Funding
The Tahoe Resource Conservation District is funded by grants from a variety of sources, which allows its services to be offered free of charge to homeowners.
The Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA)
The Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act allows the Bureau of Land Management to sell public land within a specific boundary around Las Vegas. These sales fund Environmental Improvement Projects in the Tahoe Basin. The Natural Resources Conservation Service has provided over $900,000 for the Tahoe RCD through SNPLMA.
Proposition 13, State Water Resources Control Board
In 2004, the Tahoe RCD, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the Lake Tahoe Environmental Educational Coalition, and the Sierra Watershed Education Partnership (SWEP) received $999,647 through Proposition 13 to address non-point source pollution, erosion control, and education in the Tahoe Basin. In the spring of 2007, this grant was extended to fund a cost assistance program for homeowners installing Best Management Practices (BMPs) during the 2007 field season. Remaining funds purchased vegetation for distribution to Tahoe Basin homeowners during the 2008 field season, specifically those properties affected by the Angora Fire.
Proposition 40: State Water Resources Control Board/American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
In November of 2006, the Tahoe RCD, South Tahoe Public Utility District, TRPA, and Lake Valley Protection District received $3,003,779 through Proposition 40 to work on BMP implementation, invasive species removal, water conservation, and fire defensible space. In spring of 2009, the remaining funds from the original grant agreement were switched over to federal stimulus dollars to allow partners to continue to implement project components related to granting deliverables. This transition in funding was made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the California State Revolving Fund, and the State Water Resources Control Board. Remaining funding in the newly established contract agreement is equal to $1,478, 057.
Proposition 40: Polaris Creek
The Tahoe RCD, University of California at Davis, Desert Research Institute, and SWEP partnered to receive $852,958 through the Polaris Creek portion of Proposition 40 for the restoration and monitoring of three acres of degraded wetland at the historic UC Davis Fish Hatchery site in Tahoe City. The grant also funds a wetland outreach and education program and 2008 BMP installations at the Hatchery in preparation for its opening. In spring of 2009, the remaining funds from the original grant agreement were switched over to federal stimulus dollars to allow partners to continue to implement project components related to granting deliverables. This transition in funding was made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, , the California State Revolving Fund, and the State Water Resources Control Board. Remaining funding in the newly established contract agreement is equal to $220,090.
Proposition 50: Integrated Regional Watershed Management Grant Program
The Proposition 50 Integrated Regional Watershed Management (IWRM) Grant Program is a joint program between the Department of Water Resources and State Water Resources Control Board, which includes grants for planning and implementation. In February of 2007, the Tahoe RCD and 10 partner agencies received $12.5 million through the Proposition 50 IWRM Grant Program to protect and improve water quality in the Tahoe Basin.
Through the IWRM Grant Program, Proposition 84 also provides funding for projects that assist local public agencies in meeting long term water needs of the state including the protection of water quality and the environment. The Tahoe Sierra IRWM Grant Program partnership is currently moving forward with plan updates and project proposals for Proposition 84. For more information about Proposition 84, visit the State Water Board website.
National Forest Foundation
The Tahoe RCD, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, US Forest Service, and the Sierra Nevada Alliance received funding from the National Forest Foundation to design and implement a community forest stewardship project on US Forest Service urban lots within the Angora Burn area. During April and May of 2009, over 7000 trees were planted on 35 burned acres thanks to the efforts of over 1000 volunteers. The majority of the trees planted were Jeffrey pine seedlings, plus some Sugar pine, Red fir, and Incense cedar. Many lots have been adopted by community members and groups for ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Additionally, a hands-on interdisciplinary forest health curriculum was created out of this program, which targeted all South Lake Tahoe elementary school classes.
Bureau of Reclamation
In October 2006, the Tahoe RCD partnered with the TRPA, California State Lands Commission, Lake Tahoe Divers’ Conservancy, and California State Parks to receive $339,897 from the Bureau of Reclamation for the monitoring and removal of invasive weeds in Emerald Bay and Ski Run Marina.
Placer County
The Placer County Building Department has provided $60,000 to pay Tahoe RCD staff salaries to work with Placer County homeowners to meet the requirements of the BMP Retrofit Program. Tahoe RCD staff work with Placer County residents to integrate private residential BMPs with public County Erosion Control projects.