, the State requires each local jurisdiction to have enough land zoned for high-density housing (apartments and condos) to meet that jurisdiction’s housing needs. 

 The requirement is somewhat misguided as high-density housing does not equal low-income housing, and, at least in Truckee Tahoe, housing that is “affordable by design” seems to be a myth. Regardless, Placer County had a deficit and needed to rezone parcels to fill this gap. Over the last year, Placer considered upzoning (to a maximum of 30 dwelling units/acre) 72 properties. 

 The final hearing was an emotionally-charged meeting that pitted communities against each other, with each arguing that the properties in their area are unsuitable for high-density housing because of sensitive resources, site constraints, lack of infrastructure, and more. A handful of folks supported the rezoning, but the vast majority were against it, with many even arguing that the County should take a stance against the State and choose not to comply with State regulations. In a divisive 3-2 vote, the Board of Supervisors selected 22 properties to upzone, with no parcels in Truckee Tahoe. The Board also directed staff to analyze in-lieu fees and other incentives to provide affordable housing in Placer County. MAP will be following this process as it moves forward.

R2SC | Truckee River Revitalization Plan 

Share YOUR Vision!

 The Town of Truckee is seeking community help to share your vision for the Truckee River near historic downtown. This is an opportunity for the community to take stock of what we want the area to be and to help shape the overall vision and goals for the downtown river corridor area.

 Three “themes”—restore, revitalize, and reimagine—have been developed. They need your input on each topic's vision, opportunities, and challenges. 

 Restore: This refers to river health and access. The goal is to have a thriving ecosystem, including protected water quality, restored riparian zones and habitats for wildlife and fish, abundant native plant species, and appropriate recreation access.

 Revive: This concept involves community vitality and connectivity. The draft vision is for a connected, eclectic mix of thriving local businesses and housing, with a mix of commercial, residential, light industrial, open space, public places, sidewalks, and bike paths.

 Reimagine: is all about what it feels and looks like in the river corridor—the vibe and character of the place. The desire is to have an authentic, attractive place that honors Truckee’s history: a mix of modern and historic, natural and built, a love of place, and respect for "Truckee Funk."

Tahoe homeowners ordered to stop poisoning lake’s invasive weeds

 In a huge win for the Sierra Club Tahoe Area Group, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, and the environment, the El Dorado County Superior Court ruled in favor of the groups’ lawsuit and ordered that herbicide discharges into the Tahoe Keys be halted. In 2022, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board gave a permit to the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association that allowed for the first ever herbicide discharges into Lake Tahoe’s waters in order to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. The environmental groups argued that other alternatives were not properly considered and the Court found that the environmental review was inadequate.

Smoke Covered 70% of California During Biggest Wildfire Years

 Bigger, hotter, more intense wildfires are upon us in California, with the extent of wildfire quintupling in the state since the 1970s. A recent study from the University of California, Davis found that up to 70% of California was consumed by wildfire smoke during portions of 2020 and 2021, yet our understanding of how smoke impacts lake ecosystems is lacking. The study confirmed that wildfire smoke changes light, temperature and oxygen levels in lakes, but a variety of factors impact the extent to which those characteristics are altered.

AT&T Backtracks on Removing Lead Cables Amid Legal Fight

Two abandoned cables containing lead have been nestled at the bottom of Lake Tahoe for decades. The cables, belonging to AT&T, were slated for removal last fall until the telecom giant’s stocks fell to record lows and the company decided to backpedal, instead waiting for the courts to decide the cables’ future. Read the full story in Moonshine Ink.

Own a second home in South Lake Tahoe? Proposed vacancy tax could cost you thousands a year. 

A vacancy tax proposal has made its way onto the ballot in South Lake Tahoe this November. Voters will decide whether homeowners with properties that sit empty for more than half a year will be taxed. The idea is that this tax would be used to generate funding for affordable housing and would incentivize property owners to rent to locals, providing more supply to drive housing costs down. Read more in the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Change is needed in Tahoe (opinion) 

South Lake Tahoe City Councilmember Scott Robbins paints a grim picture of the housing crisis in Tahoe and outlines changes needed to support families and local workers. He is spot on when he states, “In most communities local wages limit prices, but as a vacation destination, locals have been relentlessly outcompeted by a virtually unlimited supply of deep-pocketed 2nd/vacation home buyers bidding for the same limited supply of housing.” Read more in his opinion piece featured in the Tahoe Daily Tribune. 

Emotions run high over long-delayed revival of Lake Tahoe’s Cal Neva hotel

Crystal Bay’s beloved old hotel, the Cal Neva, has sat empty since 2013, but a new owner intends to renovate and update the building, starting with roughly $5 million to $6 million in structural repairs. The new developers have begun the community outreach process and what they’ve found is that this property is still a jewel to many. Three themes have risen to the top during community meetings: historic preservation, public access, and hotel rooms for North Lake Tahoe. Read more in this article from the SF Gate.

Fire Aside Defensible Space Software Comes to Tahoe

 May was Wildfire Awareness Month, so it's a great time to recognize some of the important wildfire risk reduction efforts going on in the region, including a new software platform called Fire Aside that streamlines the process for completing defensible space and home-hardening evaluations. With support from the Tahoe Fund and Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, all fire agencies in the Tahoe Basin now have access to this software, which also helps agencies identify risk mitigation recommendations for local residents to carry out.

8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival | That’s A Wrap!  

Thank you to everyone who celebrated Earth Month with us by attending the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Truckee Tahoe! For the first time ever, MAP hosted back-to-back events in Truckee and Palisades as part of the Earth Day Festival, engaging 300 people in films and MAP’s mission.  

Both events were filled with epic outdoor adventure and environmental films, an amazing raffle, and community members coming together in the name of grassroots activism. With the support of sponsors, ticket sales, raffle items, bar, and membership, $31,000 was raised to support MAP’s mission and work.

We are grateful for the incredible support we received from sponsors, raffle donors, volunteers, MAP filmmakers, and festival-goers, who all made the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival a huge success. Thank you, Truckee Tahoe. Be sure to check out some of the highlight photos from Jeremy Jensen Media & Niobe Burden Austere from the Truckee event.

With the Support of Sponsors, Hosting Wild and Scenic is Possible for MAP! 

Thank you to our 2024 Wild and Scenic National Sponsors and MAP Sponsors: Earthjustice, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Tangled Bank Studios, American Rivers, Impact Capital, Patty & Jeff Baird, Cabona’s, Martis Fund, Martis Camp, Obexer’s Boat Company, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, Balance Hydrologics, Brand Geek, KMI Wealth, Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Locals Creative, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, Truckee Chambers, Town of Truckee, Moonshine Ink, 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio, California 89, Truckee Tahoe Airport District, and Clair Tappaan Lodge. 

Business Member Spotlight | Synergy Reps  

Thank you to Synergy Reps for supporting MAP’s mission and priority conservation campaigns. Synergy Reps is our business member to spotlight this month; with over 60 years of combined experience representing outdoor manufacturers, Justin Singer, Dany Huberman, Sabrina Kamman, and Marissa Blake are also avid conservation enthusiasts, wanting to protect open space and Truckee Tahoe’s character.  

Synergy Reps is helping to make MAP happen by making us the beneficiary of the Sample Sale on April 25 and 26th at the Synergy Reps showroom. We enjoyed chatting with MAP members, making new friends, and raising $1,350 for Truckee Tahoe advocacy! Thank you, Synergy Reps. Don’t worry, MAP members and friends who missed it—we will do another one this year. Stay tuned! 

To learn more about MAP’s Business Member Program, the businesses that support MAP, and how your business or organization can join, go to our website. 

We’re Hiring | MAP Membership & Outreach Director Position

We’re hiring! MAP seeks to hire a dynamic non-profit or business professional to fulfill the Membership & Outreach Director position. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of conservation in the Truckee-Tahoe region by working directly with MAP members, the community, and visitors to engage and educate the public on MAP’s membership program as well as regional land use advocacy efforts benefiting the conservation and environmental sector of the Truckee-Tahoe region. Learn more about the job duties, position requirements, and how to apply on our website. Please share with avid fundraisers and Truckee Tahoe conservation enthusiasts. 

TRPA Governing Board Item to Amend Phase 2 Housing Codes Continued 

Following months of community concern, outreach, and advocacy, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is considering amendments to its recently adopted, troublesome Phase 2 Housing Codes. These codes provide a framework outlining how housing will develop in the Tahoe region for many years to come. In the final minutes of their December meeting, the TRPA adopted changes to the codes that removed an important affordable housing requirement, making it much less likely that affordable workforce housing will be built, and included unclear language about stormwater treatment requirements.

 Thanks to community pressure, we are hopeful that a meaningful, affordable housing requirement will be reinstated and that the stormwater treatment language will be clarified.

On April 10th, the Advisory Planning Commission recommended that the Governing Board add the affordable housing requirement back into the codes adopted in December. MAP filed a lawsuit calling for this and other important changes to support workforce housing and environmental protection. However, on April 24th, the Governing Board decided to continue this item to a future date, likely in May. MAP will continue to provide comments in support of these important affordable housing and stormwater treatment modifications. Stay tuned through MAP Action Alerts and our social accounts for updates as this land use item progresses.

Placer County Housing Rezone Program | Board of Supervisors Hearing - May 21, 2024 

Placer County is in the final stages of updating their Housing Rezone Program. As is required by the State of California, every local jurisdiction must have enough land zoned for high-density housing to meet the housing needs of the local population. At present, Placer County does not have enough parcels zoned for high-density development to meet the State requirement, so they have created an inventory of potential sites to upzone. Selected properties will have a minimum development capacity of 20 units/acre and a maximum development capacity of 30 units/acre. 

Placer County completed an environmental review to analyze the impacts of upzoning the candidate sites. The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was recently published and now the Board of Supervisors will meet to finalize the list of properties slated for high-density housing. Four parcels in the Truckee Tahoe area were analyzed in the FEIR, but the Board has indicated that they will not be included in the Housing Rezone Program. The Board of Supervisors hearing will be held on May 21st, starting at 9:00 am in Auburn or online via Zoom. 

The Martis Fund and Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation: A decade of collaborative action

Two local organizations have long collaborated to generate forward momentum and meaningful outcomes in Truckee Tahoe. Alexis Ollar, MAP Executive Director and Vice President of the Martis Fund states, “By working together with regional partners, nonprofits, and government jurisdictions, we can create a positive impact through philanthropy while leveraging more resources to support the environment and community.” Learn more in this article from the Sierra Sun. 

Stalled Waldorf project stokes environmental concerns among Tahoe residents

The long-anticipated Waldorf Astoria project in Crystal Bay has been hit with a notice of default to the tune of $82 million. The project, which many locals find to be massively out of scope with community character at roughly 7 times the size of the old Biltmore, faces an unknown future. Josh Meny with 2 News Nevada reports. 

It’s time to act on microplastics in Lake Tahoe: Ban certain plastics

In honor of Earth Month in April, the Sierra Club Tahoe Area Group’s Tobi Tyler illuminates the ever-growing plastic pollution problem that plagues every corner of the Earth, including Lake Tahoe. She argues that now is the time to ban various types of plastics throughout the Tahoe Basin. Read more about the problem and potential solutions in this op-ed featured in the Reno Gazette Journal. 

Tahoe planning group exerts outsized influence on legislative oversight committee

Incline Village resident Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos argues that the committee designed to oversee the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is failing to fulfill this necessary service. She states that “committee leadership has little interest in TRPA accountability or supervision—in other words, the actual job of oversight.” Read more in her commentary piece published in the Nevada Current. 

8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival 

Join MAP during Earth Month for the 8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, which will be held in Truckee Tahoe for TWO events on April 19th and April 20th. The festival will showcase ten films featuring stories about activism and art, wildlife, resource conservation, adventure with a cause, female empowerment, and more! Tickets are on sale for the custom film program showcased at the Community Arts Center in Historic Downtown Truckee on Friday, April 19th, from 6-9 pm. On Saturday, April 20th, the Wild Child youth program will debut at the Truckee Tahoe Earth Day Festival in the Village at Palisades in the Alpenglow room for FREE. Learn more about the Wild & Scenic Film Festival - On Tour in Truckee Tahoe hosted by MAP, and get your tickets for Friday night before we sell out! 

Thank You 2024 National Partners & MAP Sponsors 

Without the support of sponsors, hosting Wild and Scenic would not be possible for MAP. Thank you to our 2024 Wild and Scenic National Sponsors and MAP Sponsors: Earthjustice, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Tangled Bank Studios, American Rivers, Impact Capital, Patty & Jeff Baird, Cabona’s, Martis Fund, Martis Camp, Obexer’s Boat Company, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, Balance Hydrologics, Brand Geek, KMI Wealth, Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Locals Creative, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, Truckee Chambers, Town of Truckee, Moonshine Ink, 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio, and California 89. 

MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship  

Each year, MAP awards an Environmental Scholarship through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Scholarship Program, and this year we are granting $2,500 to a future 2024 graduating senior with the desire and passion to make a positive impact in a future environmental career or profession. We have raised the bar with an additional $1,500 for our scholarship and hope more Truckee Tahoe seniors seeking an environmental career apply through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. 

Our scholarship is awarded to a North Tahoe-Truckee graduating high school senior attending a two- or four-year college or university and pursuing a degree in environmental science and studies fields. Special focuses can include natural resource management, planning, law, policy, engineering, sustainability, and environmental justice.  

To learn more about the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Scholarship Program and to apply for MAP’s Environmental Scholarship, click here.

MAP Business Membership Spotlight | Maine Beer Company  

MAP Business Members support our priority land use campaigns, special events, and community outreach programs. Maine Beer Company is one of our Business Members to Spotlight this month, with support coming all the way from the East Coast for MAP!  

Miles Heapes, a Maine Beer Company staff member, was born and raised in Truckee Tahoe; now working in Maine for a value-based beer company and 1% for the planet member that instills philanthropy through their company framework and staff ethos. Miles picked MAP to receive a staff-funded 1% for the Planet grant for our mission and work for $1,000.  

“Living so far away, it is a comfort to know that there are organizations like yours working to preserve the amazing place that I grew up in and love,” said Miles Heapes, Maine Beer Company.  Thank you, Miles and Maine Beer Company, for your Truckee Tahoe stewardship and love!

MAP Business Membership Spotlight | Wild Cherries  

MAP Business Members support our priority land use campaigns, special events, and community outreach programs. Membership donations help to fuel our advocacy efforts, and Wild Cherries is our Business Member to Spotlight!  

“Wild Cherries is honored to be a proud supporter of MAP.  As our community grows and evolves, protecting our natural resources and open spaces is more important than ever while mindfully evolving with smart growth development. MAP accomplishes this mission every day, which is why we are a new proud MAP Business Member, ” Kristen Krone, Owner.  

Thank you, Wild Cherries, for your Truckee Tahoe stewardship and belief in MAP’s mission and work. To learn more about MAP’s Business Member Program, the businesses that support MAP, and how your business or organization can join, go to our website. We are grateful for businesses willing to invest in environmental advocacy and the ongoing stewardship needed to protect present and future generations.

Thank You for Your MAP Board Service | Sarah Obexer  

Thank you, Sarah Obexer, for your Board service with Mountain Area Preservation since 2022. Sarah’s stewardship for Tahoe runs deep, and we are truly grateful for her support in helping MAP grow our mission, serve as Secretary, and support our priority land use campaigns to protect open space on Brockway Summit and Eastern Truckee while serving on the MAP Board. Sarah served on the Stewardship Committee for MAP, helping to bring back our signature events after COVID and rebuild community outreach. Thank you for your service and continued support of MAP’s mission, membership, and events! 

Shop To Make A Difference | Synergy Rep Sample Sale  

Join MAP at the Synergy Reps Showroom in Truckee for a Sample Sale. Twenty percent of the proceeds will support MAP and grassroots Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy. You can get a killer deal on Khul, Kari Traa clothing, and more, and your shopping will make a positive difference by providing unrestricted dollars to support Truckee Tahoe activism!  

Come to the showroom on Thursday, April 25th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm or Friday, April 26th, from noon to 3:00 pm. Sample sale sizes are limited by brand: Kari Traa for women is Medium, Khul for women is Small, and Khul for men is Large. The showroom is located at 12313 Soaring Way, Unit 2c. We will have some light refreshments and MAP information at the sample sale, so come out, shop til you drop, and don’t feel bad about it; you are helping us do good!

Save the Date | 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner

MAP will host the 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner on Saturday, August 10th at a NEW venue, Micthell’s Meadows near Independence Lake for a truly majestic experience in the Sierras dining under the stars, celebrating conservation, community and raising critical funds to support grassroots environmental advocacy. Save the date, tickets go on sale this summer, June 21st, 2024.

TRPA Legal Issue #1| Affordable Housing Requirement  

Before the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board adopted the Phase 2 Housing Code Amendments, HALF of the remaining workforce housing units in Tahoe had to be AFFORDABLE, meaning this would be housing for folks earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and below.  At the December 13th Governing Board hearing, the TRPA undercut this critical affordable housing requirement. As part of the Phase 2 Amendments, at the 11th hour, TRPA changed the codes to require 25% Achievable Housing (no income cap) and 75% Moderate OR Affordable Housing. That little word “or” essentially means that now there is NO AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENT. 

This is a HUGE issue; not only does it remove the requirement for actual affordable housing to be built, but it also creates a path for developers to only advance achievable and moderate housing with the simple yet strong word "or," as now written in the code. This social justice issue for Tahoe's workforce is at the forefront of our legal fight, as it is a massive disservice to the most needed type of workforce housing. We believe TRPA can remedy this issue for the present and future generations of Tahoe's workforce.  

As advocates of truly affordable workforce housing, we alerted TRPA to this issue before filing our legal complaint, hoping they would want to remedy this sloppy mistake and bring it back to a public hearing. However, there was no mistake at all. TRPA's goal with Phase 2 is to focus on moderate and achievable housing and ignore the most critically needed housing for Tahoe, which is 80% AMI and below. That said, if their recent newsletter is any indication, it seems the TRPA may have changed its heart now that MAP and the community are starting to apply pressure on this issue. We will keep you posted as we learn more.  

It's shocking that these new extreme land use regulations, which TRPA is selling as a “modern solution” to the affordable housing crisis, are just incentives for more market-rate and luxury housing for higher-income wage earners. According to needs assessments prepared by the Mountain Housing Council and The Tahoe Prosperity Center, Tahoe’s greatest need is affordable housing. Yet, this expensive consultant- and developer-driven process has ignored that need. Tahoe's workforce deserves better. Join MAP, endorse our legal challenge, and help us get 50% affordable housing written back into the code.

Placer County Housing Rezone | MAP DEIR Comments  

Placer County is currently undergoing a process to identify specific parcels throughout the county to upzone. Every few years, the State of California completes a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for the various local jurisdictions across the state and identifies the amount of new housing needed to meet growing demands. Every local jurisdiction has to have enough land zoned for high-density development to meet that need. To fill their gap, Placer County has created an inventory of potential sites to upzone. Properties that are selected will have a minimum development capacity of 20 units/acre and a maximum development capacity of 30 units/acre.  

Placer County conducted an environmental review to analyze the impacts of upzoning candidate sites. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) analyzed four sites in the Truckee Tahoe region. MAP recently submitted comments on the DEIR about potential impacts should those four sites be developed with high-density housing. In order to meet state requirements, Placer County must make final decisions about which parcels to upzone in the next couple of months. We will continue to follow this process and let folks know how to get engaged before final action is taken. 

Boatworks Redevelopment Project - Environmental Review Initiated 

The long-anticipated Boatworks Redevelopment Project is in the initial phases of the environmental review process. In February, Placer County solicited comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Boatworks at Tahoe project. This was the public’s first opportunity to understand what is being proposed and provide comments about potential impacts. The project includes 79 hotel rooms, 29 residential condo-hotel units, 6,000+ sf of conference facilities, an 11,000+ sf spa, 7,000 sf of commercial space, at least 155 underground parking spaces, and more.

Review the Notice of Preparation

Mountain Area Preservation reviewed and submitted comments on the NOP (please note that the comment period is now closed). Our primary initial concerns are related to the mass and scale of the development, potential scenic and character impacts, emergency evacuation, public safety, and the lack of on-site workforce housing. The project applicants indicate that the workforce housing requirement will be satisfied through off-site workforce housing development or payment of the in-lieu fee. The in-lieu fee is a joke (less than the cost to build a single unit of much-needed workforce housing), so we will advocate for this critical community benefit to be built as part of the project.

Check Out MAP’s NOP Comment Letter

The next step in the process is for the consultants to review NOP comments, determine the final scope and content of the Draft Environmental Impact Report, and start completing the required environmental analysis. Stay tuned for more updates as the project moves forward. 

The Town of Truckee’s River Revitalization Steering Committee (R2SC) Seeks Members to Join Two Action Teams 

The River Revitalization Steering Committee (R2SC) is seeking dedicated individuals who are passionate about enhancing the community's well-being and environmental stewardship for two new action teams that are forming this spring. The action teams (which are essentially subcommittees) seeking recruitment are: 

River Health and Access:

• Anticipated to meet 4-5 times annually.

• Seeking community members with expertise in riparian ecosystems, hydrology or related fields.

• Responsibilities include reviewing and providing input on river health assessments, recreation access inventory and action strategies.

Community Economic Vitality:

• Anticipated to meet 5-6 times annually.

• Seeking community members experienced in business operations, economics or related fields.

• Responsibilities include reviewing business stakeholder assessments, financial models, identifying barriers to revitalization, and recommending incentives for community revitalization.

All meetings will be held in-person at Truckee Town Hall. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as recruitment will be open until Friday, March 29. Please email Hilary Hobbs at hhobbs@townoftruckee.com to apply with a description of your relevant experience and passion for the work that the action team you are applying for will undertake. For more information visit TownofTruckee.com/River.

The fantasy of Tahoe’s high-density walkable town center concept  

In a recent opinion piece to the Reno Gazette Journal, Alex Tsigdinos breaks down how the concept of no parking with high-density development within Town Centers in Tahoe may look good on paper, but this urban planning concept does not work for a rural mountain community. Grappling with lacking infrastructure and public transportation, “life without vehicles isn’t possible in the basin,” says Alex.  

The reality of living in Tahoe is that transit is tricky; everyone will always need to travel outside the basin for services, and we have snow and wildfire conditions to plan for, which results in 96% of basin residents having a vehicle. With the approval of the TRPA Phase 2 Housing Code Amendments, there is grave concern that we will make a bad situation worse, by not planning adequately for parking and wildfire evacuation. Read Alex’s opinion piece. 

Lake Tahoe remains murky after 25 years and a $2.9 billion investment

Restoration Act set to expire with little improvement in water clarity  

Dana Gentry of the Nevada Current explores the history of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act and the funding harnessed over the last couple of decades to improve water quality, the reality of what is happening with Tahoe land use and development, mitigation, and the ever-growing tourism industry.

“Lake Tahoe is in the midst of an environmental crisis,” said the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, passed by Congress in 2000. The Act attributed the loss of clarity in the lake’s cobalt-blue waters to pollution caused by a variety of factors, including land disturbance, erosion, air pollution, highway drainage and urban runoff.  

Now, more than two decades later, the act will be up for renewal, with Tahoe’s environment in dire need of more restoration services for natural resources and the ever-growing pressures to accommodate even more luxury development. Read the piece in the Nevada Current, HERE. 

8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival Hosted by MAP 

Save The Date + Tickets Go on Sale March 8th  

Mark your calendar and make a plan to join MAP at the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival coming to Truckee Tahoe for Earth Day 2024. Get ready for awe-inspiring, family-friendly, environmental, and adventure-based films and a raffle to benefit MAP’s priority conservation work! 

MAP will host the festival at two separate events. The first event will be MAP’s custom film program on Friday, April 19, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Community Arts Center in Historic Downtown Truckee. The second event will be the Wild Child Kids’ program at the  Truckee Tahoe Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20th, in the Village a Palisades, a FREE film program from 11 am to 5 pm. 

Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, March 8th, online at MAP’s website. Stay tuned via social media and our enewsletter for the launch of ticket sales, our sponsors' announcement, the event trailer's release, and more!

Wild & Scenic | Volunteers Needed

This year, with hosting two events, we will need some extra volunteers to support the festival. MAP is looking for help with setting up the event, clean up, checking in festival guests, serving popcorn, selling raffle tickets, and more. 

To sign up for volunteering on either Friday, April 19th or Saturday, April 20th, email us at info@mapf.org. All volunteers will receive MAP logo wear, three raffle tickets, and an opportunity to purchase a discounted general admission pass to the festival on Friday, 4/19, in Truckee. Sign up early for a volunteer slot and get these great perks!

Sign On & Endorse MAP’s Legal Challenge of the TRPA’s Housing Amendments 

Earlier this month, MAP filed a lawsuit challenging the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) Phase 2 Housing Amendments due to the agency’s failure to complete the required environmental review and commit to implementing necessary mitigation measures. Additionally, we do not believe that providing massive incentives for projects with no income cap on the basis that they will magically be affordable enough for local workers makes sense for our community or environment. 

Since the petition went live, 280 community members have signed on to show support. TRPA is trying to paint us as a small group of NIMBYs who just want to say no to everything. Let’s prove them wrong. MAP, our grassroots members, and other supporters are solution-oriented and want to be involved in creative solutions that lead to the construction of socially and environmentally just workforce housing. Endorse MAP’s legal challenge, and let’s show the TRPA that there are real solutions out there that protect our mountains and protect the workforce.

Support MAP’s TRPA Advocacy Fund

We understand that a legal challenge against the TRPA is an uphill battle, but just because something is hard doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing. The land use decisions we make today will shape the future of Lake Tahoe forever, which is why we’re bringing the TRPA’s violations to a court of law. Your contribution is critical. It supports efforts to advocate for proper environmental analysis and fight for just workforce housing that considers Tahoe’s unique environment, mitigates impacts, and protects public safety. 

Make a Contribution to MAP’s Advocacy Fund

MAP Land Use Lunch Hour on Thursday, March 7th at Noon | TRPA Legal Challenge Series 

RESCHEDULED - Join MAP for our next Land Use Lunch Hour on March 7th at 12:00 pm on Zoom. We know that speaking land use is like speaking another language, so this monthly program is designed to break it all down, answer your questions, and allow you to learn about important land use happenings. During the next few Land Use Lunch Hours, we will discuss our legal arguments against the TRPA’s Phase 2 Housing Amendments and violating the Bi-State Compact. Next week, find out more about TRPA’s last-minute code changes and how the TRPA violated and weakened their own affordable housing policies. We hope to see you on March 7th!

Sign Up for MAP’s March Land Use Lunch Hour

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Mitch Clarin 

MAP Business Members support our priority land use campaigns, special events, and community outreach programs. Membership donations help to fuel our advocacy efforts, and Mitch Clarin, Real Estate Broker, and General Contractor is our Business Member to spotlight this month. 

Mitch cares about the environment, community, and character of Truckee Tahoe and shows it through the many hats he wears for nonprofits and public service by giving back to his special home in the mountains. 

Thank you, Mitch, for supporting MAP and our mission. To learn more about MAP’s Business Member Program, the businesses that support MAP, and how your business or organization can join, go to our website. 

Become A MAP Business Member

Boatworks Redevelopment Notice of Preparation (NOP) 

You may be asking what NOP means, and it’s the notice to the public and regulatory stakeholders that a new land use application to change the built and natural environment is potentially underway. That is precisely what is being proposed in Tahoe City’s Town Center. A new, larger Boatworks redevelopment project is being proposed, and the first step in the public process is the Notice of Preparation (NOP). 

We attended the NOP scoping meeting the other night and will submit comments by tomorrow’s deadline, February 29th, by 5 pm to Placer County Planner Heather Beckman. If you missed the NOP meeting or the initial routing on this project, take a peek at the presentation from the NOP scoping meeting. 

Currently, the Boatworks site contains longstanding commercial and tourism uses cherished in Tahoe City with 1 - 3 stories, 46,000+ square feet of commercial space, 176 parking spaces, and 34 motel rooms. 

Boatworks at Tahoe, LLC., the new redevelopment team proposes the following: 

• 79 hotel rooms

• 29 residential condo-hotel units 

• 6,000+ sf conference facilities

• 11,530 sf spa

• Swimming pools and fitness center

• 7,000+ sf commercial

• 5,485 sf food and beverage space

• 56,000+ sf parking (155 spaces) 

• Considering another 20 spaces based on the approval of TBAP and the potential for an interception with groundwater table 

• Max 56 feet 
  Take a look at the development proposal and the Placer County NOP. If you have a chance, send in comments to Placer County, cdraecs@er.ca.gov

Tahoe Basin Area Plan at TRPA Governing Board Today 

The FINAL HEARING in the Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) amendments process is underway today at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board meeting, starting no earlier than 11:45 am at the North Tahoe Events Center in Kings Beach. If you are able, tune in and make comments before the final decision is made.

Governing Board Meeting Information

The amendments, which would apply to the portion of Placer County’s jurisdiction within the Tahoe Basin, are intended to incentivize revitalization of North Tahoe’s Town Centers. However, significant concerns stem from the proposed housing amendments, which include allowing certain multi-family developments by right, removing setbacks and minimum lot areas per dwelling, and reducing parking requirements, lot widths, and minimum lot sizes. 

There may be certain locations within North Tahoe where these kinds of incentives would work and result in the construction of the projects Tahoe so desperately needs, particularly workforce housing. These changes can negatively impact the community and environment, and those impacts still need to be fully analyzed in an updated environmental review process. Placer County continues to rely on outdated data to support their proposal. If possible, join the Governing Board meeting today and share your thoughts on the proposal before final action is taken. Learn more on MAP’s TBAP webpage

Placer County Housing Rezone | Draft Environmental Impact Report 

Over the last year, the Placer County Housing Rezone program has taken many shapes. With 72 sites, then 74 sites, and now only 19 sites in all of Placer County (minus the Lake Tahoe Basin) will be analyzed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). MAP has been keeping a watchful eye on this process and specifically commenting on the parcels near Truckee Tahoe. 

The Draft Environmental Impact Report is available for review on the Environmental Coordination Services webpage: Housing Element Sites Rezone | Placer County, CA. Comments on the draft EIR can be submitted by 5 pm on March 18 via email to cdraecs@placer.ca.gov. To receive updates on the housing rezone, sign up here.

Town of Truckee Seeks Two Additional Community Members 

to Join R2SC Steering Committee

The Town of Truckee is looking for two local residents to join an important committee to help shape the downtown area's future. The River Revitalization Steering Committee (R2SC) was formed in 2023 to work collaboratively with landowners, business owners, and other Truckee River stakeholders to create opportunities for the revitalization of the river corridor.

A diverse group of 16 local community members were appointed last fall. Now the Town is looking to fill two additional residential seats with community members who live in the area. Residents who live on East River Street, West River Street (including Donner Creek Mobile Home Park), Riverside Drive or Foxmead Lane are invited to submit a letter of interest by March 1, 2024. People can send the letter via email to Truckee’s Assistant to the Town Manager, Hilary Hobbs, at: HHobbs@townoftruckee.com. The committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 - 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
You can learn more about the R2SC at www.TownofTruckee.com/river

The snow has finally arrived, and MAP is ramping up for another big year of grassroots environmental advocacy! We have our sights set on critical open space to protect in the Martis Valley and North Lake Tahoe; we are working diligently to advocate for meaningful workforce housing policies, programs, and projects and staying up to date and engaged in community planning processes for North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, all while tracking 20 development applications, which is critical environmental advocacy for the region. 

MAP will also bring back in 2024 both of our signature events, the 8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival and the 14th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner, and finally, we plan to finish our community benefit project in Historic Downtown Truckee by bringing a shade structure to life at the Trout Creek Pocket Park. 
It's going to be a big year, and we will need all the help we can get as a grassroots organization from our members, conservation partners, and followers. Join the movement, become a MAP member, and give back to the place you love - Truckee Tahoe!

Save the Date | 8th Annual Wild & Scenic Returns to Truckee Tahoe

Save The Date - Mountain Area Preservation (MAP) will bring the Wild and Scenic Film Festival back to Truckee Tahoe for Earth Day 2024! MAP will host the festival at two separate events. The first event will be MAP’s custom film program on Friday, April 19, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Community Arts Center in Historic Downtown Truckee. The second event will be the Wild Child Kids’ program at the  Truckee Tahoe Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20th, in the Village a Palisades, a FREE film program at the Earth Day Festival from 11 am to 5 pm. 

Mark your calendar and make a plan to join MAP at the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival and get ready for awe-inspiring, family-friendly, environmental, and adventure-based films, as well as a raffle to benefit MAP’s priority conservation work! Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, March 8th online at https://www.mountainareapreservation.org/wsff

Right now, MAP Staff and our Film Festival Committee are seeking sponsor support and raffle donations to help make the film festival successful and sustainable. If you are interested in sponsoring or providing an in-kind donation, see our sponsorship opportunities on our website and reach out to Alexis@mapf.org with any questions.

Thank You 2023 MAP Supporters 

Thank you to the 618 supporters who made MAP happen in 2023. Whether you contributed to MAP’s membership program, summer raffle, the Sierra Forgae Dinner, event sponsorship, business membership, priority land use campaign funds, Give Back Tahoe, or Advocacy Planned Giving, your financial support fuels MAP’s grassroots environmental advocacy efforts. We are truly grateful for your donations and belief in our mission and work. 
If you missed your chance to become a member in 2023, make it your 2024 resolution to help power Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy and make a positive impact this year by becoming a MAP Member!

Tahoe Basin Area Plan - Final Hearing
Just one hearing remains in the Placer County Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) amendments process. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board will review the amendments on February 28th. Join MAP for your last opportunity to weigh in on the controversial proposal prior to adoption. 

Governing Board Meeting Information

The amendments are intended to incentivize redevelopment in North Tahoe’s town centers, Tahoe City and Kings Beach. Here at MAP, we support that vision but do not believe that this package of proposals will make that vision a reality. There are a wide variety of modifications on the table, but most notably are those related to housing. The biggest concerns stem from the proposals to allow certain multi-family developments by right, remove setbacks and minimum lot areas

per dwelling, and reduce parking requirements, lot widths, and minimum lot sizes in some areas. These amendments might work in specific locations, but in many areas, they would detract from the quality of life and character in North Lake Tahoe. Learn more and join MAP at the Governing Board hearing on February 28th.

Learn More About the TBAP Amendments

TRPA Housing Amendments 

Last month, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) Governing Board greenlighted unlimited density, unlimited lot coverage, and 65’ building heights for workforce and affordable housing in Tahoe’s town centers. Only one member of the Governing Board, Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, sided with the vast majority of the public who weighed in on the amendments (over 60 verbal comments and thousands of pages of written comments), questioning the lack of environmental analysis and impacts on safety, community character, and emergency evacuation.

This scale of development has never before been contemplated in the basin, and these amendments rely on outdated environmental review from 2012. There is a housing crisis in Lake Tahoe, but providing incentives for housing with no income cap will not help those who need housing most. MAP and others advocated for innovative alternatives and updated environmental analysis, but those suggestions were disregarded. The Governing Board adjusted the amendments before adoption, but overall, this is a loss for Lake Tahoe, and the TRPA isn’t done yet.

So, what’s next? Local jurisdictions now have one year to “opt-out” of the amendments if their current codes are inconsistent with those just adopted by the TRPA. That said, the TRPA hasn’t defined the process for local jurisdictions to opt-out, so we don’t know what that will look like, but the clock is certainly ticking. Additionally, the TRPA is starting to work on Phase 3, yet another package of policy changes, code amendments, environmental review, and more. Discussions about Phase 3 were set to begin at the first Tahoe Living Working Group meeting this month, but that meeting has been postponed to an unknown date. When will the meeting be rescheduled, and what will be included in Phase 3? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates as information becomes available. 

Learn About TRPA’s Phase 2 Housing Amendments

Town of Truckee River Revitalization Steering Committee
Have you heard about the Town of Truckee’s effort to re-envision, revitalize, and strengthen the health and wellness of the Truckee River? 

The River Revitalization Steering Committee (R2SC) was born out of the Truckee 2040 General Plan, with the goal of tackling the opportunity to revitalize both West and East River Street along the Truckee River corridor adjacent to Historic Downtown Truckee while also bringing the health of the river into the forefront, along with access and potential relocation of industrial uses. 

This effort will take a deep dive into the needs of the river and community in order to create a new blueprint for revitalization and restoration. Alexis Ollar, MAP Executive Director, serves as the environmental representative and 16 other committee stakeholders appointed by the Truckee Town Council in the summer of 2023. The committee started meeting in August to kick off this multi-year planning effort, and the consultant team was just hired for the process. 

R2SC meets the first Tuesday of every month at Truckee Town Hall Council Chambers, and the meetings are open to the public. The next one up is set for Tuesday, February 6th, 5 to 7 pm. To learn more about this effort and follow along, check out the website. MAP will inform our members and Truckee residents as this process develops, knowing there will be plenty of community engagement opportunities to help shape the river's vision, plan, and actions.

Placer County Housing Rezone | Board of Supervisors Workshop 

FEBRUARY 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm, Board of Supervisors Workshop in the Planning Commission Hearing Room, 3091 County Center Drive, Auburn, CA. 95603 and on Zoom. The Feb. 13 workshop will include a presentation from the Planning Services Division on the status of the Housing Element Sites Rezone program and to receive board direction to finalize the list of potential properties to be rezoned within the program.

Following the staff’s presentation, community members will have an opportunity to provide comments both in person and via Zoom. Interested persons can also sign up to receive notifications on the county’s rezone program here: Housing needs rezone program | Placer County, CA. Written comments may also be submitted in advance to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603, and via email at BoardClerk@placer.ca.gov.

Truckee Fire Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Public Review Period

Truckee Fire, in collaboration with SWCA Environmental Consultants, Vibrant Planet's Land Tender decision support tool, and a diverse and representative project team and stakeholder group, has been working diligently on the Truckee Fire Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and accompanying Story Map. This CWPP will become Truckee's wildfire mitigation roadmap into the future as we collaboratively work together on holistic, coordinated, and priority wildfire resilience projects.

The CWPP is nearing completion, and the public review period is open now and will end on February 20th, 2024. Your feedback is critical in this collaborative effort to enhance the safety and resilience of our community from uncharacteristic wildfires.

To access the draft CWPP and participate in the review process, visit the dedicated website. On the website, you will find a comment submission form to submit your valuable feedback. Truckee Fire will also host two in-person public meetings on February 7, 2024, and two virtual meetings on February 12, 2024, to discuss the plan and foster public comment on the CWPP and Story Map. Get involved and learn more at www.truckeefire/cwpp

Who’s Protecting Tahoe? 

Dana Gentry of the Nevada Current recaps the recent controversial land use decisions made by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and the opposition not only by Tahoe residents and environmental groups but also by Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, a member of the TRPA’s Governing Board who opposed the Phase 2 Housing Code amendments at the Governing Board hearing on December 13, 2023. 

With the majority of opposition focused on the allowance of 65-foot-tall buildings in Town Centers, 100% coverage, unlimited density, the ability to build zero parking for future deed-restricted affordable or achievable housing, and no new environmental review since 2021, Aguilar hits the issue on the head that this will be more high-end luxury housing for Tahoe, not housing geared towards being affordable for the workforce, “My priority is the frontline worker in Tahoe, and that’s workforce housing,” Aguilar told the Current. “That’s not affordable housing. That’s not achievable housing. That’s approved workforce housing.”

Read more about the issues facing Tahoe and the TRPA land use decisions by reading the article.

TRPA’s Tahoe development plans disregard residents’ opposition
Full-time Tahoe resident Alex Tsigdinos offers his thoughts on the TRPA’s recent controversial decision to approve housing amendments that provide more height, density, and coverage in Tahoe’s town centers. Despite significant public comment and numerous alternatives presented, the TRPA disregarded concerns and moved forward with its proposal. Read the article to find out what happened and why many are questioning the very agency designed to be the Basin’s “environmental watchdog.”

TRPA’s Tahoe development plans disregard residents’ opposition
Full-time Tahoe resident Alex Tsigdinos offers his thoughts on the TRPA’s recent controversial decision to approve housing amendments that provide more height, density, and coverage in Tahoe’s town centers. Despite significant public comment and numerous alternatives presented, the TRPA disregarded concerns and moved forward with its proposal. Read the article to find out what happened and why many are questioning the very agency designed to be the Basin’s “environmental watchdog.”

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Comes Under Scrutiny
Disheartened by the TRPA’s recent decision to increase height, density and lot coverage, and reduce parking requirements in Town Centers, many locals showed up at this month’s meeting of the Nevada Legislative Committee for the oversight of the TRPA. Residents voiced their concerns and highlighted the agency’s recent questionable decisions. One local, Pamela Tsigdinos stated, “When we asked TRPA directly why isn’t it doing more to prioritize the lake’s health, and the public safety, we are told, and I quote, ‘the developers are TRPA’s customers.’” Josh Meny of Reno’s KTVN News Channel 2 tells the full story.

It’s not snow, it’s pollution: Lake Tahoe littered with thousands of plastic beads
It’s sand, no, it’s snow—no, it’s plastic? Following a recent winter storm, thousands of small, polystyrene beads flooded Incline Village beaches. The number of beads, old remnants of a floating dock, likely totaled over 100,000 pieces. A local non-profit, Clean Up the Lake, launched a volunteer effort, but it is impossible to remove them all. Learn more about this terrible incident here.

Lake Tahoe Littered with Thousands of Plastic Bag, Bottle, and Toy Pieces

A recent study completed by researchers from the Desert Research Institute and the UC Davis Environmental Research Center examined plastic litter in and around Lake Tahoe, and what they found was grim. They discovered an average of 133 pieces of plastic per mile, with food containers, plastic bags, toys, and plastic bottles topping the list as the most common items. The good news is that this information will hopefully be used to influence policies aimed at keeping these plastic items from Tahoe beaches.

Check out the full article here.

Is it still OK to go to Tahoe? Here's what locals say
Last year, Tahoe was included on Fodor’s infamous “No List,” suggesting that the Lake needed a break from the onslaught of over-tourism. Tahoe is not on the list this year, mostly because Fodor doesn’t list the same locations year after year, but many are still wondering whether it’s okay for tourists to go to Tahoe. Read the article to find out what some locals had to say.

MAP 2023 Milemarkers and Milestones

Looking forward 2024, while reflecting on some great advocacy milestones from 2023! 

Twenty-twenty-three has been a long road for land use and MAP's work to make Truckee Tahoe a better place to live and visit. Our advocacy efforts furthered new milestones for MAP, the environment, and the community. 

Grassroots advocacy for responsible development, sound land use planning codes and policies, climate action planning, environmental and social justice, workforce housing advocacy, and our ongoing efforts to protect open space in the Martis Valley and North Lake Tahoe watershed are just a few of the stops along the road this year. 

None of our work would be possible without the support and cheerleading from our members, partners, and community. Advocacy has its ups and downs, but with your support, we are able to keep up the good fight and focus on land use applications and community planning processes in Truckee Tahoe year-round. Thank you for powering our mission and helping us make the many stops along the long road of land use advocacy this year. In wrapping up 2023, we wanted to highlight how MAP's work has helped create a positive impact and brighter future for present and future generations of Truckee Tahoe.

5 Regional Land Use Planning Processes 

This year was a huge community planning year for MAP, with five regional land use planning processes happening simultaneously, some five years in advance and others landing on MAP's plate in 2023. All five processes are critical for the future of Truckee Tahoe. MAP advocacy has played a positive role in helping to shape the Truckee 2040 General Plan, River to River Steering Committee for Truckee River Revitalization, Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments (TBAP) for North Lake Tahoe in Placer County, the TRPA Housing Code Amendments, and the Placer County Housing Rezone Program. 

8 Outreach & Educational Events 

On the streets and online advocacy at Truckee Thursday, California 89, River Ranch, Clair Tappaan Lodge, and land use zooms for Truckee 2040, Placer County, and TRPA Housing Code Amendments were eight highlights from MAP's direct on-the-ground education and outreach. 

9 Give Back Tahoe Campaigns 

This year was MAP's 9th year participating in the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation end-of-year fundraising campaign, with the most raised to date of $50,781 through 88 donors. Thank you for helping us reach our goal of raising $50k! 

13 Years of Sierra Forage Dinner

MAP hosted the 13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner at the Olympic Valley Stables on August 18th, 2023. The event raised $125,000 for environmental advocacy and was supported by 26 sponsors and 150 guests. 

20 Regional Development Applications 

MAP is actively tracking and engaging on twenty land use and development applications. Everything from massive redevelopment projects, hotels, high-end housing, and workforce housing projects. They are stacking up and are in the pipeline for Truckee Tahoe local jurisdictions to process in 2024 and beyond. 

22 Land Use Codes & Policies Created

MAP helped to strengthen and create land use policies and codes that will help to enhance natural resources, climate action planning, and accountability for development and mitigation. Changes made through grassroots advocacy during Truckee 2040, TBAP, and TRPA processes in 2023 will continue to be implemented and enacted through multi-generational community plans and tracking by groups like MAP. 

26 Action Alerts 

Over the past year, we put out 26 Action Alerts to get the community's attention to attend land use hearings or send letters for essential decisions being made in Truckee Tahoe for community planning, workforce housing, wildfire and climate change preparedness, and more. Thank you to the 11,000+ subscribers and followers who put our action alerts to good use by reading, sharing, or motivating yourself to attend a hearing. We appreciate and see you! 

36 Years of Advocacy 

Since 1987, MAP has made it our mission to advocate, no matter what. We know we are often unpopular for taking bold stances, whether for or against development, but those bold moves have made priceless contributions to the Truckee Tahoe environment and community for the last 36 years, and we are not done yet! 

47 Public Hearings Attended 

MAP staff attended 47 regional land use and conservation hearings in Truckee Tahoe in 2023. By participating in the public process at Nevada County, the Town of Truckee, Placer County, and TRPA, our group has a pulse on what is happening with development and conservation initiatives for the region. 

802 Petitions & Letters Signed 

Petitions and grassroots letters drove policy and land use changes in Truckee Tahoe for 2023. It is hard to attend 5-8 hour hearings monthly. With letters and petitions, our appointed and elected officials are able to hear from many constituents about their concerns or ideas for solutions. Thank you to those who took the time to support better community planning by signing and sharing. 

We are looking forward to 2024; with more open space on the horizon and a slew of development applications in the pipeline for review and organizing region-wide. MAP's work and mission are critical right now. We hope you will ride along with us and continue to invest in environmental advocacy as we move into 2024.

Happy Holidays from MAP 

From the Board and Staff at Mountain Area Preservation (MAP), we wish all our supporters, conservation partners, and MAP members a joyous holiday season! We feel blessed to call Truckee Tahoe home and celebrate the holidays in such a beautiful environment, surrounded by residents and visitors who enjoy the wonder of the mountains. Take time this holiday season to connect, give back, and celebrate the small things that make life special. Happy Holidays! 

Give Back Tahoe | Walk on the Wild Side & Give Back to MAP

Over the past thirty-six years of grassroots advocacy and organizing, MAP has helped to protect more than 7,000 acres of critical habitat in the Martis Valley, Donner Summit, Brockway Summit, and Eastern Truckee, and we are not done yet!

Take a walk on the wild side, and give back to MAP this holiday season. Help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 for grassroots Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy! We are more than halfway to reaching our goal with $30,212 raised, and each donation doubled until we reach our goal. End-of-year donations will help power MAP's priority conservation campaigns in 2024 to protect habitat for our furry mountain friends through our Save Tahoe efforts to conserve 7,500 acres in the Martis Valley and North Lake Tahoe watershed. 

It takes a village to advocate for our mountain landscapes and critters; we could not do it without you! Make a tax-deductible donation, double your love for MAP, and enter our Epic Promise Raffle by making a $100 donation until December 31st.

TRPA Housing Code Amendments Approved

In a disheartening 14-1 vote, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) Governing Board approved the Phase 2 Housing Amendments last week. Despite the disappointing outcome, community members showed up in full force, with 60 people giving verbal comments at the meeting (mostly opposed), thousands of pages of public comments submitted to the TRPA ahead of time (again, mostly opposed), and more than 400 submissions of MAP’s open letter on the amendments. Tahoe Truckee, you fought the good fight, and we are so thankful to be part of a community that cares. 

These amendments provide market incentives intended to spur the construction of deed-restricted affordable, moderate, and achievable housing in Tahoe Town Centers, adjacent transition zones, and multi-family zones by providing more height, density, site coverage, and reduced parking requirements. MAP’s primary concerns are that these intense land uses have the capacity to negatively impact public safety, natural resources, and community character. This scale of development, especially outside of Town Centers, was not contemplated in the environmental analysis completed for the 2012 Regional Plan Update. Unfortunately, these amendments rely on outdated data from 2012, as if Tahoe has somehow existed in a time capsule. 

Additionally, no alternatives to addressing the housing crisis were considered. The TRPA is painting these amendments as innovative solutions, but there is nothing innovative about providing significantly more parcel density, height, and coverage. It’s basic economics that if you build something bigger, taller, with more units and less parking, you’ll be able to make more money off the product or unit type in this case.

MAP and other community members advocated for updated environmental analysis and truly innovative alternatives, but that is not what came to pass. MAP staff also met with roughly half of the Governing Board members prior to the hearing to discuss concerns and alternatives. We learned during these meetings that the open letter many of you submitted certainly got their attention. The outcome wasn’t as we’d hoped, but several positive modifications were made prior to adoption. Learn more about the TRPA Governing Board decision on our website.

MAP Land Use Lunch Hour | Thursday, January 18th

What are the Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments?

Placer County’s Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) Amendments are heading to the final stage in the adoption process, review by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board, in January (date TBD). Get up to speed on the amendments and learn how to participate during MAP’s January Land Use Lunch Hour on Thursday, January 18th, starting at noon. Hope to see you there. 

The public process serves a critical role in land use planning and development. Ellie Waller is a seasoned environmental advocate and tracks projects and processes closely in the Lake Tahoe basin. Read her opinion piece in the Tahoe Daily Tribune to learn about the recent failures of the public process in Lake Tahoe. Read Ellie’s opinion piece HERE.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) relied on data from 2012 to make the case that their Housing Amendments would have no significant environmental impacts. We all know that a lot has changed over the last decade. These changed conditions and new data should have been analyzed to fully understand the implications from the amendments, as well as ways to mitigate impacts. Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos’ poignant op-ed dives into the issues. Read the article here. 

Placer County North Lake Tahoe Parking Management 

Public Meetings January 2024

Placer County will hold a pair of meetings with the community to discuss phase one implementation of the North Lake Tahoe Parking Management Program. Each will be facilitated by the county’s consultant, Dixon Resources Unlimited, and will be similarly formatted. 

• In-person community meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the North Lake Tahoe Event Center. 

• Virtual community meeting - Thursday, Jan. 11, starting at noon. Click here to register for the virtual meeting.

Hopkins Village, the newly constructed, for-sale housing development located in Martis Valley, has multiple units for sale for local workers in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District boundary. The development consists of 40 units (20 half-plexes) offered at a sale price of $615,000 to the local workforce and at market rate to local employers. Each unit is a bright and beautiful three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with an island kitchen, mudroom, bonus office room, and a one-car garage. The HOA features a small park and covers exterior maintenance and snow removal. LEARN MORE

Follow MAP on Social Media & Stay Activated 

Staying connected and informed is one of the best ways you can be a steward of Truckee Tahoe while also helping to elevate MAP’s mission and work! By showing up to a hearing in person or via Zoom, joining us at a mixer, signing a petition, or becoming a member by following one of our social channels, we will keep you connected to land use and conservation efforts in Truckee Tahoe. 

Gratitude for Truckee Tahoe Environment & Community 

The motivation behind our work is more than just a few words; it’s the many special things about Truckee Tahoe that keep us activated and passionate about grassroots environmental advocacy! Our irreplaceable mountains, meadows, alpine lakes, rivers, critters, starry nights, and the community have fueled our work for thirty-six years!  

With support from MAP members, conservation partners, and the community, bringing our work to fruition is possible. We are grateful to all our supporters who have helped us advocate and organize since 1987. Happy Thanksgiving from the Board and Staff at MAP - we are grateful for you!

Give Back Tahoe | Less Than One Week Away!

The countdown to Give Back Tahoe has begun - we are less than one week away from Giving Tuesday on November 28th and the beginning of the giving season for non-profits worldwide. Make a plan to Give Back to MAP from November 28th to December 31st, and help fund grassroots Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy! 

 We are excited to bring our conservation supporters on a wild journey as we celebrate 36 years of grassroots environmental advocacy while raising critical funds to support MAP's priority conservation campaigns and organizational needs.

This will be MAP's 9th year participating in Give Back Tahoe, hosted by the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Our goal is to raise $50,000 and this year's campaign will include a matching component due to the generosity of MAP members and organizations who believe in our mission and work!  

Mark your calendar to support MAP, and stay tuned for more campaign details and the EPIC raffle unveiling on Giving Tuesday as we count down to the launch of Give Back Tahoe! 

Welcome New MAP Board Members

MAP is thrilled to announce the addition of three new Board of Directors and one of our founders rejoining the MAP Team. Welcome Nikki Price, Amy Cornelius, Victoria Estevez, and Stefanie Olivieri to the MAP Board of Directors. 

Each board member provides a unique skill set and perspective to MAP’s mission and work. Whether through event planning, marketing, land use planning, or  regional community history and stewardship, each director is committed to advancing MAP’s mission-driven work for present and future generations. We can’t wait for all of our members to learn more about each new director. Check out our website and read the new MAP Board Members' bios.

Grant Gratitude | Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation 

Awards MAP $5,000 Nature Fund Grant  

Thank you to the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and Nature Fund for awarding MAP a $5,000 mission-driven grant for our Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy efforts in the region. As a thirty-six-year-old advocacy non-profit, we have primarily sustained our work through individual donations and private funds, with minimal grant-making. Most grant-making is project-specific, and due to the nature of advocacy, long-range planning efforts, and negotiations, we can't always guarantee what the outcome will be, but we sure are persistent at keeping up the fight to see a positive result for the environment and community!

Thank you Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation for helping to power our mission over the last decade through grant support from the Nature Fund!

Don’t Fall for the TRPA Trap

Back-to-back hearings set the stage for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to approve the controversial Phase 2 Housing Amendments at the December 13th Governing Board Meeting. These dire amendments would provide more height, coverage, and density in Town Centers and adjacent “Transition Zones” and Multi-Family Zones across the Tahoe Basin, leading to mountain sprawl that forever alters the character of Tahoe’s small communities. 

These market solutions are intended to remove the barriers for workforce housing, and yet we have learned that affordable housing will still need subsidies, even with these amendments. Whether the housing is low-income or achievable, these amendments lack innovation or environmental accountability (relying on data from 2011 and beyond). 

They will also result in disastrous unintended consequences, like negative impacts on public safety, wildfire evacuation, scenic vistas, water quality, and more. Plus, the amendments are riddled with loopholes that would likely result in a parking nightmare and the development of more luxury condos and second homes unless serious enforcement mechanisms are in place.  

Learn more on MAP’s TRPA Housing Amendments Webpage. Then, say no to Tahoe urban planning and sprawl, and tell the TRPA to consider better alternatives and new analysis for future workforce housing code amendments. 

Say No to Tahoe Urban Planning & Mountain Sprawl 

Send MAP’s Open Letter to the TRPA and Tahoe Representatives

It’s time to get the attention of the TRPA Governing Board along with State and Federal officials who care about the health and safety of Lake Tahoe and its people. Join MAP and say no to the urban planning vision and mountain sprawl zoning proposed by TRPA and ask for new analysis and alternatives to 65-foot-tall, big-box workforce housing with no parking. Without a reliable transit system, adequate wildfire evacuation planning, and enforcement of deed restrictions, these amendments will further exacerbate Tahoe’s housing crisis. It’s time for better, truly innovative housing solutions.

MAP Business Member Spotlight

We couldn't do what we do without the support of our members - especially our business members - who help power priority campaigns and special events throughout the year. We're excited to put the spotlight this month on NDURUS, California 89, and the Lift Wellness Workspace! 

The owners of these amazing local businesses share our passion for supporting Truckee Tahoe through grassroots environmental advocacy. Help us celebrate these MAP Business Members and learn why they support our mission-driven work: 

Raeleigh Harris, Head Coach at NDURUS, needs access to the great outdoors for her clients and business, which is just one reason she helps power MAP’s mission.

Lisa and Ethan, owners of California 89 and California 89 Home Store, share our passion for environmental advocacy and preserving the areas that make Truckee Tahoe our favorite outdoor playground.

Jan Holan, owner of Lift Wellness Workspace, knows the importance of championing our community and workforce, allowing new and local businesses the chance to grow and thrive.

Community News and Media

Follow MAP on Social Media & Stay Activated 

Staying connected and informed is one of the best ways you can be a steward of Truckee Tahoe while also helping to elevate MAP’s mission and work! By showing up to a hearing in person or via Zoom, joining us at a mixer, signing a petition, or becoming a member by following one of our social channels, we will keep you connected to land use and conservation efforts in Truckee Tahoe. 

Thank You Sierra Forage Dinner Match & Pledge Donors! 

$70,000 Raised for Truckee Tahoe Environmental Advocacy! 

After two months of fundraising since the dinner, we reached our match & pledge goal and secured $70,000 for Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy! Thank you to our match donors Patty & Jeff Baird, Melinda Maxfield, Dan Haas, Pete & Ginnie Haas, Greg Hovorka, and Lynne & Ken Weakley for providing the funds to double each donation up to $35,000. And a huge thank you to the 61 donors who invested in the campaign and continue to fuel our grassroots efforts.

Your support truly makes MAP happen!

Business Member Spotlight | Bespoke + Atelier

We couldn't do what we do without the incredible support of our members, especially the fantastic local businesses that make our work possible. For October, we're excited to put the spotlight on Bespoke + Atelier!

Bespoke + Atelier shares MAP's passion for preserving special places and advocating for the environment, and we're so grateful for their support. Here's what they had to say about why they became a MAP Business Member: 

"We love supporting MAP and all the amazing work they do. Environmental advocacy is so important, and we're proud to be a part of creating a better world for our children."

Celebrate local businesses that invest in grassroots environmental advocacy! Be sure to stop into Bespoke + Atelier in Historic Downtown Truckee to check out their shop and support Truckee businesses that give back. 

Want to learn more about the MAP Business Membership program? Check out our website, see the other business supporters, and add your name to the list! There are perks for supporting MAP with a tax-deductible donation or in-kind goods and services that help elevate MAP's mission and work! 

Save The Date | Giving Tuesday & Give Back Tahoe Campaign November 28th through December 31st

The start of the Giving Season will kick off on Tuesday, November 28, with Giving Tuesday and the beginning of the Give Back Tahoe campaign through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. This year, the Give Back Tahoe campaign will start on Giving Tuesday, November 28th, and end on December 31, 2023. MAP plans to raise the bar with our fundraising goal this year, and we hope our new supporters will have all hands on deck to support MAP during Give Back Tahoe!

This will be MAP’s ninth year participating in the campaign, which has proven to not only be a fun way to FUNdraise at the end of the year, but in years past, it provided fast-paced non-profit peer-to-peer challenge grants. For our past supporters, this year is a changeup with no challenge grants, but don’t worry, MAP has something exciting in store for our supporters with the campaign that we will reveal on Giving Tuesday! 

Walk on the Wild Side this giving season, and Give Back to MAP! Stay tuned via email and social media as we get closer to the campaign and announce our goal and give-back promotion!

TBAP RECAP | Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments

Board of Supervisors Hearing  

Last week’s Board of Supervisors (BOS) hearing was long and confusing. After beginning the review of the Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) amendments two hours later than scheduled, over 30 people gave verbal public comments only to have the meeting abruptly end without much explanation when the supervisors decided to continue the item to the next BOS hearing on October 31st in Auburn. A final TBAP decision down the hill on Halloween? Sounds scary to us!  

There was a lot of tension in the room, with Placer County staff continuing to assert that market solutions are the only way to address the housing crisis. As workforce housing advocates, we know that’s not the case. The community raised various ongoing concerns, including the potential for more market-rate condos, changing community character, lack of analysis of emergency evacuation, wildfire risks, vehicle miles traveled, and more.

 The overall sentiment is that community members have invested their time, energy, and hearts into this process (countless hours of hearings, workshops, and providing comments), but many still do not feel their input has been addressed. 

This process has been especially confusing because the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is also proposing similar housing code amendments. It’s hard to keep the proposals straight and to add to the confusion, the two agencies are even looking at the same dates for their upcoming TRPA hearings. This is process chaos at its finest. 

Join MAP in Auburn or online for the continued Board of Supervisors hearing on Halloween to see how it all shakes down. It’s unclear whether the Board will accept additional public comments on the amendments, but we’re gearing up just in case, and we hope you will, too!

MAP Advocacy Spotlight | Ellie Waller  

Meet our dedicated MAP Member, Ellie Waller, and listen to her MAP Advocacy Spotlight this month, focusing on the Tahoe Basin Area Plan amendments. 

From falling in love with Lake Tahoe in '85 to making it her home, Ellie has been a tireless advocate for preserving the 'Jewel of Sierra.' With 20 years of dedicated involvement and a commitment to securing a bright future, she inspires us all.

TRPA Housing Amendments

Next Up - Advisory Planning Commission Hearing 

 The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is considering alarming amendments to its housing regulations. Even though the public process to amend their codes only recently began (in May), they hope to rush these through before the end of the year (don’t blink, or you might miss the whole thing). The next opportunity to weigh in is at the upcoming Advisory Planning Commission hearing on Wednesday, November 8th, starting at 9:30 a.m. These meetings are held at the TRPA’s office at 128 Market Street in Stateline, NV, and online via Zoom.  

The basinwide amendments would apply to deed-restricted affordable, moderate, or achievable housing projects in Town Centers, nearby Transition Zones and Multi-family Zones close to transit. The TRPA is providing every economic incentive they can drum up to get more low-income and workforce housing. We agree that the Tahoe Basin needs creative housing solutions that provide homes for the folks who work in the basin, but throwing more height, density, and coverage on the table without adequately addressing wildfire and evacuation, scenic impacts, water quality issues, and degradation of community character is not the way to go about it. Additionally, is removing all the barriers for developers with “market solutions” (i.e. increased height, density, and coverage) in line with North Lake Tahoe’s vision for workforce housing? Not if you ask residents and advocates of good planning.  

Let’s show the TRPA that this is not the right approach for the communities surrounding our national treasure, Lake Tahoe. Join us at the upcoming hearing to provide comments or submit your suggestions before the meeting. 

Placer County Housing Rezone Notice of Preparation Released 

Comments Due November 20th 

Placer County has released the Notice of Preparation for the Housing Rezone Program for Placer County. The Housing Rezone program has identified 69 sites in Placer County to be considered for an upzone to accommodate the county's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) number. MAP is looking specifically at the only two sites near Tahoe, one in Alpine Meadows and another outside the Town of Truckee boundary, along SR 89 and West River Street. 

 Join MAP for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Scoping Meeting on Friday, November 3rd, at 10:00 a.m. The County will host an in-person meeting in the Placer County Planning Commission room (3091 County Center Drive, Auburn, CA) starting at 10:00 a.m., or the public can attend via Zoom. 

Save Canyon Springs Campaign Flash Back 

In the Fall of 2021, MAP and our conservation partners at the Truckee Donner Land Trust, The Martis Fund, and Save Open Space Around Glenshire launched the long-awaited campaign to Save Canyon Springs.  

After thirty-four years of challenging inappropriate development applications in a wildlife migration corridor and high-severity fire danger zone, environmentalists struck a deal to buy 290 acres at the edge of Truckee for $11.6 million with a closing date in less than three months. With the overwhelming support from 700 donors and a significant open space grant from The Martis Fund of $6 million to kick start the effort, our groups were able to raise the needed funds in record-breaking time, conserving open space and wildlife habitat, and providing legal access for recreation on Canyon Springs.  

Thank you again to all the donors and supporters who helped make the dream of Saving Canyon Springs a reality. Without the passion and care from the community over the last thirty-six years, we would not have been able to be at the table time after time to review proposals, meet with project applicants and the local planning jurisdictions, organize the community, and create a better land use outcome for both the environment and community.  

Celebrate conservation and be a proud rep of the Save Canyon Springs movement with MAP’s limited edition stickers, corduroy hats and merino wool beanies. Check out the Save Canyon Springs Collection in the MAP Shop. 

Stay Warm with MAP’s Rustek Organic Cotton Beanies 

It is getting chilly, and our beautiful fall weather will soon turn into winter. Stay warm and support MAP at the same time! Check out our new Rustek, organic cotton beanies featuring the MAP logo with a cork label, and available in three awesome and vibrant colors: marigold, teal, and sienna. Not only are these beanies warm and made from eco-groovy materials, all proceeds support MAP’s mission and work to advocate for open space and responsible development in Truckee Tahoe. Browse our online store, and don’t forget, current MAP members get 15% off with our promo code.

Stay up to date with news and media to help keep you informed! 

Nevada County Planning Commission - Application Open!

The Nevada County Planning Commission is looking for a representative from the Truckee area. The Planning Commission reviews and provides recommendations on various land-use applications and development projects. This is an important role and a great opportunity to represent our mountain community down the hill in Nevada City.

Follow MAP on Social Media & Stay Activated

Staying connected and informed is one of the best ways you can be a steward of Truckee Tahoe while also helping to elevate MAP’s mission and work! By showing up to a hearing in person or via Zoom, joining us at a mixer, signing a petition, or becoming a member by following one of our social channels, we will keep you connected to land use and conservation efforts in Truckee Tahoe. 

Join the MAP movement and help us reach our Sierra Forage Dinner goal of raising $70,000 for environmental advocacy. Your dollars keep us advocating for natural resource protection, smart land-use planning, open space conservation, and workforce housing. 

So far, we’ve raised $45,000 to fuel the MAP mission. Donations will continue to be matched thanks to the generous support from longtime MAP members, and past and current Board Members; Patty & Jeff Baird, Greg Hovorka, Lynne & Ken Weakley, Dan Haas, Peter and Ginnie Haas, and Melinda Maxfield.

This is a critical year with several large-scale planning processes underway and over 25 land-use proposals that we’re keeping an eye on.

Donate today to support environmental stewardship and power MAP’s advocacy efforts!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! If you live, work, and/or play in the Tahoe Basin, this is one you’ll want to pay close attention to. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is proposing drastic changes to its regulations to make it more attractive for developers to build workforce and affordable housing. While we certainly agree that there is a severe lack of housing in Tahoe to support the folks who power our community—the workforce—we also know that this region is special because of its natural resources, beauty, and mountain character. We can’t destroy what makes Tahoe special in the name of housing. Creative solutions are needed.

What exactly is the TRPA proposing?

These basinwide changes would impact Town Centers, areas adjacent to Town Centers, and lands zoned for multi-family development. In essence, the TRPA is looking to reduce parking requirements and provide more height, coverage, and density in these zones for deed-restricted affordable, moderate, and achievable housing projects. We understand the premise, but 65-ft-tall buildings covering lots with less than a parking spot per unit are not the innovative housing solutions we were hoping for.   

These proposals raise big concerns about wildfire evacuation, traffic congestion, viewshed degradation, and natural resource impairment. 

If yesterday's Regional Plan Implementation Committee meeting was any indication, it looks like the TRPA is ready to pat themselves on the back and approve these amendments without fully analyzing the impacts or considering public concerns. Mark your calendars for the upcoming TRPA meetings and get up to speed on all of the details. Your voice matters and we need to make sure that the TRPA upholds its mission to preserve, restore, and enhance Tahoe’s unique natural and human environment. 

Upcoming TRPA Meetings:

Advisory Planning Commission Meeting - 11/8

Regional Plan Implementation Committee Meeting - 11/15

Governing Board Meeting - 12/13

Final decisions are rapidly approaching for the proposed Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) Amendments with Placer County Board of Supervisors review on October 17th and TRPA meetings to follow. This suite of amendments is geared at removing development barriers, streamlining housing projects and fostering Town Center redevelopment. The amendments would establish more types of projects that would be allowed by right in Kings Beach and Tahoe City. They would also modify building mass, scale, and permitting requirements. Of primary concern are the impacts on wildfire evacuation and traffic congestion, as well as impacts on community character. 

The potential impacts need to be fully analyzed and reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The 17-page addendum to the 2017 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) barely introduces the topics, let alone completes a full analysis. Under CEQA, new information and changed conditions must be considered. The fact is that our community is not the same as it was in 2016 when the EIR baseline conditions were established. We’ve been through a global pandemic and the new normal for where and how we live and work has changed our local population. The number of second homeowners who now live in the region on a more consistent basis impacts traffic and wildfire risks. Road conditions have also changed with SR 28 going from four lanes to two lanes. 

There is also new data and new resources that must be factored in. Microplastics are plaguing Lake Tahoe waters, the area has been added to Fodor’s No List because of its “people problem” and “great migration”, and the CA Attorney General’s Office has published best practices for analyzing and mitigating wildfire impacts under CEQA. All of this and more must be considered before the TBAP Amendments move forward. 

 Further, in what appeared to be true consideration of public perspective, Placer County removed the original building height and length changes from the package of amendments. However, we have since learned that the TRPA is bringing the height proposal back before the end of the year (see above). This is a disingenuous play by Placer County and those changes should also be considered under a revised TBAP EIR. 

What can you do?

Email the Placer County Board of Supervisors and tell them that impacts from the TBAP Amendments need to be fully reviewed under CEQA before these changes can be approved. This is not an effort to delay the process, but an integral part of good planning and communication. 

At MAP, we recognize that the passion of our members is paramount. We want to express our appreciation to individuals who are dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement. This month, we are thrilled to showcase Sarah Green, a MAP member who embodies the community spirit. 

Whether it’s participating on the Green Team, attending public meetings, or advocating for open space protection, Sarah is always willing to lend her voice and knowledge to a good cause. When asked about her advocacy efforts, here’s what Sarah had to say:  

“I believe that we all are capable of doing better – living more in touch with ourselves, in balance with nature and connected to each other. And nothing can teach us more about the beautiful simplicity of life than our natural environment. “

The Truckee Fire Protection District is updating the Truckee Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This Plan serves as a roadmap that identifies and prioritizes future wildfire mitigation projects and also facilitates a community-wide approach to wildfire preparedness. They are seeking input to inform the update and better understand how wildfire risks impact the community.

13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner 

MAP’s 13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner was a success! Our mountain community didn’t let a little wind, rain, and lightning get in the way of celebrating 36 years of environmental advocacy! Thank you to our longtime members, new supporters, conservation partners, donors, and sponsors for sharing a beautiful night of music, local vegan cuisine, and wine, and for honoring MAP’s decades-long conservation legacy. Take a minute to look through the night’s gallery of photos captured by the amazing Kelly Price.  

Our staff is still working to crunch the fundraising numbers and fulfill the match and pledge goal of $70,000, but soon enough, we will share how much we have secured to carry forward our mission and priority conservation campaigns. 

This event was made possible through the generosity of our wonderful Sierra Forage Dinner Sponsors, In-Kind Donors, and Business Members. Thank you, Cabona’s, Granite Chief Wilderness Protection League, Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust, Patty & Jeff Baird, Pamela Hurt Associates, KMI Wealth, Obexer’s Boat Co., Teichert & Stonebridge Properties, Brand Geek, Olympic Valley Stables, Mountain Thyme Events, Melinda Maxfield, Vail Epic Promise, Villa Amor, Tahoe Mountain School, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Tahoe Gifting Co., Jeremy Jensen Media, Kelli Price Photography, New Moon Natural Foods, JARCO, Clair Tappaan Lodge and Earth Roots Designs. 

A huge shout-out goes to our volunteers, Jenny Goldberg, Leigh Golden, Nikki Riley, Guy Smith, and Carly Bothe, for all their help with set up, break down, and prep. The food was phenomenal by Michelle and Mary of Noisettes Mobile Kitchen, the event planning support by Mountain Thyme Events was over the top, and we could not have hosted such a beautiful event without all of the love from our host with the Olympic Valley Stables, Mitch Pavel. 

13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner — Match & Pledge 

We are almost there! Help us reach our Sierra Forage Dinner goal of raising $70,000! Donations are still coming in, and we are well on our way toward meeting our biggest fundraising goal of the year. Every dollar we raise is matched up to $35,000 thanks to the tremendous support of Patty & Jeff Baird, Greg Hovorka, Lynne & Ken Weakley, Dan Haas, Peter and Ginnie Haas, and Melinda Maxfield. 

MAP Advocacy Spotlight | Rolf Godon & Tanzy Maxfield 

MAP was started in 1987 by local citizens who wanted to protect their community and advocate for responsible development. Grassroots organizing created MAP and is the reason we’re still around today. This month we’re highlighting two MAP members who truly embody that grassroots spirit—Rolf Godon and Tanzy Maxfield.  

Whether it’s attending meetings, writing letters, or volunteering behind the scenes, these two are always willing to get in the trenches and do the hard work. When asked about his advocacy efforts, here’s what Rolf Godon had to say: 

“In essence, my journey mirrors a community's resolve to preserve its character. Our story embodies unity, unwavering advocacy, and an unbreakable fondness for the land we cherish.”

Summer Membership Appeal 

MAP’s Summer Membership Appeal is landing in your mailboxes this week! Keep an eye out, and be sure to renew your membership if you haven’t already. The tax-deductible donations from our members support major land-use campaigns in Truckee Tahoe, while helping to keep MAP at the table fighting the good fight. This work is critical, and we couldn’t do it without you! 

Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) Amendments Update 

After being approved by the Placer County Planning Commission on August 10th, the TBAP Amendments are on their way to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) on October 17th, with a TRPA review to follow. The primary goals of the amendments are to streamline housing projects and incentivize redevelopment of Town Centers in North Lake Tahoe. The amendments, which include changes to building mass, scale, and permitting requirements, would help Placer County meet these goals. However, they may also result in unintended consequences, including exacerbating traffic and fire evacuation risks and impacting mountain character.

MAP first learned about the proposed amendments last fall, and since then, Placer County has hosted various public meetings and workshops. Some of the main community concerns reiterated repeatedly are related to the impacts of increased building height and mass and the need to analyze all new impacts through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. In response to concerns, Placer County removed the height changes and initiated an addendum to the TBAP’s original Environmental Impact Report (EIR). 

While this seemed like a genuine response to public concerns, we have since learned that the height increases will likely come back through TRPA code amendments later this year. Given that information, the EIR addendum should have considered impacts related to height increases. Additionally, the 17-page EIR addendum stated that implementing the amendments would not result in new or substantially more significant effects. We do not believe the addendum contains a thorough review of the potential impacts or the new conditions that exist in North Lake Tahoe, such as SR 28 changing from four lanes to two lanes, increased population with second homes lived in full time, more of the workforce commuting from out of the Tahoe basin to work in the Tahoe basin, and wildfire. These are significant changes that need to be considered for TBAP and other land use applications coming forward.

 This information is critical for the community to understand the implications of the amendments fully and for the BOS to make an informed decision.

Join MAP on October 17th to tell the BOS that the TBAP amendments are simply not ready for primetime.

MAP will send more information as the meeting approaches. 

Town of Truckee - Objective Design Standards 

Did you know that the Town of Truckee has new building design standards? On August 22nd, the Town Council approved a number of Development Code updates, including a new chapter called the Objective Design Standards. This chapter outlines various residential regulations, including requirements for building colors, styles, materials, massing, and more.  

Basically, the State of California now requires local jurisdictions to help streamline residential development by making their housing requirements more objective and removing certain permitting processes. If an applicant follows these new standards to a tee, the review process gets simplified. If an applicant chooses to have more flexibility, they can follow the current permitting process. On the plus side, the new system makes some design regulations more black and white and, therefore, easier to interpret. On the downside, this removes some of the community’s ability to include that creative Truckee funk flair in their projects. 

 In addition to this new chapter, the Town also changed several other regulations, such as the method for calculating the height of residential dwellings on slopes. MAP supports several of the modifications, including prohibiting development on the top of ridgelines, clustering open space, locating density at the least visible part of a site, and adding buffers for wetlands (we guess an arbitrary 10-ft-wide buffer is better than nothing, even though the science says these buffer zones should be bigger). On the flip side, some of the modifications raise red flags, like the fact that chimneys and rooftop appurtenances are no longer included in building height calculations, which is basically a 5-ft height increase (you’re welcome, developers; so sorry, mountain viewsheds). Want to learn more? Review the code changes here.  

Placer County Housing Rezone 

Placer County recently initiated a Housing Rezone Program, but what does that actually mean? Essentially, in response to a lack of available housing, the State of California now requires every local jurisdiction to provide sufficient housing potential based on their population. In 2021, the State analyzed Placer County’s land-use allocations and determined that more land needs to be provided for multi-family residential development and low-income housing. This prompted Placer County to create a Housing Rezone Program to respond to this need. 

The Program includes creating a new zone district that allows for a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 residential dwelling units per acre, identifying candidate sites to rezone and then completing a programmatic Environmental Impact Report to analyze the potential impacts that may result from upzoning these properties. Most of the sites are not within the Truckee Tahoe region, but there are a couple and we’re keeping our eyes on them to be sure that any rezone is consistent with local community needs and natural resource goals.

Specifically, Placer County is considering rezoning one site in Alpine Meadows and one site in Truckee at the corner of SR 89 and West River Street. Next steps include meeting with all the remaining owners of the candidate sites, beginning the EIR process, and refining the candidate sites at an upcoming meeting on September 26th. Stay tuned for more info. 

Stay up to date with news and media to help keep you informed! 

Join MAP and celebrate thirty-six years of environmental advocacy at our main fundraising event at the Stables in Olympic Valley on Friday, August 18th, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Sierra Forage Dinner will feature a locally sourced, sustainable, multi-course, vegan dinner with wine pairings, live music, and a live auction to benefit MAP’s mission and work! The dinner provides the perfect opportunity to mingle, reconnect, and share stories that honor the environment, community, and work of MAP! 

Tickets are $125 per person, and a reserved table for your favorite ten people is only $1500. A portion of each ticket includes a tax-deductible donation and a memorable evening under the stars and in the mountains supporting MAP! 

Help us raise critical funds to support MAP’s priority conservation campaigns and capacity building. Buy your tickets before we sell out! 

Thank you to the hundreds of donors who supported our first-ever MAP Summer Membership Raffle! We had 506 raffle entries, raising $26,286.65. The largest raffle in MAP history! The lucky winner is Deborah Fajans of Truckee, CA. 

We want to give another huge shout-out to the Levi’s Strauss and Co. Family for donating the tickets to MAP's Summer Membership Raffle! We hope that Deborah and her guest have the best time ever at the Eras Tour at Levi’s Stadium on July 28th.

Advocacy fuels MAP’s mission, and we have a truly inspiring member to spotlight this month — Stefanie Olivieri, one of MAP’s founders and a shining example of what it means to advocate for positive change! 

Stefanie has been a pillar of our community, dedicating herself to the evolution of Downtown Truckee into the vibrant hub it is today for the past 60 years. Her unwavering commitment to preserving special places and responsible development is truly remarkable. She dives headfirst into attending public hearings, making impactful public comments, and staying deeply engaged in the matters that shape our beloved town.

One of the priorities coming out of the Truckee 2040 General Plan is the River Steering Committee, now officially formed and meeting this week on Thursday, July 27th, at 10 am. MAP Executive Director Alexis Ollar has been appointed to the committee and will serve as the environmental nonprofit representative. The committee is tasked with working on a new strategy to address the communities' needs and hopes for revitalization. Learn more about the River Revitalization Strategy and attend the meeting at Town Hall on Thursday, July 27th, if you have ideas or suggestions for Truckee River Revitalization. 

See the agenda HERE. 

Placer County staff will conduct a virtual town hall meeting to present the Tahoe Basin Area Plan – Economic Sustainability and Housing Amendments. Staff will provide a summary of the proposed amendments, review changes made to the amendments since the December 8, 2022, Placer County Planning Commission hearing, and outline the next steps. MAP has been tracking the changes and meeting with the Placer County Planning Division to address our concerns about height, mass, scale, and density in North Lake Tahoe and better understand the amendments. Join us at the Virtual Town Hall on August 1st and get the latest updates on TBAP! 

For more information, go to Tahoe Basin Area Plan Virtual Town Hall

Join the Zoom Here: https://placer-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/94120094205?pwd=MHFJck5LTUV6RlpXMWluMFR6MU5vUT09

Webinar ID: 941 2009 4205

Passcode: 870615

MAP is sharing this community petition from the West Shore community, and a grassroots effort to Keep Homewood Public. The community needs to speak up and hold TRPA and Placer County accountable for guaranteeing the public access and community benefits codified in the Master Plan.

Sign the petition to tell TRPA and Placer County to honor the Master Plan’s promises to the community.

13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner | Tickets On Sale NOW

Tickets to the 13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner hosted by Mountain Area Preservation are On Sale NOW! Join MAP and celebrate thirty-six years of environmental advocacy at our main fundraising event this year, at the Olympic Valley Stables on Friday, August 18th, from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. The Sierra Forage Dinner will feature a locally sourced, sustainable, multi-course, vegan meal with wine pairings, live music, and a live auction to benefit MAP’s mission and work!  

Tickets are $125 per person, or you can purchase a reserved table for ten guests for $1500. Tables are limited, so if you want a crew of people with you at the dinner, purchase your table now during our early ticket sale! Remember, tables are limited, and with only 150 seats available, these tickets will sell quickly!

MAP Board Recognition| Thank You, Sarah Reynaud! 

Thank you, Sarah Reynaud, for your service to MAP and the Board from October 2020 to June 2023. Sarah served on the Stewardship and Projects Committee for MAP, helping to enhance our signature events and build volunteers. As a local business owner and Truckee Tahoe advocate, Sarah will remain involved as a Business Member and lend a hand at our future outreach and fundraising events! Sarah, thank you again for your service and dedication to MAP’s work! 

MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship Recipient | Laurel Anderson

 Congratulations to Laurel Anderson, recipient of the MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship this year. Laurel is a young environmental advocate and a four-year distinguished scholar participating in athletics, school clubs, playing music, and more!  

Starting at a young age Laurel dedicated her time and energy to environmental advocacy. In 6th grade, Laurel gave public presentations on climate solutions due to her experience rafting the entire length of the Truckee River watershed with Rivers for Change. In 8th grade, she led her school’s climate strike. In 9th grade, she co-founded the Citizen’s Climate Lobby Youth Action Team. Last year she participated in an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) summer program on effective activism and captained the US Women’s U19 Raft Team at the 2022 World Championships in Bosnia. 

 All of us at MAP wish Laurel the best of luck as she pursues her education at the University of California Los Angeles to pursue a career in Environmental Law.

MAP Business Member Spotlight | KMI Wealth 

We’d like to give a huge shoutout to Business Member KMI Wealth and their empowering partnership with MAP! Owner Kristen Mayer is shattering glass ceilings in financial asset management and making a tangible difference in our community and environment. As the MAP Treasurer, Kristen also actively ensures that our investments support our mission and values while setting us up for a solid financial future. 

Look out for Kristen/KMI Wealth at Wandering Wyld functions, inspiring local female business owners, sponsoring MAP fundraisers and events, sharing her knowledge with our community, and advocating for conservation and smart growth in Truckee-Tahoe.

Looking for someone to help you manage your wealth? Look no further than KMI Wealth! Thank you, Kristen and KMI Wealth for your in-kind support to elevate MAP’s  mission and goals! 

MAP at Truckee Thursday This Summer 

Well, if you missed the first Truckee Thursday last week, you did not miss much. It was a bit of a fire drill with the weather, cutting the event quite short. Don’t worry, MAP will be back at Truckee Thursday on July 20th and August 10th from 5:00 to 8:30 pm in Historic Downtown Truckee. Get caught up on MAP’s priority campaigns, renew your MAP membership, or buy your tickets to the 13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner. 

We hope to see the community and MAP members this summer downtown!

MAP Summer Membership Appeal Coming Your Way in July! 

Even though summer hasn't quite settled in yet, with those cool mornings and rainy afternoons, fear not! The warm and sunny Tahoe weather is just around the corner, and guess what? MAP's membership appeal is right there with it! We've been hard at work on our Summer Membership campaign, set to release next month. Of course, you don't have to wait for it to arrive in your mailbox or inbox to jump on board or renew your membership! We just couldn't contain our excitement and had to give our dedicated MAP members a heads-up on what's coming as we gear up for an incredible summer of fundraising and outreach!

Elevate Your Summer Gear - Put a MAP sticker On It!

Looking for a way to level up your gear this summer? Look no further - MAP Stickers can spruce up your outdoor lifestyle & show off your support for grassroots Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy! With every sticker you purchase, you're getting a stylish accessory and fueling conservation work to protect open space & preserve mountain character. Put your advocacy on display with MAP stickers & don’t miss out on FREE SHIPPING! 

Truckee 2040 Approved - What’s Next? 

On May 9th, just before midnight, the Truckee Town Council approved the next General Plan to guide growth, development, and conservation over the next 15+ years. The public process started in 2018, and MAP has been there every step of the way, participating and organizing the community to get involved.  

More than 50 comment letters were submitted by May 9th, and 25 verbal comments were made at the hearing, with the majority asking Councilmembers to still not approve or, at the bare minimum, consider making some additional changes. Letters and testimony of support were at an all-time low in the process, even until the final hearing with massive council outreach before plan adoption, yet Truckee 2040 was approved.  

So what does General Plan approval mean now? The council and staff have stated that the next step will be moving forward with key components: 

- First, Development Code updates, which includes all land use, zoning, and subdivision regulations. It is important to understand that the land uses associated with Truckee 2040 are only in effect once the Development Code is updated to align with the General Plan.  

- Second, bring together the West River Street Advisory Committee to begin discussions for a reimagined West & East River Street corridor. MAP Executive Director, Alexis Ollar has been invited to serve on the committee, which will initiate in late summer or early fall.  

- Third, work with Tahoe Forest Hospital on their campus Master Plan. 

MAP plans to keep our members, partners, and followers informed as Truckee 2040 progresses, as the process is never over! Read more on our Truckee 2040 page about what changed at the final hearing and MAP’s advocacy efforts to strengthen goals, policies, and actions for open space, natural resources, climate action, river revitalization, workforce housing, environmental justice and accountability for implementation of the General Plan. 

Thank You, Truckee 2040 Advocates! 

Thank you, MAP members, advocates, followers, and partners, for showing up over the last five years during one of the most challenging public processes in the history of Truckee Tahoe! Our die-hard advocates attended half a decade of public process meetings; three years were on Zoom. Your ability to keep showing up fueled our passion for Truckee, and why MAP was created back in 1987.  

Whether you took a survey, signed a petition, donated, or shared a MAP Action Alert, your efforts made a difference! By far, the hustle of 2023 has been a lot to keep up with, and if it weren’t for our members making MAP happen, we would not have been able to keep up either. 

It was no easy task to stay involved in the General Plan update since 2018, and we are grateful for everyone who stuck it out along our side! Your time and expertise to ensure sound community planning for present and future generations did not go unnoticed and is critical for Truckee. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner Tickets On Sale In June 

MAP’s main fundraiser will return to the Stables in Olympic Valley this summer for the 13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner on Friday, August 18th, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The dinner will feature a  farm-to-table, multi-course dinner paired with wines, live music, and a live auction to benefit MAP’s mission and work!  

Help us raise critical funds to support environmental advocacy for Truckee Tahoe, while celebrating thirty-six years of grassroots conservation.  Tickets will go on sale, on June 21st, on MAP's website. Stay tuned via social media for event teasers & our ticket sales announcement! 

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Tahoe Gifting Co.

We want to give Darya and Matt of Tahoe Gifting Co. a huge shout-out for all the love and support they are spreading through their business about MAP!

Earlier this month, Tahoe Gifting Co. hosted a Party for Preservation, curated a box of meaningful gifts, and sold raffle tickets to support MAP. The event raised $360 and helped get MAP’s name out in Incline Village at their adorable shop. Thank you, Tahoe Gifting Co. for your support and continued elevation of our mission and work! 

Thank You Peggy & Jack Baskin Foundation

 Thank you, Peggy & Jack Baskin Foundation, for your continued support of MAP’s mission and work. We are truly grateful to receive a grant from the foundation, supporting our long-term grassroots advocacy and for Truckee Tahoe’s environment and community. 

MAP's Website is Now Multilingual!

 We are thrilled to announce an exciting addition to our website, Language Translation! With the integration of the language-translation tool, we are breaking down barriers and empowering access to our community members who have different language needs, to bring access to land use planning and conservation efforts in Truckee-Tahoe. 

At MAP, we strongly believe that environmental justice and equal access to information go hand in hand. By introducing this new translation feature, we strive to bridge the communication gap for land use advocacy in the region. Be sure to share this news with your friends and neighbors! 

Join or renew your MAP membership today and help fuel our efforts to protect open space, preserve mountain character, and support the community! By becoming a MAP Member, you will stay informed, engaged, and connected in land use, development, open space conservation, and housing by receiving timely updates, participating in meaningful discussions, and accessing valuable resources for community planning. 

As a member, your support is critical in helping to fund grassroots efforts to help shape land use policies and programs to advance conservation and environmental justice in the Truckee Tahoe region! 

Dollar Creek Crossing Housing Project Submitted to Placer County 

The Dollar Creek housing project proposed in Tahoe City has been slowly moving through the public process and has now been submitted to Placer County. The current project proposes 80 rental units and 30 for-sale units and incorporates feedback from community members and partner agencies as well as information gathered from additional studies. 

The project will have an environmental review period and public hearings, all to be announced by Placer County as it starts its formal review. Learn more about the project submittal on Placer County’s website and take a look at the application submitted HERE.  

Placer County Community Housing Conversation Series

To better inform the community about housing needs and solutions, the Placer County Community Development Resource Agency will host a free four-part virtual speaker series from June 1 to June 14. 

This series will provide information on housing options in the region and explore questions about housing. The speaker series will be broadcast via Zoom beginning on June 1 at 6 pm.

Meet MAP At Truckee Thursdays 

Get ready to meet MAP downtown! Find us at our Truckee Thursday booth in Historic Downtown Truckee on June 22, July 21, and August 11. Catch up on our current environmental advocacy efforts to Save Tahoe, preserve open space, and protect mountain character. 

Join us for a blast at Truckee Thursdays, grab our newest stickers and logo ware, and learn how we're making a positive impact in Truckee Tahoe. We can’t wait to see you there!

Help MAP Grow Advocacy | Every Day is Earth Day! 

Happy Earth Month! While we celebrate our planet every day, may April serve as a reminder of the critical work MAP and the community have achieved to protect our natural resources, preserve mountain character, and foster community over the last thirty-five years. Environmental advocacy is among the least funded sectors, with less than 2% of charitable donations worldwide, yet our work creates priceless conservation and community benefits. This Earth Month, we are asking our friends and members to help MAP grow environmental advocacy! 

Truckee 2040 Delayed Until May 9th

 On April 13th, the Town Council (4-1) supported a short delay in the Truckee 2040 General Plan timeline. Their goal was to spend a few more weeks working with community organizations and locals in the hopes of building trust and securing community buy-in. Here at MAP, we still feel that the General Plan falls short, so we are continuing to advocate for General Plan policies and actions that support marginalized community members, meet the housing needs of the local workforce, protect open space and natural resources, and reach climate goals. Join us at 5:00 pm at Town Hall on May 9th to participate in the culmination of this once-in-a-generation General Plan update. 

Truckee 2040 Coffee Talk Meetings 

Do you have questions, comments or concerns about the Truckee 2040 General Plan update? Do you think the final draft meets the mark or is there still work to be done to outline a future for Truckee that represents the community’s vision? Join Truckee’s elected officials at an upcoming Coffee Talk for your opportunity to convey your thoughts, express your perspective and ensure that Truckee’s General Plan is by the community, for the community.

Councilmembers Jan Zabriskie and Anna Klovstad will be at The Lifthouse Coffee Co. this Saturday, Mayor Lindsay Romack will be at Wild Cherries on Monday, and the Mayor will join Councilmember Courtney Henderson at Wagon Train Coffee Shop next Monday, May 8th. 

Vacancy Tax Study

 On March 28th, the Truckee Town Council approved a contract for the development of potential commercial and residential vacancy tax options, as outlined in the Truckee 2040 General Plan update. The word around town is that many folks (especially second-homeowners) are fired up about this study. It’s important to note that this is simply an analysis to determine whether a tax measure like this should be further considered by voters down the road. 

In other communities, vacancy taxes have been used to help address critical housing and commercial shortages by incentivizing property owners to fill vacant infrastructure. The collected funds have been used for various purposes, including subsidies for affordable housing. This study will help community stakeholders understand the implications of a vacancy tax in Truckee in order to determine whether it is a tool worth pursuing. Results of the analysis will be presented at a public meeting this summer. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

SAVE THE DATE | 13th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner

Friday, August 18th at the Stables in Olympic Valley 

The Sierra Forage Dinner returns to the Stables in Olympic Valley on Friday, August 18th. Save the date and make a plan to join MAP for an evening of great food, upbeat tunes, and community connection that celebrates Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy.

MAP Monthly Member Spotlight | The Riley Family 

We're grateful for our Monthly MAP Members, who play a critical role in our ability to advocate for smart growth and preserve Truckee Tahoe’s open spaces and natural places. The Riley Family is a shining example of this support. As Monthly MAP Members, they've made a regular, sustained commitment to bolstering our mission and work, helping us create even greater outcomes for our community.

Ready to make a big impact on Truckee Tahoe advocacy? Simply make a small change on your donation form today by switching from a one-time donation to a monthly donation and join our Monthly MAP Members in fueling our mission and work!

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Truckee Tahoe Lumber Company 

Truckee Tahoe Lumber is a proud supporter of MAP's mission to preserve our mountain character for present and future generations. As a trusted member of the business community, they believe in the importance of supporting environmental advocacy efforts that benefit both our local economy and the natural world that surrounds us.

“Truckee Tahoe Lumber supports MAP because we believe in their mission of promoting sustainable, responsible development of our mountain communities in ways that preserve their natural resources and unique culture.” - Andrew Cross, President

MAP in the media! The Truckee 2040 General Plan update was a hot topic in the news last month. Get caught up by reading a recap of the latest Truckee Town Council hearings and listening to a MAP and CATT interview on 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio. 

This article by Alex Hoeft at Moonshine Ink provides a great overview of the hearings on April 11th and 13th when the Town Council considered adoption of the Truckee 2040 General Plan. Find out why they opted to delay the process and what they’re hoping to get out of the brief General Plan pause.

MAP’s Executive Director, Alexis Ollar, and the Contractor Association of Truckee Tahoe’s Patrick Flora sit down with JD Hoss to discuss Truckee 2040 General Plan policies in this 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio Spot. 

Dollar Creek Crossing Housing Project Update at NTRAC 

On April 20th, Placer County staff presented updates on the Dollar Creek Crossing Housing Project to the North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council. This was an informational item covering the project details and timeline, the community engagement process, and environmental review. At present, the County is proposing the development of a mix of housing types, including up to 80 for-rent units and up to 30 for-sale units on the 11.4-acre property. Some of the key ongoing considerations include project layout, traffic implications, and fire safety. 

In terms of next steps, Placer County is anticipating completion of the environmental review this fall/winter, with entitlements projected for late 2023 or early 2024. They are hoping to submit affordable housing grant applications in 2024 and targeting initial construction to begin in 2025. For more information, take a look at the project website and sign up for the project e-mail list.

Mountain Housing Council | How do Housing Challenges in the Tahoe Truckee Area Impact You?

The Mountain Housing Council of Tahoe Truckee is conducting a community survey in order to better understand the region’s housing challenges. This information will be collected anonymously and used to determine what type of housing solutions can best serve the area’s workforce needs.

This survey takes approximately 10 minutes or less, and is meant to provide an update to similar information that was collected in 2016 and 2021 in the Tahoe Truckee region, as well as to assess the more immediate housing impacts on the region. Your input is important in helping to facilitate impactful, efficient solutions in the region and for your community. 

Placer County is initiating their 2050 General Plan update! The existing General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 1994, with policy updates completed in 2013 and several area plan updates finished more recently. Placer County has been one of the fastest growing counties in the country, so this update is critical and will serve as their roadmap for the next 25 years. Community workshops will begin soon, so sign up for the General Plan Mailing List and discover other ways to get involved on the Placer County 2050 General Plan website. 

Truckee 2040 | Final Planning Commission Hearing Recap 

General Plan & Final EIR Not Recommended for Approval 

Last week was a Truckee Planning Commission marathon, with back-to-back meetings on March 21st and 22nd to review and provide recommendations to the Town Council on the Final Truckee 2040 General Plan, Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), and Final Downtown Specific Plan. So, how did it all play out? After much deliberation and several proposed edits, the Planning Commission recommended denial of the Truckee 2040 General Plan, denial of the current version of the FEIR, and approval of the Downtown Specific Plan. 

Read more of the Planning Commission recap on our Truckee 2040 webpage.

Tahoe Basin Area Plan Community Workshop Recap 

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, Placer County and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) hosted a Community Workshop for the Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments (TBAP). The workshop was well attended, and from our perspective, the County and TRPA are listening to the community and environmental stakeholder concerns. The EIR addendum is in process, and it seems the proposed changes to height and the definition for achievable housing are in flex since the public outcry last fall. The workshop included renderings that illustrate the height increase allowance from 56 feet to 61 ft, which would be for certain areas in Town Centers, only in Kings Beach and Tahoe City. The TBAP Amendments are expected to return to the Planning Commission this summer. MAP will keep the community informed on the EIR status, hearings, and other related land use applications in North Lake Tahoe as this public process continues.

Members Make MAP Happen | Monthly Member Testimonials 

Have you heard? Members truly make MAP happen! Since 1987, our work has been powered by membership donations to support our priority campaigns focused on protecting open space, preserving mountain character, and supporting community needs, such as workforce housing. Over the course of thirty-five years, MAP members have stuck with us, elevating our voice and funding our mission to keep us fighting the good fight! Check out some of our proud Monthly MAP Members' testimonials and join them in supporting MAP's mission and work!

Welcome New MAP Board Member | Melinda Maxfield 

Please join MAP in welcoming our new board member—Melinda Maxfield. She has been a local for almost 30 years, when her husband, Dave Hatchett, introduced her to the wonders of the Tahoe backcountry. In addition to working on her husband’s snowboarding film crew for many years, Melinda also started her own infant/toddler product company and served on various boards. Most recently, she served on the Amazon Conservation Team board, which partners with indigenous communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Seeing the devastating impacts of rampant development in the Amazon, she notices that Lake Tahoe’s mountain culture is also in danger.  One of the many reasons she joined MAP is to ensure the integrity of the Tahoe way of life continues. To learn more about Melinda, read her full bio here.

Thank You, Truckee Planning Commissioner Nikki Riley, For Your Service! 

Thank you, Nikki Riley, for a decade of public service to the Truckee community by serving on the Planning Commission. Nikki Riley just finished her final Truckee Planning Commission hearing and had been appointed to serve during three different terms under three separate Town Council Members. Nikki’s last five years of service were dedicated to ensuring sound land use planning and governance to various housing/commercial projects, as well as the gigantic undertaking of being part of the Truckee 2040 General Plan Update process. Her passion, determination, strong voice, and a keen eye for detail will be greatly missed! Thank you for serving with such a dedicated heart, brain, and spirit for the environment and community! Not many volunteers do their homework like Nikki.

Dollar Creek Crossing Update  

The Dollar Creek Crossing Housing Project is coming to the North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council (NTRAC) on Thursday, April 20th. Placer County Staff will give an update on the project status and overview. On March 16, 2023, county staff submitted a Dollar Creek Crossing housing project application to the Placer County Planning Services Division. This application is preliminary, and the project details will evolve over the coming months as the project team works with the Planning Services Division, the TRPA, and community stakeholders. The application, more information, and frequently asked questions can be found on the project webpage.

MAP in the media! Get caught up on some of our priority land-use efforts and read articles from the last month that highlight development in Lake Tahoe and the controversial Village at Palisades Project.  

From environmental challenges to political controversies, Tahoe's future is looking uncertain. Read a recent Reno Gazette Journal opinion piece by Pamela Tsigdinos on what is happening with land-use planning and development in Lake Tahoe.

Have you heard about the decade-long battle that's shaping the future of Lake Tahoe's Olympic Valley?  Check out an article by Hannah Truby, a University of Nevada at Reno Graduate Student, covering what seems to be a never-ending land use battle in the  region. It's a wild ride through the ups and downs of the fight for the future of this iconic ski resort town.

Help Sustain our Mission Year Round, Become a Monthly Member  

Monthly donations to Mountain Area Preservation make a meaningful and sustained impact in protecting the natural environment and quality of life for the Truckee Tahoe region. By becoming a monthly member, you can help support MAP's priority land use campaigns that address critical issues such as protecting open space, preserving mountain character, and helping to further community benefits through sound land use planning.

Your monthly membership will help MAP continue our vital work of promoting responsible land use and advocating for policies that prioritize protecting Truckee-Tahoe's natural resources. With your ongoing support, MAP can more effectively engage in community outreach, organize grassroots campaigns, and work with conservation partners and decision-makers to ensure a sustainable future.

If you care about preserving beautiful landscapes and ecosystems for future generations, consider becoming a monthly member today! Your support helps create lasting change and will allow us to make a real difference in Truckee Tahoe.

Save Tahoe | Appeals Court Victory One Year Ago! 

On February 13, 2022, the California Third District Appellate Court ruled in conservationists' favor in the longstanding battle to challenge Martis Valley West, a 760-unit luxury development slated for North Lake Tahoe's ridgeline. MAP, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, and Sierra Watch initiated our legal challenge in 2016 and have since had two positive court rulings to stop the project, in 2018 at the Placer County Trials Court and in 2022 at the Appeals Court.  

The Placer County Board of Supervisors officially rescinded the project approvals and decertified the Environmental Impact Report just last fall, and as many of our MAP followers know, things take time in land use, especially when working to settle a lawsuit. We may be quiet on our Save Tahoe updates, but please know our groups are working diligently to further the vision for protecting 7,500 acres in the North Lake Tahoe and Martis Valley watershed. 

Truckee 2040 | Tell Decision Makers What to Prioritize for 2040  

Planning and prioritization aren’t easy. So, imagine you’re at the end of a 5-year planning process to outline the future of development and conservation for an entire town. You get to the end and there are over 300 action items to be implemented. How would you decide what to do first or second or third? This is exactly why Truckee needs you to review the 300+ action items  and write to Truckee decision makers today telling them which actions are most important for this community and need to be implemented first.  

MAP’s top 10 most pressing Truckee 2040 actions are the ones that protect open space, preserve community character, support the local workforce, and improve the quality of life. Use MAP’s Advocacy Form below to get started on your comments and modify it based on your Truckee expertise and perspective. You can also submit comments through the Town’s Comment Form. Send your thoughts as soon as possible and make a plan to Join MAP for the final Truckee 2040 Planning Commission hearings on March 21st and March 22nd, and the FINAL Truckee 2040 Town Council Hearing on April 11th. 

Palisades Tahoe Village Proposal | What Comes Next in the Public Process? 

 An indoor water park, up to 1,493 bedrooms in 850 mixed-resort units, and 297,733 sf of commercial space all crammed into a valley with one way in and potentially no way out in the event of a wildfire. What could we be talking about? Yep, you guessed it. The controversial, larger-than-life Village at Palisades Tahoe Project has reared its ugly head once again. The public comment period for the project’s Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR) closed on January 30th and Placer County received 2,686 comment letters ahead of the deadline. 

In terms of next steps, Placer County and their environmental consultant, Ascent, will be reviewing and responding to the comments to be included in the Final EIR. This process will likely take a couple of months to complete. At that point, the project will be presented to the Planning Commission for a formal recommendation and ultimately to the Board of Supervisors, who will decide whether to approve the project and certify the EIR. There is no definitive timeline for these hearings as of yet, but stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. 

Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments | Workshop on March 9th

 Placer County will be hosting a workshop on their proposed Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) amendments on March 9th from 4-6 pm at the North Tahoe Event Center (8318 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach). The package of TBAP Economic Sustainability and Housing amendments would modify requirements in Tahoe town centers within Placer County, notably in Kings Beach and Tahoe City. Among other requirements, the amendments would alter height, massing, parking, multi-family, and groundwater interception standards within these areas. 

The workshop comes in response to community comments received at recent Placer County meetings. For many, there is confusion about what the amendments would and wouldn’t do, where the proposals came from, and a desire to provide meaningful feedback. The workshop will cover a variety of topics, including height, massing, achievable housing, density and TRPA development rights, and town center reinvestment. It should be an interesting one and we hope to see you there!

MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship

 The scholarship program through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation is now open! Graduating seniors looking into a two-year or four-year college/university and pursuing a degree in the environmental science/studies sector can apply for the MAP Environmental Scholarship. Special focuses can include natural resource management, planning, law, policy, or sustainability. The scholarship is awarded to one North Tahoe graduating senior for $1,000. Learn more about the MAP Scholarship and the TTCF Scholarship Program.

North Tahoe Community Alliance | Your Voice Matters in Setting Regional Priorities  

Traffic, Housing, Tourism Management. Do one (or all) of these topics evoke strong opinions? Each is a hot topic these days. As a valued member of our community, the Placer County Board of Supervisors and the North Tahoe Community Alliance Board of Directors want to learn about your thoughts on prioritizing and investing our local funds to address opportunities like these in the community. Take a few minutes to complete this short survey.

Town of Truckee Outreach Survey  

The Town of Truckee is seeking input on strategies for improving their outreach and communication. Fill out the survey below by March 31, 2023 and be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card. The survey is available in English and Spanish.

MAP in the media! Get caught up on some of our priority land use efforts and read articles from the last month that highlight non-profits in the region, the Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments and the Truckee 2040 General Plan.

2023 is here, creating a new opportunity to get involved in environmental advocacy and help protect what you LOVE, Truckee Tahoe! MAP has big priorities for this year - to protect open space, preserve mountain character, and advocate for community needs, such as workforce housing. One of our biggest aspirations for 2023 is working to further our Save Tahoe goals by permanently protecting 7,500 acres in the North Lake Tahoe and Martis Valley Watershed by stopping Martis Valley West, which is why we need your continued support!  

Membership donations, civic engagement, and community activism make MAP happen. We can’t carry out our mission without the backing of MAP members, who help power our grassroots advocacy efforts for present and future generations! Please consider joining MAP as a member by becoming a monthly donor, and make a resolution to invest in grassroots advocacy every month! Big or small, your monthly donation sustains us as we prepare for another big year of advocacy and activism for the Truckee Tahoe region. Don’t forget, MAP membership comes with perks too. Make your New Year’s resolution come true and become a MAP member in 2023!

MAP Business Member Em Deane Kelley, founder of Locals Creative, is a true advocate for Truckee Tahoe. No matter the cause, we can always count on Locals Creative to elevate our Action Alerts, events, and social posts or support creative ways to collaborate and fundraise.  As a MAP Business Member, Locals Creative launched a Respect the Locals campaign in conjunction with our Give Back Tahoe fundraiser at the close of 2022. Through Locals Creative's peer-to-peer campaign, $285 was raised during Give Back Tahoe, helping to reach our goal of raising over $40,000 for MAP’s mission and work! Thank you, Locals Creative, for your continued support and philanthropy for Truckee Tahoe environmental advocacy.

Locals Creative supports the preservation of open space and mountain character. We care deeply about MAP’s mission and message and the collaboration we’ve been able to create. We donate to support the people, wildlife, and place where we are lucky enough to call home.  -Em Deane Kelley, Founder of Locals Creative

Truckee 2040—Next Stop: Approval?

After 4+ years, the end is in sight for the Town of Truckee’s General Plan Update (GPU). Here at MAP, we were hoping the Town would address the many concerns that the community brought forth regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) and GPU, as well as the problematic self-mitigating plan framework. Over 50 public comment letters were submitted on the DEIR. MAP and others requested that the Town address those concerns, update the DEIR and recirculate it. After all, Truckee 2040 should be by the community, for the community and in its latest iteration, we do not believe it met those objectives. 

The Town is eager to move forward the plan as soon as possible and at all costs. According to Town staff, final plan adoption dates for the Planning Commission and Town Council are now set for March 21, 2023 and April 11, 2023, as reported in the Town Council meeting this week. We’ll keep the community informed as we learn more, but add those dates to your calendar now and show up for Truckee! 

It’s hard to believe, but the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan is back, and it’s the same concerning proposal originally submitted in 2011, and approved in 2016. Following the approval, conservation organization Sierra Watch challenged the merits of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and the courts ultimately determined that the EIR inadequately addressed transportation and circulation, air quality, noise, hydrology and water quality, and hazardous materials and hazards.  

The Placer County Planning Commission met last Thursday, January 19th to consider comments on the plan’s Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR). The meeting started with a staff recap of the main plan components for the massive 94-acre, mixed-use development, which would include up to 1,493 bedrooms in 850 mixed resort units, up to 50 units of employee housing to support 300 employees (this one doesn’t pencil out no matter how you shake it), 297,733 sf of commercial space and a 90,000 sf Mountain Adventure Camp with an indoor water park.  

Next, legal representation for Alterra contended that the RDEIR need only address the legal deficiencies outlined by the courts and stated that it’s inappropriate to revise and recirculate the whole EIR as there haven’t been any significant changes or new data to analyze since the plan was first approved. Following these assertions, a variety of public comments were presented, the vast majority of which outlined concerns and additional information that does indeed warrant consideration in the RDEIR. Over 600 public comment letters were also submitted ahead of the meeting. Concerns ranged from inadequate analysis of current wildfire trends to water supply issues to insufficient consideration of impacts to Lake Tahoe. The applicant encouraged the County to address additional information presented by the public, so we’ll be curious to see whether that happens. 

The public comment period for the Palisades RDEIR is open until January 30th at 5:00 pm.  

MAP will be submitting comments about new data that needs to be considered in terms of population changes, wildfire evaluation, climate change, water supply, cumulative impacts, and insufficient evaluation of impacts on Lake Tahoe. MAP supports redevelopment in Olympic Valley, but not at the scale currently identified and only with necessary mitigation measures in place. We know that Alterra can do better and work with the community to develop a plan that reduces water consumption, focuses development in previously disturbed areas, and provides environmental and community benefits.  

Join us in illustrating the RDEIR’s inadequacies and telling Alterra and Placer County that this community is ready and willing to come to the table with ideas that will benefit us all. 

Placer County’s proposed Tahoe Basin Area Plan (TBAP) Amendments first became known to the public back in October and for many, they came as quite the surprise. Following the introduction of the amendments, the public meetings came fast and furious with a variety of mixed perspectives expressed through public comments. The TBAP Economic Sustainability and Housing amendments (which include modifications to height, massing, parking, multi-family and groundwater interception requirements in portions of the Tahoe Basin within Placer County) are generally supported by the business and development communities with serious concerns expressed by other community members and environmental groups.  

So, what’s next on the agenda for these proposed amendments? According to Placer County staff, they have determined that the amendments do require an addendum to the Area Plan’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). That addendum is currently underway. Additionally, given the amount of concern and confusion about the amendments, staff will be hosting a planning workshop on February 9th. The meeting details and format are still up in the air, but the focus will be on educating the public about policies and requirements currently outlined in the TBAP as well as how the amendments would change those requirements. The County’s goal is to create a more inclusive process and ensure that the community has an opportunity to fully participate and understand the proposed changes. Stay tuned for workshop details and more information in a future MAP Action Alert.