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Our cherished wilderness is currently facing a significant threat. Ignoring more sustainable options, the Tahoe City Public Utility District, our water company (TCPUD) intends to transform the pristine forest near the Antelope Way water tanks into a massive industrial staging ground. This industrial zone would occupy several acres, introducing heavy machinery such as 60-ton bulldozers and high-capacity fuel tanks into a peaceful natural setting.

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The resulting noise, reaching levels comparable to a rock concert, risks shattering the tranquility of our forest, creating dust clouds, and causing permanent harm to delicate local wildlife habitats. The traffic and storing of heavy construction equipment, and the fuel to run it will also increase fire risk.

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Over the next five years, heavy construction traffic would dominate our community paths, disrupting the local landscape and endangering our native flora and fauna. This location was selected regardless of several critical factors:

- Valid alternatives exist that avoid deforestation and environmental decay.

- The area serves as a vital nesting ground for the protected Northern Goshawk.

- It would sever access to the historic Olympic biathlon trails.

- It introduces dangerous industrial traffic to our recreational spaces, blocking access for hikers, skiers, and cyclists for years to come.

 

Now is the time for collective action. While infrastructure improvements are necessary, they must not come at the cost of our natural heritage. We urge the TCPUD, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), and The California Tahoe Conservancy to relocate this project to an already developed or paved site. Despite residents highlighting safer alternatives, these suggestions were dismissed in favor of contractor convenience, bypassing standard environmental reviews. Your participation is vital to ensuring our voices are no longer sidelined. Please utilize our provided letter  templates to contact your local representatives. By sharing this message with your neighbors, we can ensure a sustainable future for Tahoma's wilderness.