This indicator measures the protection, restoration, and enhancement of stream environment zones (SEZ). Prior to the establishment of TRPA regulations that limit development in SEZ, these lands outside of developed areas were degraded through harmful activities like grazing. SEZ plays a variety of critical roles including natural water filtration, storage, and conveyance of surface runoff. Naturally functioning SEZ also provides open space, flood flow capacity, riparian vegetation, fish and wildlife habitat, and buffer urban uses in developed areas. Through the Environmental Improvement Program, numerous SEZ restoration projects have been completed over the years and are planned for the future. SEZ restoration is tracked through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, and SEZ condition is monitored by EIP partners and TRPA. 

Status

Acres of SEZ Restored by Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program Partners in the Lake Tahoe Region between 1980 and 2020.

Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program Project Tracker (https://eip.laketahoeinfo.org).  https://www.laketahoeinfo.org/Indicator/Detail/9/Overview#

Evaluation Map

Stream environment zones in the Tahoe Region and their rating. "A" rating is excellent condition, "B" is good condition, "C" is degraded condition, and "D" is very degraded condition.

2019 Evaluation

Status
Considerably Better Than Target
Trend
Moderate Improvement
Confidence
Moderate
View Evaluation

Applicable Standard

SC13: Attain a 5 percent total increase in the area of naturally functioning SEZ lands.

Key Points

  • The threshold goal increases functioning SEZ by 877 acres from 17,544 to 18,421 (5%). Restoration programs have achieved 120% of the restoration target or 1,057 acres of restored SEZ, significantly better than target.
  • While not included in the threshold standard assessment, an additional 95 acres of SEZ have been enhanced in the last 10 years.

Delivering and Measuring Success

EIP Indicators

  • Acres of SEZ Restored or Enhanced

    This EIP performance measure tracks the amount of SEZ that is restored or enhanced by EIP partners to regain natural or historic function and values.

Example EIP Projects