Summer Environmental Exchange Projects - 1999

Tahoe Projects

Tahoe Yellow Cress Study (California Tahoe Conservancy)

Tahoe Yellow Cress (Rorippa Subumbellata) is an endangered species located only on the shores of Lake Tahoe in northeastern California and Nevada, USA. Biological assessments had been completed on the plant prior to the TBI group's study and sporadic surveys have been completed since 1979. Recent attempts at developing a standard survey technique which incorporates the biology and ecology into a GIS model have proven challenging for the agencies responsible for managing the plant in the Tahoe basin. The purpose of the TBI study was to locate and record the current populations of TYC, design a survey protocol that could be replicated year to year, keeping in mind the ecological and biological factors of the plant, and to recommend future management strategies that may contribute towards the preservation of TYC in the basin. This work built off 1998 TBI project work.

Evaluation of Stream Environment Zone Erosion Control Improvements (California Tahoe Conservancy)

The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) has been funding or directly constructing projects designed to reduce sediment and nutrient inputs to Lake Tahoe since 1985. At the time of this analysis, several projects had been in place for more than a decade, and evaluations were necessary to assess the success of the specific improvements. The TBI project evaluated water runoff basins in South Lake Tahoe by comparing plant records planed in construction zones. The project participants analyzed soil samples to assess whether basins captured sands, silts, or nutrients. TBI participants concluded the ability of the basins to prevent erosion is sufficient, but the methods for evaluation need improvement. The participants recommended using uniform methods of evaluating basins and made suggestions for more in-depth monitoring protocols for erosion control constructions.

Trail Maintenance, Construction, and Design (Tahoe Rim Trail Association)

TBI participants worked with various crew leaders to assist in maintenance and construction of the the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT). The TRT is a 150-mile long, multi-use trail that circles Lake Tahoe and crosses two states and shares 43 miles with the Pacific Crest Trail. TBI participants helped clear trails of encroaching vegetation and widened paths for safe passage of hikers, bikers, and equestrians. In addition to trail restoration, the group learned about safety, construction methods, and the philosophy behind trail development in the western United States.

Bike Trail Planning in South Lake Tahoe (University of Boulder, Colorado)

TBI participants conducted a ground survey of existing bike paths in South Lake Tahoe. First, path users were counted and categorized into four groups: family, pedestrians, hardcore and commuters. "Family" users (casual recreationists) were the most prevalent. Second, participants examined the quality of existing bike paths by assessing signage, clarity of route, safety, connectivity and scenic value. Participants found many places with inadequate or missing signage, dead ends, lack of and misplaced maps, gaps in between the bike paths, multiple dangerous car intersections and lack of maintenance. The intersection at Al Tahoe/Highway 50 is not friendly to cyclists and pedestrians because of lack of ramps in the sidewalks, lack of "waiting space" for bikes at the crosswalks, narrow and irregular bike lanes and, several obstacles on the bike lanes such as traffics signals.

Following the TBI analysis a "design competition" at the Lake Tahoe Community College was conducted where TBI findings were presented and alternative intersection designs were considered for bicycle, pedestrian, automobile and public transit traffic. Two alternative plans were presented:

1. Alternative 1 was designed under two major assumptions: 1) The bus garage of the School District can be moved away from Al Tahoe and, 2) A class I bike path can be established from El Dorado Beach to the Al Tahoe / Highway 50 intersection along Harrison Ave. Additionally, class I bike paths were recommended along Al Tahoe.
2. Alternative 2 was designed considering that the School District Bus Garage could not be moved and, a bike path along Harrison Avenue cannot be established. Under these conditions, several class I and one class II bike paths were recommended to improve bicycle and pedestrian circulation. Improving the centrally located intersection of Al Tahoe and Highway 50 is essential for the completion of a cohesive path network. Possible improvements for this intersection include: 1) reduce the access points to the shopping center located at Al Tahoe, 2) improve the intersection to a 4-way crosswalk, or 3) Improve the "waiting zones" at crosswalks.

Prescribed Fire Monitoring Assessment (California Tahoe Conservancy)

The TBI Fire Monitoring Project involved assisting the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) with preparations for their first prescribed burn planned in 1999. The burn was planned for a 150 acre plot owned by the CTC in the Carnelian Canyon on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. The CTC was to burn this area in order to reduce the fuel load and then would be monitoring ten 50m by 20m plots to study the health of the forest following a prescribed burn. The TBI participants were involved in all steps preparing for the burn. TBI participants also assembled data sheets and tools and created GIS maps of the plots. In the field participants delineated and inventoried the first monitoring plot.

Limnology: Eurasian Watermilfoil Research (U.C. Davis Tahoe Research Group)

TBI participants conducted a two-week study to determine the effects of Myriophyllum spicatum, the Eurasian watermilfoil, on the water quality of Lake Tahoe. Prior studies investigated the effect of the environment on the plant, but this study studied the reverse. Four different sites around Lake Tahoe were investigated for their plant morphology, phosphorus and chlorophyll levels. Total phosphorus (TP), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were tested, and a chlorophyll analysis was conducted. The initial hypotheses was supported, in that the plants had a direct relationship with their environment. The results showed that at each site, areas with plants had higher chlorophyll levels than those without plants. Data was also collected which showed the effect of the environment on the plant: roots were longer in areas with lower phosphorus levels in the sediment.

Baikal Projects

Southern Baikal Region Eco-Tourism Assessment (City Administration of Sludyanka)

TBI participants investigated the existing tourist infrastructure of the Sludyanka region, on the southern tip of Lake Baikal. The studies assessed current tourist administration policies, tourist resources, as well as trail and camping conditions. The group met with local officials, tourist agencies, and locals and visited tourist attractions including a ski area, a tourist resort, a recreation center, and surrounding natural areas. The tourists encountered during these excursions were asked to answer survey questions about their experiences in the area. From this information, the participants assessed how eco-tourism could be further developed in the region. One primary recommendation was to reform the meteorological station near Cherskiy Pik (a popular hiking destination) into a visitor's center.

Arshan Ecological Trail Restoration Project (City Administration of Arshan)

TBI participants restored trails along Kyrynga River waterfalls at Arshan tourist resort located on southern Baikal. Sum Environmental Education Development on the Kitoi River (Lyceum of Usolie-Sibirskoye)

Ecosystem Assessment of Arakhley Lakes (Chita Institute of Natural Resources, Pedagogical University of Chita)

TBI participants worked with a hydrobiological team from the Chita Institute of Natural Resources of the Siberian Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences, to assess the health of Arakhley Lakes. This project followed a prior study completed in 1989 and included two days of field work around the lake which included collecting water samples for microbiological and hydrochemical studies, taking water temperature, collecting zooplankton and aquatic plants, and recording light measurements. The numerical measurements (light and temperature) were taken from both the surface and the bottom of the lake. Through the research of the hydrobiologists, it was evident Arakhley Lake is extremely sensitive to changes in its natural system.

TBI participants also conducted surveys with the Chita Institute of Natural Resources to find out how local residents viewed local tourism trends. Residents were asked questions such as "Has the protected status of the region (since approx. 1996) made any difference in your way of life?". Answers included increased trash, water pollution, decline in fish population, loss of open space, and timber cutting. Tourists are believed to be the cause for most of the trash found along the shore of the lake. The residents have not noticed any difference in regulations or in the way of life in the area. Recommendations were made to rectify current problems.