September 11, 2018
The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is seeking comments on the Proposed Action for the Meeks Bay Restoration Project.
The deteriorating condition of the existing marina infrastructure, along with concerns over water quality, aquatic invasive species, and degraded habitat for native species have prompted the need for action in Meeks Bay. The purpose of this project is to move the Meeks Creek stream channel and wetland/lagoon below State Route 89 (SR89) to a more natural condition where geomorphic and hydrologic processes support a functioning ecosystem while continuing to support sustainable recreation opportunities.
The following project activities are proposed. A more detailed explanation of project activities can be found in the Proposed Action document here.
1. Aquatic Invasive Species Eradication
2. Remove the existing marina infrastructure
3. Restore Meeks Lagoon in the location of the existing marina
4. Restore Meeks Creek from the SR 89 crossing to the confluence of Lake Tahoe
5. Install Utility Infrastructure
6. Implement Resource Protection Barriers
7. Wildlife Enhancement Actions
8. Construct a Pier
9. Construct a Boat Launch
10. Reconstruct Boat Trailer Parking and Vehicular Circulation Routes
11. Reconstruct Meeks Bay Campground
12. Install Pedestrian Connectivity Routes
1 3. Install Interpretation Opportunities
14. Construct Day Use Parking Areas
15. Implement Shoreline Stabilization Measures
16. Install Best Management Practices
Anticipated Level of Environmental Documentation
This proposed action is being issued jointly by the US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. The anticipated decision document is a joint California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Environmental lmpact Report (EIR), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) EIS. The US Forest Service is the lead agency for the NEPA EIS component. Jeff Marsolais, LTBMU Forest Supervisor, is the responsible official for the NEPA EIS component.
Possible Alternatives
Possible alternatives based on existing public comment and agency input include an alternative that fully reconstructs the existing marina (including supporting infrastructure such as parking areas and utilities). Additional alternatives will be developed based on public comment received during the scoping period.
The public comments that help the Forest Service are based on the effects of the proposed action.
The comments that are most helpful for the Forest Service in informing the analysis, developing an alternative, or modifying the proposed action answer one of the following questions:
- What are the effects of the proposed action on wildlife, plants, water quality, recreation, heritage, social values, or other resources? Are the effects positive or negative?
- Does the proposed action adequately address the purpose and need for the project?
- Are there unintended consequences from the proposed action?
- Are there alternatives to the proposed action that should be considered because they can accomplish one of the following?
o Mitigate a negative effect of the proposed action
o Better address the purpose and need for the project
o Better provide a positive benefit to one resource, while not causing negative impacts on other resources (including wildlife, plant, heritage, water quality, recreation, and other social resources)
o Provides a better solution that prevents unintended consequences