The North Tahoe Community Alliance was part of an unprecedented group of Lake Tahoe destination management, land management, non-profit organizations and public entities working on the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan, which launched in 2023.
The plan outlines a comprehensive framework and sets in motion action priorities to better manage outdoor recreation and tourism and ensure the sustainability and preservation of an iconic natural treasure and its local community.
The Destination Stewardship Plan is the result of an extensive stakeholder engagement and community visioning process that began in 2022 after the community felt challenges initially brought on by COVID. The plan’s vision and actions were developed in collaboration with 17 regional organizations and participation of over 3,000 residents, visitors, and businesses through surveys, interviews, and workshops.
The Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan establishes a shared vision for the region’s recreation and tourism system: A cherished place, welcoming to all, where people, communities, and nature benefit from a thriving tourism and outdoor recreation economy.
The plan identifies 32 actions across four strategic pillars:
- Foster a tourism economy that gives back
- Turn a shared vision into shared action
- Advance a culture of caring for the greater Lake Tahoe region
- Improve the Tahoe experience for all
Implementation of the Destination Stewardship Plan is already underway with member organizations and Lake Tahoe communities reinforcing their commitment to responsible recreation and tourism practices, and ensuring the continued enjoyment of this national treasure for generations to come.
“The launch of the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan represents a significant step forward in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this beloved destination,” said Tony Karwowski, President and CEO of the North Tahoe Community Alliance. “It demonstrates the commitment and partnership of the local community, government agencies, and tourism industry to safeguard Lake Tahoe’s future.”
“As the Tahoe region’s primary economic engine, tourism must be nurtured and shaped to support the wellbeing of its communities, visitors, businesses, natural environment, and cultures,” said Erick Walker, Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest. “It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard and improve Lake Tahoe and its surrounding lands, tributaries and forests. To protect the quality of the Tahoe experience, it is vital to manage use while providing opportunities for all to enjoy it.”
North Lake Tahoe, an active partner in the collaborative development of the Basin-wide Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan, is activating the plan’s vision and actions in its efforts to better manage outdoor recreation and tourism. The robust plan’s goals also include ensuring the sustainability and preservation of an iconic natural treasure and our local community.