By Laurel Ames, Tahoe Are Group Conservation Chair
MOTOR-FREE MONDAYS
A RESOLUTION BY THE TAHOE AREA GROUP OF THE SIERRA CLUB TO THE TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY (TRPA) REQUESTING AN ACTION TO DECLARE A NEW SHORELINE MANAGEMENT POLICY TO ESTABLISH MOTOR-FREE MONDAYS ON LAKE TAHOE.
ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: The ongoing proliferation of loud motorized watercraft and tourism helicopter overflights at Lake Tahoe has created excessive noise that adversely impacts the ability of the residents and visitors alike to enjoy peace and quiet when enjoying the famous Lake Tahoe.
BACKGROUND: Non-motorized water recreational activities, such as swimming, wading, rafting, kayaking, paddle-boarding, tubing/floating, and sailing have increased in popularity in the Lake Tahoe Region, have become a significant element of the local economy, and would be significantly enhanced by designating a special day when these activities may be enjoyed without the disturbing noise from motorized watercraft and tourist helicopters, and without the disruptive "wakes" created by motorboats.
HISTORY: CONGRESS HAS DECLARED (Public Law 96-551, the Bi-State Compact, as amended, which created the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) that the control of noise is necessary to maintain the recreational and natural values of the Lake Tahoe Region Further, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has adopted environmental standards (i.e., "thresholds") for recreation that require, in part, that noise at Lake Tahoe be minimized. The TRPA threshold standards ("thresholds") for recreation also require, in part, that high-quality recreation experiences at Lake Tahoe be preserved and enhanced.
In 2007, an extensive statewide survey by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency found broad public support to keep the Lake Tahoe Region a rural and wild place. Congress also designated Lake Tahoe an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW). Scientific research has demonstrated clearly that quiet contact with nature provides a range of human health benefits.
The Tahoe Area Sierra Club members have experienced the increasing urbanization of Lake Tahoe and the consequent addition in the increase in the sense of noise. It is time to restore , for one day a week, Lake Tahoe's once-fabled quiet on the lake area by designating one day per week when visitors and residents alike may :
1. Enjoy the Lake and its beaches free of the disturbing noise of motorboats and sightseeing helicopters,
2. Enjoy quiet and wake-free recreational activities at the lake,
3. Have a normal conversation on Lake Tahoe's beaches without being drowned out by the noise of motorized watercraft and aircraft,
4. Hear the songs of the birds, the waves lapping the shores, the breezes rusting through the pines, the raindrops on the water, and the quaking of aspen leaves.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
On behalf of millions of visitors and residents at Tahoe and in order to provide better opportunities for quiet contact with nature and quiet and wake-free recreational opportunities on the waters and beaches of Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Club's Tahoe Area Group (TAG) urges local businesses, public agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizens to declare and promote a proposal for a one-day a week Motor-Free Mondays at Lake Tahoe.
STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS BY THE TAHOE AREA GROUP OF THE SIERRA CLUB:
1: Develop a grass-roots campaign to build education and support of the concept of one day a week Motor Free Mondays,
2. Prepare materials to explain the importance of a day of quiet in the heart of a nationally recognized natural and recreation area,
3. Prepare promotional arguments for presentations,
4. Reach out to businesses, public agencies, citizen organizations, non-profits with educational materials and speakers to discuss the health values of quiet in nature,
5. Offer speakers and material to interested organizations both in and beyond Lake Tahoe.
ARGUMENTS FOR THE RESOLUTION
Lake Tahoe is famed for its spectacular scenery, deep lake, and its great green forest backdrop. Romantic pictures of that scene of the lake do not reveal the intrusion of noise. But there are many sources of noise in the basin, including highways, the airport, very big trucks, construction equipment, motorcycles, and fast-moving traffic. Without motors on the Lake, the Lake itself is a place of quiet, a place to talk to your friends, play with your children and read, paint, or watch the play of the light on the water and mountains.
Removing the source of noise from the Lake for only one day a week, would provide a welcome respite to those visitors and residents who love a quiet, natural and spectacular place to enjoy and share with family and friends.
ARGMENTS AGAINST THE RESOLUTION
Many in the business community may see the proposal in terms of the economy and their desire to assure an adequate income, as well as the interference with a specific funding stream from launching fees, boat rentals, motor repair, gasoline sales, and more. Boat owners may object to losing one day a week recreating in their motorized boat. Services specifically tied to motorized boats, such as retail shops at marinas, may not envision a similar number of shoppers from sailing groups, beach-goers, and sales and repair opportunities. Local governments may react to the unknown economic impact of a loss of one day a week of the source of noise on the lake.
Marina businesses and the helicopter tour business are the most directly impacted and may see the restriction on motors for one day a week as a direct attack on their income.