stop 'let burn ' wildfire &
zephyr expansion in the basin
Tahoe East Shore Alliance – TESA – is a large and growing coalition of neighbors and residents along the east shore who represent a strong voice of leadership against overdevelopment, excessive tourism, and regional planning that is opposed to the voice of residents.
"The USFS decision to allow these fires to burn is criminal. We need to put these fires out immediately." Scott Lindgren, Tahoe-Douglas Fire Chief.
USFS Chief Moore's policy on allowing managed wildfires is outrageous, ill-conceived and probably illegal.
~Frank Carroll Wildfire Pros, Chief Forester
TESA continues to protect our magnificent Lake, forests and communities from ill-conceived plans by a few urban planners and unelected officials who aim to recreate the Tahoe basin in their own image. The future of our basin depends on residents who will stand up, speak up and hold the line on persistent over-development, over-tourism and overreach.
That’s how our East Shore community stopped the US 50 Road Diet and worked with Douglas County Board of Commissioners to pass Resolution 2024R-31, designating “the U.S. Highway 50 as a critical primary evacuation route for the Tahoe Township and the California side of South Lake Tahoe,” a win-win for everyone.
Nevertheless, wildfire risk in the Basin remains tantamount.
Even with a 4-lane US 50, our evacuation challenges remain. We are pressing forward on all fronts to mitigate fire dangers in the Basin, especially since USFS Chief Randy Moore’ predicts “a very active fire season.”
The Chief’s “Burn Back Better” letter has caused a firestorm among firefighters and Forest Service veterans nationwide over policy that has incinerated nearly 30 million acres of forest lands over the last 5 years. TESA is working closely with the National Wildfire Institute and local Fire Chiefs to push back against dangerous “let burn” fire policy and practice.
zephyr cove resort discussed
USFS expansion of Zephyr Cove Resort is potential disaster.
Zephyr Shoals project puts zero limits on capacity for this already congested and chaotic recreation area, welcoming more out of control beach parties, brawls and July 4 celebrations that leave tons of garbage on our beach.
With USDA/Aramark in charge, what could go wrong?
The operator of Zephyr Cove Resort is one of the worst in the industry. Recently fired from its Crater Lake concession. Despite their horrendous safety record, USFS is contracting with Aramark to EXPAND its operation into Zephyr Shoals, some of the most pristine and gorgeous areas of the Lake.
Meanwhile, TRPA turns a blind eye to the garbage, violence and upheaval so they can bus in more tourists to overwhelm already over-taxed infrastructure.
The Zephyr Party Plan: How bad is it? Every day is 4th of July in Tahoe now
Learn More About the issues that effect you
Wildfire Series
License To Burn: Wildfire As the Ultimate Private-Public Partnership P1 This is a story of how public private partnerships, like those that proliferate around Lake Tahoe, are setting the world on fire. Literally. License to Burn: Wildfire as the Ultimate Public-Private Partnership / P2 These forest graveyards will never return to their
“Evacuating Tahoe’s largest city could take 11 hours in a wildfire, study says”
➔ Independent Lake Tahoe Basin Wildfire Evacuation Analysis – View Analysis ➔ SanFrancisco Chronicle – Read Article
‘Eye-opener’: Schism between Tahoe residents, officials over wildfire evacuation
➔ SF Gate / The report reveals a schism between Tahoe residents and decision-makers over wildfire evacuation and development – Read Article
Better Idea ? Build a Trumpet Interchange
Design Considerations for US 50 / SR28 Trumpet Interchange by Robert W. Byren, TESA Tech Team We suggest that a “trumpet” interchange at the Spooner Summit interchange, with SR20 passing under US 50, may be a better alternative to the roundabout. It is technically feasible at this location and provides
When Roundabouts Are Counterproductive to Evacuation
In December 2023, Nevada State Governor Joe Lombardo directed the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to keep US 50 a four-lane thoroughfare from Stateline to Spooner Summit. This modified NDOT’s US 50 East Shore Corridor Management Plan, or CMP, regarding lane configuration. However, other aspects of the CMP remain unaffected,
The Wildfire Evacuation Dilemma: How Not to Become Lahaina
Fact Check US 50: Is Lake Tahoe Basin Well-Prepared for Wildfires ? If you live in South Lake Tahoe or along the East Shore, are you confident that your family can safely evacuate along US Hwy 50 if a major wildfire threatens your home? Let’s address the very real problem
