North Tahoe Preservation Alliance

North Tahoe Preservation Alliance was created in 2007 in response to the taking of our Public roads by the proposed Boulder Bay/ Biltmore Casino project.  In addition to increasing existing density by a factor of 4 and build out by a factor of 8, the developers attempted to eliminate one of the exits in upper Crystal Bay.  The Washoe County Commission voted to require the project to provide an exit due to fire safety concerns.  The project was ultimately approved, but downsized by approximately 20% and the maximum height was decreased from 85-75’.

Our concerns are further exacerbated by the proposed Tahoe Regional Plan update which includes more dangerous land use changes driven by big development. We are continuing to fight to preserve the natural beauty and rural character of North Lake Tahoe by educating the Public about the details of the Regional Plan Update.

North Tahoe Citizen Action Alliance (NTCAA)

Citizens’ views are often more comprehensive than business organizations and government agencies.  NTCAA strives to ensure the wise use of public funds by demanding full disclosure, accountability, and public oversight.

Our scientists and engineers are constantly fact checking and when necessary challenging the spin used by public agencies to advance their interests.  We have established a voice that is local, practical, and places public interest (such as protecting Lake Tahoe clarity) above personal financial gain, special interest, and government agency agendas.

Since 2006 we have engaged in Placer County Redevelopment Agency activities, the proposed Biomass Plant, the Community Enhancement Projects (CEP’s), and the Regional Plan Update.  We support intelligent revitalization of buildings and infrastructure in line with community scale, character, and economic realities.  Appropriate redevelopment can advance our quality of life while improving the natural environment within the very limited Lake Tahoe Basin.

Visit our website at ntcaa.org for more information and our newsletters.

Friends of Lake Tahoe (FLT)

Friends of Lake Tahoe (FLT) was created in 2010 specifically to halt the construction of an industrial scale biomass burning power plant less than a mile from the water on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.  The environmentally dangerous project was sponsored jointly by Placer County and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).  Given the nature of the air inversion ecology of Tahoe’s Basin, this plant would have cast a haze not only over the north shore but throughout the Basin, degrading air and water quality everywhere.

The organization was set up by a retired political science professor, who is a long term second home owner at the lake, as a tax exempt, nonprofit, public benefit, 501 (c) 4, corporation to promote the common welfare of the Tahoe Region.  Mobilizing both locals and second home owners, he and his supporters initiated a national and international campaign to relocate the plant outside the Basin.

After nearly a year long intense campaign which focused on exposing the fallacious arguments that supported the plant, as well as mobilizing major political leaders in California, the TRPA withdrew its support for the project, thereby terminating it.  The plant is now being constructed where FLT said it should:  at Cabin Creek, near Truckee, and outside of the ecologically fragile Basin.

Since this victory, FLT has worked with sister nonprofits at Tahoe to protect the environment, particularly by opposing the badly flawed Regional Plan Update proposed by the TRPA.  Additionally, it works diligently to specifically empower non-resident property owners in the Basin who outnumber locals, pay taxes and fees, but have no say in policy making.

You can learn more about their victorious campaign and current efforts by visiting www.friendsoflaketahoe.org and by email via info@friendsoflaketahoe.org

Friends of the West Shore (FOWS)

Friends of the West Shore works towards the preservation, protection and conservation of the West Shore, our watersheds, wildlife and rural quality of life, for today and future generations.

The members of FOWS care about their communities and will work together to protect the West Shore, our watersheds, wildlife and the rural quality of life, for today and future generations. FOWS promotes sustainable communities and policies that enhance our natural resources and the beauty of the West Shore.

Friends of the West Shore (FOWS) is a Lake Tahoe, grassroots community conservation organization established to help preserve and enhance the character, scale, environment and historical significance of the West Shore. It is a resource to the community and uses the collaborative efforts of the residents to make a positive impact on the West Shore’s environment and neighborhoods. FOWS promotes sustainable communities and policies that enhance our natural resources and the beauty of the West Shore. FOWS has over 500 West Shore residents who respond to our petitions, write letters, provide contributions and support our goals. FOWS is the only grassroots organization on the West Shore giving a collective voice to its residents to preserve the local rural quality of life and environment.

FOWS is exploring ways to sustain the beauty, character and history of our neighborhoods. Land Use planning can protect our natural resources. In addition, this activity allows developers and agencies to improve site plans for preservation of our critical native habitat. How and where we grow has significant impact on our rivers, lakes and streams, vegetation and wildlife.

FOWS includes the communities south of the Truckee River from Tahoe City, extending to Emerald Bay, including both Placer and El Dorado Counties. The West Shore General Plan of 1998 was approved by Placer County, but not adopted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board. The West Shore has no Community Plans; therefore it is RURAL by TRPA standards.