Fair Share Distribution Of Recreation Capacity
The recreation element of the Regional Plan provides for the development, utilization, and management of the recreational resources of the Region. The recreation element contains goals and policies to ensure that recreational opportunities keep pace with public demand, that recreational facilities remain high on the development priority list, and that the quality of the outdoor recreational experience will be maintained. Recreational opportunities are highly valued by visitors and residents and these recreational resources are one of the major drivers of the regional economy. Factors that influence recreation are the availability of recreational opportunities, the number of visitors using recreation sites, the conditions of the environment and developed recreation facilities, and the ease of accessing recreation sites. The Environmental Improvement Program has a focus on recreation for public land acquisitions to increase recreation opportunities and increasing available access points to public land both in the backcountry and Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.
Status
The total number of public outdoor recreation facilities created and improved per year from 2009 through 2023. Facilities are considered improved when an action is taken to enhance an existing facility for the benefit of public recreational use. Improvements do not include routine maintenance. Source: Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program Indicators (https://www.laketahoeinfo.org/Indicator/Detail/29/Overview).
Source: Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program Indicator for Facilities Improved or Created (https://www.laketahoeinfo.org/Indicator/Detail/29/Overview).
Evaluation Map
Recreation facilities and trails around Lake Tahoe.
2023 Evaluation
- Status
- Implemented
Applicable Standard
R2: It shall be the policy of the TRPA Governing Body in development of the Regional Plan to establish and ensure a fair share of the total Basin capacity for outdoor recreation is available to the general public.
Key Points
- From 2020 through 2023, 28 recreation facilities were created or improved by Environmental Improvement Program partners. Also, 211 PAOTs (persons at one time), a measure of recreational capacity, were allocated to a new recreation center in the City of South Lake Tahoe which is currently under construction.
- The primary concern of the adopted policy in the 1980s was the continuing availability of recreation lands and sewer utility capacity. Willing seller land acquisition programs have substantially increased public land ownership in the Region, up from 70 percent in the 1970s to approximately 90 percent today.
- In the last 20 years the Tahoe Region has experienced a shift in recreation demand from gaming to outdoor recreation. Emerging priorities relate to updating infrastructure at recreation sites and providing adequate transportation options for safe access to recreation sites, while maintaining a high quality recreation experience.
About the Threshold
- The Tahoe Region offers a diverse array of recreation opportunities to visitors and residents. The recreation element of the Regional Plan provides for the development, utilization, and management of the recreational resources of the Region. The recreation element contains goals and policies intended “to achieve the intent of the thresholds over the life of the Plan by ensuring that recreational opportunities keep pace with public demand, that recreational facilities remain high on the development priority list, and that the quality of the outdoor recreational experience will be maintained.” (TRPA 2012e)
- The main drivers affecting the fair share distribution of recreation capacity are land use and the location and amount of private development relative to recreation capacity. The partnership is focused on maintaining environmental quality, while improving access and addressing safety-related concerns in its recreation corridors.
Delivering and Measuring Success
EIP Action Priorities
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Improve Public Access
This action priority focuses on expanding access to public recreation sites through land acquisition.
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Improve Public Recreation Facilities
Upgrading facilities including trailheads, parking lots, rest areas, restrooms, and beach facilities to better handle visitation capacity and improve the visitor experience.
Example EIP Projects
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Spooner Frontcountry Improvements Phase 1
Completed in 2023, this project improved the visitor center and created an amphitheater at the Spooner Trailhead area.
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State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Improvements
SR 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan.
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State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Improvements (Enhanced and Prioritized Trolley Service and Parking Management)
Enhanced and Prioritized Trolley Service and Parking Management on State route 89
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Upper Truckee River Johnson Meadow Acquisition
This project included the acquisition of a 206+ acre meadow property along the Upper Truckee River. Dispersed public recreation opportunities will be provided with a future project
Local and Regional Plans
Rationale Details
- Implemented. The threshold standard has been implemented. A review of the TRPA Regional Plan and programs found that they support implementation of the policy statement.
Additional Figures and Resources
No photos available.
- Uploaded On
- 8/17/2024
- File Type
- Description
- California State Route 89 is a two-lane mountain highway that provides access to many of Lake Tahoe’s most popular recreation areas and to residential neighborhoods. The plan outlines a vision and a set of goals that address everything from congestion to public access to environmental protections along State Route 89.
- Uploaded On
- 8/17/2024
- File Type
- Description
- SR 28 Corridor Parking Management Plan to improve access and safety along a high visitation recreation corridor.