Relevance

This indicator measures 24-hour noise levels in critical wildlife land use categories in the Lake Tahoe Region. In recent years, visitors to and residents of the Lake Tahoe Region have expressed concerns about the decline in serenity of their community and their enjoyment of the outdoors due to excessive noise from sources such as on-highway vehicles, off-highway vehicles, over-snow vehicles, watercraft and aircraft. Excessive noise levels, specifically in critical wildlife habitat areas, can be especially disruptive. Agencies in the basin have adopted specific restrictions and threshold standards to protect sensitive wildlife habitat, and have identified this unique fauna on a special interest species list. In addition to existing federal, state, and local noise control regulations to address impacts of noise on both wildlife and people, TRPA adopted community noise equivalent levels (CNEL) for all land use categories in the Region.

Human and Environmental Drivers

Noise sources that affect critical wildlife areas in the Region include automobiles, motorized watercraft, aircraft and other recreational activity. Natural events such as thunderstorms, wave slap, and wind can influence noise levels as environmental drivers.

Local and Regional Plans

• Shoreline Implementation Plan

  Management actions from the Shoreline Plan, particularly restrictions on loud boats, may improve noise levels in critical wildlife areas along the shores of Lake Tahoe.