In the News

Scientific Research Conference to Address Tahoe Environment
date posted: May 18 2004

By John Cobourn, Water Resource Specialist;
and Heather Segale, Environmental Education Coordinator; University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Policymakers require science-based information in order to make good decisions. These decisions affect the regulations you must live with, the projects that receive funding, and most importantly, the success of the efforts to protect Lake Tahoe.

The Second Biennial Conference on Tahoe Environmental Concerns, “Research as a Tool in Tahoe Basin Issues,” will be held next week, May 17 – 19, at the Cal-Neva Resort located at North Stateline. The goal of this conference is to provide a place where scientists and researchers can share information, collaborate on ideas, and work together in the effort to preserve Lake Tahoe.

Tim Rowe, U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist, states, “Without this kind of symposium, there would be duplication of effort, missed opportunities, and money wasted. By working collaboratively and getting researchers on the same page, we are able to do a lot more for less money.”

At next week’s event, researchers, educators, policymakers, and interested citizens will hear technical presentations on the most recent data and scientific information about Lake Tahoe. During the three-day symposium, there will be 55 presentations, 45 posters and four field trips. These will give participants a look at the very latest scientific research completed or underway in the Tahoe Basin. Areas of research presented will include water quality, air quality, fire monitoring, revegetation efforts, forest health, wildlife populations and more. More than 30 affiliations will be represented, including three federal agencies, four state and local agencies, 10 colleges and universities, and 12 consulting firms.

The Tahoe Symposium Planning Committee has worked hard to put together a strong program. The symposium will provide research groups who work on Tahoe Basin issues an opportunity to improve their understanding of what their colleagues are doing by bringing critical issues to the table for discussion. Summaries and updates of ongoing research in the basin will be compiled for distribution after the conference. The planning committee includes representatives from UC Davis, UNR, DRI, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Nevada Water Resources Association, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

“The more informed we are, the better decisions we can make. Whether it is a manager on the land, a policymaker on the board, or an executive such as me, solid information is what we’re really after,” remarks Carl Hasty, deputy director, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. The information learned at the symposium will be used to help develop community and regional plans for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The public is invited to the conference to learn about ongoing research and the potential implications for environmental regulation and management in the basin. The cost is $240 for all three days, and includes lunch and snacks. The keynote speaker is Mark McLaughlin, a weather historian, who will be discussing historical weather data and patterns at Lake Tahoe. If you are interested in attending, contact Donna Bloom, Nevada Water Resources Association, (775) 626-6389.

Watch for “The Lake Tahoe Report” in the North Lake Bonanza each Friday, and tune in to KOLO-TV News Channel 8 Tuesdays at 5 p.m. to learn more. Next week learn how you can help researchers by participating in the Fourth Annual “Snapshot Day” stream monitoring event. “The Lake Tahoe Report” is a collaborative effort of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, UC Davis and the USDA Forest Service. For more information, contact Heather Segale, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, (775) 832-4138, or logon to www.lteec.org or www.unce.unr.edu.