Relevance

Vegetation is integral to many scenic, wildlife, and recreational amenities in the Lake Tahoe Region. Vegetation also provides functional services including soil stabilization, nutrient cycling, surface water flow regulation, air purification, and noise control. The focus of vegetation preservation in the Region is to protect and maintain these and other attributes.

Human and Environmental Drivers

The structure and distribution of vegetation in the Tahoe Region is influenced by a variety of natural factors as well as past and current human activities, such as urban development. Impervious cover in two of the nine land capability classes exceeds the level recommended by Bailey (1974). These areas are typically in the commercial core zones of previously developed community centers, and work is underway to address the impacts of this legacy development. Landscaping around homes is typically left as native vegetation, or is converted into a more formal landscape, usually including irrigation and some non-native plants such as lawns and flowers.

EIP Action Priorities

• Engage Communities in Environmental Stewardship
• Restore Priority Meadows, Wetlands, and Lake Tahoe Tributaries

EIP Indicators

• Acres of SEZ Restored or Enhanced
• Impervious Coverage Retired
• Linear Feet of Stream Channel Restored or Enhanced

Management Status Rationale

Implemented. The management standard has been implemented and is in attainment. Regulations are in place to limit the amount of allowable impervious coverage through the implementation of the Bailey land capability system. At the parcel level, the application of the land capability system requires that areas not covered by impervious surfaces be left in a native or acceptably landscaped state.