Erin Ernst

The 2025 Lake Tahoe Basin Forest Action Plan focuses on wildfire risk reduction and forest health. Key outcomes include the completion of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which refines treatment priorities, and the advancement of the Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project. The plan emphasizes the use of innovative technologies to improve project efficiency and scalability, as well as expanding capacity through workforce development and enhanced coordination among various agencies and partners.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics, including climate change action, sustainable communities, and landscape and community forestry. The board considered climate change policies and regulations, the need for cultural change in the private sector to promote climate investment and adaptability, and the importance of government entities pioneering responses to climate issues. Updates were provided on the Conservancy's work with the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to solicit developer interest in Conservancy-owned asset lands in South Lake Tahoe. The board also discussed affordable housing projects, multi-agency collaboration, and the importance of involving transit agencies and considering transit-related issues. The meeting also covered forest management, wildfire resilience, and the utilization of woody biomass.

The California Tahoe Conservancy Board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The board considered a long-term license agreement with the USDA Forest Service for a monitoring well at the Meyers Landfill Remediation Project and discussed environmentally sensitive lands acquisitions. Updates were provided on climate change actions, sustainable communities, and landscape and community forestry initiatives. The board also considered grants for climate resilience in sugar pine trees, water and sewer infrastructure assessment, and a greenhouse gas emissions inventory update. Additionally, the board discussed the Tahoe Valley Stormwater and Greenbelt Improvement Project and the Upper Truckee River and Marsh Restoration Project.

The California Tahoe Conservancy is considering a resolution to authorize the Biomass Transport and Utilization Project and fund three grants to support the project's implementation. The project aims to transport and utilize woody biomass from forest restoration efforts in the Lake Tahoe Basin, converting it into bioenergy, wood products, fuelwood, and mulch. This initiative is part of the Forest Health Program grant from CAL FIRE and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Conservancy will execute grant agreements with the Great Basin Institute, Washoe Tribe, and California Department of Parks and Recreation for project implementation.

The Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) for the California Tahoe Conservancy focuses on advancing racial equity within the agency and the communities it serves. The plan addresses challenges related to racial equity practices, knowledge, and existing barriers, setting goals to improve internal operations, external collaboration, and public engagement. Key goals include embedding racial equity in the Conservancy's culture, enhancing its capacity to address racial equity, improving equity in hiring and retention, maintaining commitment to the Washoe Tribe, and improving community engagement and communications. The plan aims to ensure that the Conservancy's actions reduce inequity and promote inclusivity.