Tuesday January 30, 2024
Tahoe Daily Tribune —
Lisa G. Heki says it’s rare in her career to see this much funding invested in national ecosystems. The biologist and project leader for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says, “That is a once in a lifetime focus,” and they’re working on making it count here in Lake Tahoe.
The funds come from a $455 million pot through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for nationwide programs related to the Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative. The goal of the initiative is to conserve 30 percent of land and water by 2030.
In 2022, Tahoe partners began receiving $3.4 million each year. A total of $17 million is being allocated over the course of five years.
Lake Tahoe was chosen as a high priority due its fame internationally, its unique habitat, “and it has a lot of political visibility and interest.” Heki also says community driven efforts to “save Lake Tahoe,” its clarity, and ecosystems brought the jewel of the Sierra to the forefront for the funding.